Hart is one of 50 educators from across the U.S. to be selected for the fellowship to inspire her students and colleagues to build computer science skills and increase access to STEM education
Amazon has selected Seneca Hart, who teaches AP Computer Science at the Coppell High School Ninth Grade Campus (CHS9), from among hundreds of eligible teachers for the Amazon Future Engineer Teacher Ambassador Program. As one of only 50 educators nationwide chosen for this competitive two-year, paid fellowship, Hart will play a vital role in bringing computer science education and career exploration to students across Coppell ISD.
The Amazon Future Engineer initiative is a global philanthropic program focused on increasing equitable access to high-quality computer science education for children and young adults. As an Ambassador, Hart will play a vital role in helping scale computer science equity in their local communities and serving as models for what can be done across the country.
“Being selected as an Amazon Future Engineer Teacher Ambassador is a transformative opportunity for my classroom and students,” Hart said. “This role empowers me to elevate the computer science curriculum in my classroom and beyond, providing my students with unparalleled opportunities to engage with technology in meaningful ways.”
Hart added, “This recognition also reinforces our district's vision of providing equitable access to quality computer science education, helping to build a brighter future for all our students.”
One of Hart’s first major projects will be to conduct a local listening tour, engaging with students, parents, educators and community leaders to understand the barriers and challenges they face in STEM and computer science education. This understanding will help shape the future of computer science curricula. She will also pilot innovative instructional strategies for teaching computer science in the classroom and receive professional development training opportunities. Additionally, she will connect with a nationwide network of like-minded STEM educators to share best practices.
“We are so proud of Ms. Hart for earning this prestigious honor, and we are thrilled that she will be able to represent her students, Coppell ISD and CHS9 as an Amazon Future Engineer Teacher Ambassador,” said CHS9 Principal Dr. Greg Axelson. “Our teachers work incredibly hard to provide our students with extraordinary educational experiences and opportunities. It warms my heart to see that work recognized and celebrated.”
Hart was selected for the program’s 2024 cohort through a highly competitive process based on her outstanding expertise in computer science and steadfast commitment to providing equitable access to computer science education.
“I am excited and proud to have Ms. Hart represent CISD Career and Technology Education through this prestigious recognition,” said CISD Director of Career and Technical Education Josh Howard. “She exemplifies our district's core values, and this honor specifically recognizes her great teaching and her commitment to engagement and redefining success. I am so grateful that she is part of our Career and Technical Education team and for her commitment to empowering her students towards a career in computer science.”
The Ambassador program is a core part of Amazon's global effort to increase access to computer science learning, especially for groups underrepresented in tech fields. Additionally, each year, Amazon Future Engineer awards hundreds of students with four-year college scholarships up to $40,000 and paid internships at Amazon. The program also develops customized curricula and provides virtual resources like career tours that expose students to real-world technology jobs.
Amazon's computer science education initiative has reached millions of students across the country. By investing in teacher ambassadors like Hart who champion these efforts at a grassroots level, Amazon Future Engineer aims to inspire the next generation of diverse tech innovators and leaders.
About Amazon Future Engineer
Amazon Future Engineer, Amazon’s global philanthropic computer science education initiative, aims to increase student access to computer science education. The program funds high-quality computer science curriculum and educator professional learning to help school districts implement sustainable K–12 computer science initiatives. As part of this effort, Amazon funds the development of customized curriculum that accounts for the unique cultural perspectives, interests, and experiences including those of Black, Latino, Native American (BLNA) students. Each year Amazon Future Engineer awards hundreds of students with four-year, up to $40,000 scholarships and paid industry internships to promote diversity and inclusion in the field. In addition to its Scholarship program, Amazon Future Engineer offers virtual career tours and project-based learning modules that bring role models to classrooms to help students explore computer science through real-world experiences.