Statewide Efforts
Advancing K-16 computer science (CS) education in a state is a complex and collaborative endeavor. CS education state summits are an important part of this process and can help to develop and advance a state’s strategy for expanding CS education access. In particular, summits can democratize change by giving voice to all stakeholders in a collaborative and action oriented environment.
Our Statewide Initiatives
Florida CS Education State Summit
Since its inaugural gathering in 2023, the Florida Computer Science Education Summit has become a vital catalyst for statewide systemic change. Hosted by the University of Florida’s CS Everyone Center, the summit bridges the gap between K-12 educators, higher education faculty, and policymakers to expand access to computing education. By leveraging the ECEP model, the event fosters collaboration among Florida’s largest school districts and industry allies like Microsoft TEALS.
The summit’s impact is defined by its focus on actionable outcomes, including the development of target micro-credentials, enhanced teacher preparation, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into curricula. From the physical 2023 convening in Gainesville to the 2024 virtual expansion, these summits provide a unique platform for sharing data-driven strategies and building inclusive CS pathways. Ultimately, this initiative empowers stakeholders to meet the rising demand for technical skills, ensuring Florida remains a leader in the digital landscape.
Florida K-12 AI Education Task Force
The Florida K-12 AI Education Task Force, led by the CS Everyone Center at the University of Florida, is a statewide collaborative initiative dedicated to shaping a responsible and proactive approach to artificial intelligence in K-12 education. Comprising a broad coalition of schools and school districts, industry leaders, and policymakers, the Task Force aims to provide flexible, practical, and evidence-based guidance that supports safe, ethical, and responsible integration of AI into Florida’s classrooms.
A core outcome of the Task Force is the Florida AI in K-12 Toolkit, which provides districts with resources focused on AI literacy, policy development, ethical use, and data privacy. As 2025 participant in the EDSAFE AI Policy Lab , the Task Force is also engaged in a state-wide community of practice for districts to access resources for drafting responsible AI policies.
Through professional learning opportunities and educator microcredentials, we aim to foster educator AI fluency across Florida’s education workforce. This work is intentionally designed to support all students, including those in rural areas, English language learners, and students with disabilities, so that all students in Florida can gain the foundational knowledge, critical thinking skills, and ethical understanding necessary to lead in an AI-enabled workforce.
