Second $2 Million Grant Received by FCPS to Expand STEAM and Computer Science through Mathematics and Work-Based Learning

FCPS has been awarded a $2 million grant from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Military-Connected Local Educational Agencies for Academic and Support Programs (MCASP) to support “Code UP 2.0” project and build upon the Code UP project launched in 2022. 

Code UP 2.0 will directly support programming in 14 schools in Region 4, all of which have 10% or more military-connected students. Advancements in curriculum, teaching, and learning developed through this Code UP 2.0 project will benefit students divisionwide. 

Schools that will be directly supported include:

This five-year grant will increase student access to Computer Science (CS) and Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) learning experiences to advance math learning and spark interest in STEAM and CS careers.

• For elementary and middle schools, Code UP 2.0 will provide students with engineering and computer science learning experiences that enhance their understanding of math. Part-way through the grant project, educators will have support from a centrally-based resource teacher. 
• For middle and high schools, Code UP 2.0 will increase opportunities for students to engage in STEAM and CS career experiences. It will support students with navigating pathways to STEAM and CS careers.
• Code UP 2.0 can also expand grade 5-12 student access to field trips, instructional materials such as robotics, FCPS summer programs, and after-school programs. 

The current school year is a planning year, followed by four years of program implementation (School Year 2024-25 through 2027-28). 

Engaging in STEM and CS helps students explore and consider high-demand career fields and other careers of the future. According to the U.S. Department of Education, a strong mathematics foundation helps students succeed in STEM. FCPS’ Strategic Plan emphasizes the importance of students successfully completing Algebra I by eighth grade and successfully completing advanced coursework. Code UP 2.0 leverages STEAM and CS to advance the goals outlined in the FCPS Strategic Plan.

As a result of the original Code UP grant: 

• Grade 3 and 4 students are using math in engineering design challenges.
• Students are diving deeper into math with computational thinking. In the process, students develop the problem-solving practices that computer scientists and engineers use. 

More than one-third of public schools in Fairfax County are designated as Purple Star Schools. The Virginia Department of Education recognizes these schools for supporting military-connected children and their families. Fairfax County Public Schools proudly supports more than 14,000 military-connected students and their families. 

For more information, contact Nancy Rowland, grant project director, at [email protected] or 571-423-3772.