For years, the Monroe Compute$ program has been paying Florida Keys high school students cash incentives when they earn various computer certifications.
Key West philanthropist and education activist John Padget founded Monroe Compute$ and funds the incentives through the Golden Fleece Foundation he created with his late partner Jacob Dekker.
This year, Padget has doubled the incentives from $250 to $500 to reward all students who excel in AP computer science or who attain the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification.
Monroe Compute$ is making extra funding available to reward students who earn the MOS industry certificate or pass the AP computer science exam with a score of 3 or above during the 2020-2021 school year.
“Students who persist during this challenging school year deserve the increased award,” Padget said. “Studying remotely requires extra effort and dedication. We want to reward the students who put in the time and achieve success.”
Sibba Mira, the school district’s career and technical education coordinator, added, “Students will be very happy with this exciting news. Many are studying at their own pace, and these increased awards will motivate them to redouble their efforts.”
Superintendent Theresa Axford also shared her support for the program during a recent school board meeting.
“Monroe students earning skills in computer science can look forward to bright careers,” Axford said. “Students have a tremendous opportunity to enhance their skills for post-secondary choices based on gaining certifications.”
Monroe Compute$ prizes range from $50 to $500 depending on the difficulty of the certification exam, and Padget has pledged over $100,000 in incentives to students earning Microsoft, Adobe, Autodesk, QuickBooks, and Digital Literacy certifications in grades 4-12. “Students can earn hundreds of dollars, while learning valuable computer skills necessary to compete in today’s global economy,” said Padget.
