I was full of pride when President Obama talked about coding in his last State of the Union address. I was proud when Chicago recently made computer science mandatory as a requirement for graduation. To see this elevate to the level of a bigger conversation is progress.

In this quote, Reshma Saujani expresses her sense of pride and accomplishment regarding the increasing emphasis on coding and computer science education. She highlights two significant moments: first, when President Obama mentioned coding during his State of the Union address, and second, when Chicago made computer science a mandatory graduation requirement. Saujani sees these actions as a step forward in making technology education more accessible and important for the future of young people.

Saujani emphasizes that by elevating the conversation about coding to a national level, as well as making it a requirement for graduation, there is progress being made in how society views STEM education. These milestones show a growing recognition of the importance of computer science in modern life, and they reflect a shift towards preparing students with the skills needed for the future job market. For Saujani, these events represent significant advancements in making technology more integral to education systems.

The origin of this quote comes from Saujani's advocacy for women in tech and her efforts to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields. As the founder of Girls Who Code, Saujani has long been a passionate proponent of ensuring that all students, particularly girls, have access to coding education. Her excitement over these developments reflects her ongoing work to make coding and technology education a central part of the national conversation.

Through this quote, Saujani underscores the importance of educational reform in the field of computer science. She highlights how these recent changes signal a broader cultural shift toward recognizing the significance of technology and ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.