Changing the world…one hour at a time

Coding, shorthand for software development, is the language of our rapidly evolving digital economy. As a lifelong coder, I’ve long been hooked on the unique fusion of logic and creativity that are involved in coding. Now, as Accenture’s chief technology & innovation officer, and “chief coder”, I am committed to the mission of providing every student, everywhere, the opportunity to learn computer science, and to learn the basics of coding. Coding gives students the foundation to build tools and technologies that will shape their future and enable them to be relevant in the digital economy of the future.

In spite of all the focus on STEM and computer science education today, there continues to be a glaring gap between the demand for computing skills and the availability of qualified computer science talent. In fact, in 2015, there were more than 500,000 computing jobs available in the U.S. but fewer than 40,000 qualified graduates to fill them. This is a troubling reality with significant implications for global competitiveness.

So how do we address the growing skills shortage and help ensure our next generation of students are prepared to join the digital economy of the future? We must expose and engage more young people to computer science early on – especially women and minorities. We must encourage and inspire them to learn to code and take computer science classes. We must keep them interested and motivated to pursue careers in computer science once they’ve finished their work in the classroom. But most importantly we must take action now.

Accenture is deeply committed to fostering computer science literacy in order to help students be prepared to succeed in the digital world of the future. We are proud to join forces with Code.org to support Hour of Code—the largest learning event in history. This is our second year teaming with Code.org, a grassroots movement to empower every student in every school worldwide to learn to code. The Hour of Code global campaign reaches over 100 million students in more than 180 countries. This year Accenture employees in 200 cities across 55 countries have pledged more than 10,000 hours to participate in Hour of Code activities during Computer Science Education Week, December 5-11.

Campaigns like Hour of Code are a fun and important opportunity to help inspire, develop and grow the next generation of technology talent, and encourage more women and students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in technology. We can all play a role in getting young people engaged and passionate about a future career in technology. Every contribution matters. An hour at a time, we can change the world with coding and computer science education.

Join us in working together to light a fire for computer science, inspiring students to #dreamforward and unlock endless possibilities with #HourOfCode during Computer Science Education Week December 5 – 11. Learn more.

Paul Daugherty is chief technology & innovation officer and “chief coder” of Accenture. Follow him on twitter at @pauldaugh. #HourOfCode