Action Center
Instead of ensuring that every student has access to computer science (CS), this bill changes the standard from “shall” to “may”—opening the door for schools to stop offering CS altogether. For many rural, under-resourced, or unwilling districts, this means students will lose access to the future-ready skills they need to succeed.
Meanwhile, 10 other states have recently added computer science graduation requirements—including Tennessee, Louisiana, Nevada, South Carolina, Nebraska, Rhode Island, North Carolina, North Dakota, Indiana, and Alabama. The majority of the remaining 39 states are actively discussing or introducing legislation to do the same in this very session.
If HB1825 passes, Arkansas becomes a regional hole in the CS education map—surrounded by states that are moving forward while we move backward.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about coding. It’s about:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) – preparing students to understand and shape a technology that’s transforming every industry.
- Cybersecurity – training the next generation to defend our digital infrastructure and national security.
- Workforce Readiness – giving students skills that are in high demand, in every field from agriculture to healthcare.
Arkansas has built the infrastructure:
- 55+ approved CS courses
- 900+ certified CS teachers
- 15,000+ trained educators
- Virtual Arkansas options
- Enrollment growth from 1,100 in 2015 to over 37,000 this school year
We have the momentum. Let’s not throw it away.
📧 Contact your legislators TODAY and tell them to VOTE NO on HB1825. Arkansas students deserve better than to be left behind while the rest of the nation moves forward.
The future of our students—and our state—depends on it.
