October 21, 2015 - 14:45 AMT
Facebook launches TechPrep computer science career initiative

Facebook announced Tuesday, October 20, the launch of TechPrep, a new online computer science and programming resource, to address what it sees as a “lack of exposure to computer science and careers in technology,” especially prevalent in “underrepresented groups including Black and Hispanic communities,” VentureBeat reports.

TechPrep will be available in English and Spanish, and pulls together hundreds of resources including games, books, in-person opportunities, and community events. To helps children and guardians better understand the tech industry and career opportunities, Facebook breaks down types of programming, programming benefits, and the future of programming jobs.

“By 2020 there will be 1 million programming jobs left unfulfilled,” Facebook says on the TechPrep website. “What are you waiting for?” It says these jobs will be well-paying, high-demand, and rewarding for kids that choose to pursue them.

“Jobs in programming and other computer occupations pay very well, and are increasing at twice the national average job growth rate according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics,” it added, according to VentureBeat.