HOUSTON, TEXAS — June 28, 2023– Expanding Pathways in Computing (EPIC) announced Jose Silva-Smith as recipient of the 2023 WeTeach_CS Change Maker Teacher Award.

The award was presented at the 2023 WeTeach_CS Summit, a convening of nearly 300 computer science education professionals across the state of Texas. This award recognizes teachers and administrators whose work to advance computer science education in their classrooms and districts has had a significant impact.

“We’re proud to uplift incredible individuals who are making significant impact in their computer science programming,” said Carol Fletcher, director of the EPIC team at the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) at The University of Texas at Austin. “Our mission is to broaden participation in computing for every student regardless of race, gender, or income, and our awardees are making it possible.”

This year’s event recognized three recipients of the Change Maker Award and six recipients of mini grants for computer science programs in their district. A full list of awardees are listed as follows:

• 2023 Change Maker Administrator Award
  • Camille Clay (Leander ISD)
• 2023 Change Maker Teacher Award
  • Jose Silva-Smith (Tornillo ISD)
  • Tish Wallace (Klein ISD)
• 2023 Mini Grant Awards
  • Stephen Michalik (All Nations Community School)
  • Michelle Hendrick (Schertz Cibolo Universal City ISD)
  • Lorelei Cummings (Lufkin ISD)
  • Cary-Anne Cope (Little Elm ISD),
  • Tonya Cates (Cleveland ISD)
  • Cristina Jimenez (Donna ISD).

About EPIC

EPIC's mission is to broaden participation in K20 computing pathways through research, outreach, professional development, and policy advocacy. To achieve this mission, we partner with school districts, institutions of higher education, industry leaders, and federal, state and local government entities who are also dedicated to expanding access and opportunity for historically underserved students in computing. EPIC also provides evaluation and technology services to external entities to help advance their STEM education research and outreach.

EPIC is headquartered at the Texas Advanced Computing Center at UT Austin. More information can be found at tacc.utexas.edu/education/educators or by contacting Director, Carol L. Fletcher at cfletcher@tacc.utexas.edu