Senator Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, recently presented a $5,000 education grant from the Barona Band of Mission Indians to Mariposa Computer Science Magnet School (CSMS) in Lancaster. 

The grant is set to help fund the purchase of 12 LEGO Robotics Kits for the school’s sixth-grade students, Wilk said. 

“As someone who attended Mariposa from kindergarten through sixth grade, I’m impressed to see how coding has been woven into the school’s everyday learning experience,” Wilk said. “I sure wish I could’ve programmed LEGO robots when I was here, but I am so excited for today’s students and the innovative learning opportunities Mariposa provides to them.” 

Each year the Barona Band of Mission Indians generously awards an education grant to one school in each legislative district in California. Wilk recommended the school for the grant because of its commitment to exposing its students to coding at an early age.  

Research shows there are many benefits to teaching coding in elementary schools, especially in underserved communities where it can be difficult for families to afford coding classes out of pocket, according to Wilk. 

With the LEGO Robotics kits, students are set to create code to make their robot perform a specific task. This hands-on experience allows them to build and strengthen important skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving.  

“Mariposa Computer Science Magnet School thanks the Barona Band of Mission Indians for their generous donation to our school,” said Principal Eric Gold. “Mariposa CSMS is dedicated to teaching our students coding and computer science skills to help them be prepared for a successful future. We will be using these funds to support our full transition to the newly upgraded LEGO robotics program.”

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