The Ignite Initiative Expands to Prepare Louisiana K-8 Educators for Computer Science Instruction
The Capital Area STEM Network Center (CASN), a Louisiana State University partnership with Louisiana Works housed within LSU’s Gordon A. Cain Center for STEM Literacy (Cain Center) will continue its partnership with the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) to provide computer science professional learning to Louisiana public and charter school educators. Since its launch, the CASN has received a total investment of $2.8 million to expand access to computer science professional learning and has trained more than 900 teachers in 52 parishes.
The agreement marks the fourth year of the Ignite Initiative and expands the program beyond its original focus on K-5 educators to address a growing need for computer science professional learning among middle school teachers. By strengthening computer science instruction in grades K–8, Ignite helps build the foundational knowledge and skills students need as they progress into high school and more advanced STEM coursework. The expansion to middle school educators is particularly important in creating a more connected K–12 STEM pipeline. By preparing teachers to provide meaningful computer science experiences earlier in a student’s education, CASN is helping ensure that students are better prepared to take advantage of advanced coursework and the LSU STEM Pathways as they move through middle school, high school, and toward postsecondary education and the workforce.
“Louisiana has made significant investments in ensuring that students have access to high-quality computer science education, and teachers need the knowledge, skills, and support to bring those standards and curricula to life in their classrooms,” said Ignite Director, Jessica Vicknair. “Ignite has always been about meeting teachers where they are. This next phase allows us to build on that foundation while providing more targeted support for educators who are preparing to teach computer science as its own course.”
Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, the initiative will offer two complementary pathways:
Ignite Initiative
The traditional Ignite Initiative for K-5 teachers will transition to an asynchronous format. This program will help educators develop foundational skills in computational thinking, block programming, and cybersecurity while learning how to integrate computer science concepts into existing instruction. Teachers will have opportunities to participate in monthly communities of practice where they can ask questions, share classroom experiences, troubleshoot challenges, and learn from one another.
Ignite+
Ignite+ is a new advanced professional learning opportunity for upper elementary and middle school educators. While the original Ignite model focuses on foundational understanding and integrating computer science concepts into core content areas, Ignite+ is designed for teachers who are preparing to implement computer science curriculum more directly and develop a deeper understanding of computer science concepts, practices, and instructional strategies.
“Professional learning has to evolve alongside the needs of our teachers and students,” said Natalie Ray, CASN Program Manager. “The original Ignite Initiative gave educators a strong foundation for bringing computational thinking and computer science into their classrooms. Ignite+ takes the next step by helping teachers move from integration to implementation.”
Through the initiative, the Ignite project team and LDOE will continue working toward a shared goal: ensuring Louisiana educators have access to the training, resources, and ongoing support they need to provide students with meaningful computer science learning experiences that prepare them for academic and career success.
