Ignite Computer Science
From curious to confident in computer science
Ignite Computer Science (CS) is a hands-on professional learning experience for K–8 educators ready to bring CS and computational thinking into their classrooms. No prior experience required.
By the end of the program, you’ll have confidence, concrete tools, and a community of peers, all grounded in Ohio’s Computer Science Standards.
What you’ll gain:
- Technology kits for your classroom, provided by your regional Educational Service Center (ESC)
- Foundational knowledge in computer science and computational thinking
- Classroom-ready strategies through hands-on, practical learning
- A professional community of educators implementing CS across Ohio
Technology kits vary by region based on ESC partner resources.
Five sessions across the school year
Ignite CS brings you together with fellow educators through in-person workshops and virtual collaboration:
- Two-day kickoff workshop (in-person)
- Two virtual evening sessions with your cohort
- One-day culminating showcase (in-person)
You’ll learn, practice in your classroom, then return to share what worked.
Program details
Kickoff workshop
Two full days, in-person
During the kickoff, you will:
- Learn core computer science and computational thinking concepts
- Explore Ohio’s Computer Science Standards
- Practice with classroom-ready tools and curricula
Lunch will be provided.
Each ESC will host its own kickoff workshop. Please see the dates and locations below.
Virtual cohort sessions
Two 90-120 minute, evening virtual sessions
Dates TBD during the kickoff workshop
These sessions help you:
- Plan and problem-solve with your cohort
- Refine your classroom implementation approach
- Build connections with fellow CS educators
Culminating showcase
One full day, in-person
At the showcase, you will:
- Reflect on your classroom implementation
- Share evidence of student learning
- Celebrate your work with your cohort and administrator
Lunch will be provided.
Each ESC will host its own culminating showcase. Please see the dates and locations below.
Eligibility
To participate in Ignite CS:
- Currently employed as a K-8 teacher
- Hold a standard Ohio teaching license
- Commit to all five program sessions
- Implement CS with students during the 2026–27 school year
No cost to educators who complete the program requirements.
Administrator participation
You’ll attend the showcase with a school or district administrator. Their participation builds shared understanding of CS instruction and supports future planning at your school.
Let your administrator know early so they can plan to attend.
Dates & locations by ESC
Find your ESC below to view your program’s kickoff and final event details.
Teachers will participate in the sessions scheduled by their regional ESC. Use the accordion to open your ESC and see the exact dates, locations, and site information for both the kickoff and culminating events. Attendance at all sessions is required.
Dates:
Kickoff: June 22-23, 2026 – Still accepting applicants
Showcase: March 2027 (Attend with administrator)
*The showcase date in March is TBD.
Location:
ECO Center
68332 Bannock Uniontown Road
St. Clairsville, OH 43950
(Ohio University Eastern campus)
NEW FALL DATES:
Kickoff: August 12 – 13, 2026
Showcase: March 11, 2027 (Attend with administrator)
Location:
NOECA
219 Howard Dr.
Sandusky, OH 44870
NEW FALL DATES:
Kickoff: September 16 – 17, 2026
Showcase: March 3, 2027 (Attend with administrator)
Location:
1205 E 5th St
Dayton, OH 45402
NEW FALL DATES:
Kickoff: September 22 – 23, 2026
Showcase: March 16, 2027 (Attend with administrator)
Location:
Educational Service Center of Central Ohio
2080 Citygate Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43219
Program offered at no cost to educators
OSLN is proud to recognize the following Educational Service Centers (ESCs): ESC of Central Ohio, East Central Ohio ESC, Montgomery County ESC, and North Point ESC their partnership on the Teach CS Grants.
