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Grant‑funded STAR Lab and computer‑science pathway highlighted as district seeks to grow AP and dual‑enrollment opportunities
Summary
Staff and a teacher‑leader described a $366,000 Golden State Pathways grant that funds a STAR Lab, equipment and programming to expand AP computer‑science offerings, outreach to underrepresented students, and dual‑enrollment/CTE connections with Ohlone College and Mission Valley ROP.
District staff and educators presented the district’s Golden State Pathways Program (GSPP) work and a grant‑funded STAR Lab at the May 19 board meeting, underscoring efforts to expand computer‑science opportunities for students.
Jacob Goldsmith, who serves as an instructional coordinator while also teaching math and computer science at Newark Memorial High School, said the district applied for $500,000 and was awarded $366,000 to scale AP‑level computer‑science courses, certifications and outreach activities. Goldsmith highlighted outreach efforts (79 students and parents at Maker Faire), the refurbishment of a STAR Lab with Chromebox workstations and smart boards, and grant‑funded professional development and certifications, including an Oracle Java exam option.
Goldsmith said the GSPP work is grant‑funded and, to his knowledge, has had "0 impact on the general fund," while improving student access to programming and industry connections. He reported that AP Computer Science Principles has a roughly 54% passing rate over four years and that 20% of the high‑school graduates take a programming class at AP levels — a substantially higher participation rate than area norms.
Staff and visiting partner Diana LaMar of Ohlone College outlined regional alignment work to build dual‑enrollment and CTE pipelines, and to help students access livable‑wage career pathways. LaMar said community colleges face credentialing requirements that sometimes complicate on‑site dual enrollment, but noted local models and grant awards that support AI, automotive and business dual‑enrollment options.
Board members asked about sustainability, enrollment challenges for AP Computer Science A and how the district can market pathways so students can fit electives into a six‑period day. Goldsmith suggested recruitment focused on students without prior programming experience and exploring dual‑enrollment or replacement courses if APCSA enrollment remains low.
The board expressed broad support for the pathway work and asked staff to continue outreach and planning to preserve AP CSA and integrate CTE and college partnerships.
