Mira Denton of White Pine Wins National Annual Innovation in Computer Science Education Awards

The awards recognize outstanding educators and individuals advocating for and expanding access to PK-12 computer science education across the United States

December 4, 2023 –  Cognizant and Teach For America have announced the winners of the third annual Cognizant Innovation in Computer Science Education Awards. These awards, granted at the school level and the broader systems level, recognize outstanding educators and individuals advocating for and expanding access to PK-12 computer science education across the United States. Though every application was exceptional, the 2023 winners highlighted below have showcased extraordinary leadership by inspiring and creating opportunities to help students grow.

• Yanepsi Alvarado, Boston, Mass. — Computer Science, Spanish Teacher, and World Language Department Lead, Josiah Quincy Upper School, Boston Public Schools

• Mira Denton, White Pine, Tenn. — Computer Science Master Teacher (grades 6-8) and Career Coach, Jefferson County Schools
  Mira founded Jefferson County Schools’ first STEM program, providing K-8 students, particularly in underserved communities, access to technology education and opportunities. She is also involved in initiatives such as securing funding for STEM positions across the district and facilitating access to resources like robotics kits and mobile hotspots, ensuring equitable education during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  

• Naomi Arroyo, Philadelphia, Pa. — Co Founder & Managing Partner, Floreo Labs

• Dominick Sanders, Columbia, S.C. — Chief Product & Program Officer, Code Nation

“We could not be more proud to honor vital community leaders like Yanepsi, Mira, Naomi, and Dominick,” said Tobi Young, Senior Vice President of Legal, Regulatory, and Corporate Affairs at Cognizant. “Today’s evolving work landscape demands a proactive approach to education: expanding the pool of quality STEM teachers that represent the communities they work in, creating early exposure to sciences, and bridging resource gaps is pivotal, especially as a teacher shortage persists across the country and AI changes workplace talent demands. These talented individuals are working to ensure that every child has access to transformative STEM education, breaking barriers and shaping tomorrow’s skilled workforce.”

All students should have access to obtain an excellent education, but still, thousands of children face disparate opportunities. Data shows that low-income students are far less likely to enter STEM professions, often because they lack resources. In fact, 12 million students in rural and low-income areas have poor or no connection to the internet at home. For a student interested in computer science, for example, this lack of access could be a nonstarter to a career they otherwise would have excelled in. Every child deserves an excellent and equitable education and a life filled with the biggest and brightest possibilities. And, everyone, from lawmakers to communities to businesses, has a role in ensuring this. 

“We have a responsibility to ensure that today’s students are equipped to have agency, knowledge, and skills to succeed in the jobs of tomorrow. Supporting and developing great computer science educators like Yanepsi, Mira, Naomi, and Dominick is foundational in that effort,” said Elisa Villanueva Beard, CEO of Teach For America. “As young people yearn for a relevant, engaging, and rigorous education computer science learning must be readily available to all PK-12 students. Any student interested in computer science, should have the opportunity and preparation to excel at it. If lots more students are prepared to innovate and create within their communities, country, and world, all of us live in a better society.”

Cognizant and Teach For America also extend congratulations to runners-up Donald Saint-Germain, computer science teacher at University Heights High School in New York, and Michael Gale Rennard, gifted and advanced learning coordinator and teacher at Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle School in Baltimore, for their exemplary work in their communities.