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Reach out and entice others to explore computer science.
Too few students are exposed to and gain an interest in engaging, rigorous computer science in their K-12 education.  This prevents the building of a strong computer science pipeline—including students who will study computer science in undergraduate and graduate school and those who will pursue careers in the field. Consider creating new pathways into computer science that will form multiple entry points into the major for students of all interests.

Computer science fluency is not simply technology literacy.
Despite the increasing role of computing in today’s world, the majority of U.S. schools require only that students learn how to use computers. Seldom do schools prepare students to innovate and create the new technologies that drive local and national economies. This ability to innovate with technology is critical for students’ future success and ability to contribute to a global society.

Computer science needs more people and more diversity.
Our modern world relies on information technologies, yet we are producing far too few computer scientists to meet the needs.  Estimates from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics say that there are several unfilled jobs for every computer science graduate.  What’s worse, we are mostly getting computer science graduates from White and Asian males, which is one of the shrinking demographics in our society.  By drawing more from women and from under-represented minorities, we can help to fill those jobs and gain a more diverse range of perspectives to drive design creativity and innovation in computing technologies.

Get the Facts on CS Education

Use these helpful resources to get all the facts on computer science education.

CSEdWeek Ideas for Professors & College Students

You can help students at all levels understand the power of computing to drive innovation and solve complex problems. Here are a few things you can do during CSEdWeek and beyond to engage, recruit and retain more students in computer science.  If this week is inconvenient for your college or university, perhaps because it's finals week, consider either hosting an event at some other time, but still pledge it for CSEd Week OR try "CSEd Week hosts a study session (for both CS and non-CS students) with pizza and cookies (or whatever)."

Offer Engaging Computational Thinking Courses for Non-Majors

Computational Thinking Courses for Non-Majors Check out this this list of exemplar programs around the country that are offering engaging computational thinking courses outside of the major.

Visit youth in formal and informal settings

Send computer science clubs or groups of student advocates to area middle/high schools to advise about computing, career opportunities, classes needed to prepare for college, etc.
Associated Resources
	Computing Degrees and Careers Check out this brochure to learn about the interesting careers in computing and the degrees that will get you there. Provided by CSTA and ACM.
	Roadshow-in-a-Box: Capitalizing on Models for Outreach Roadshow-in-a-Box provides the resources you need to design a memorable and motivating activity-based classroom experience that gives K-12 students an exciting introduction to computing.

Host an Open House at Your College or University for High School Students

Invite parents, counselors and high school students onto campus to be energized and motivated about computer science.  Show them what computer science is through examples of exciting, impactful research and outreach activities.  Tell them about the career opportunities with great salaries.  Show them what's cool about computing, and how computer science is all about beauty, joy and awe.
Associated Resources
	Computing Degrees and Careers Check out this brochure to learn about the interesting careers in computing and the degrees that will get you there. Provided by CSTA and ACM.

Entice Non Majors and Community College Students to Learn about Computer Science

Host a computer science open house/social hour for non-majors and local community colleges to share with them the possibilities enabled by computer science and develop interest in computer science classes. This should be a hands on opportunity for students to try computer science first hand.  For instance, try setting up a poster/project fair at your college or university's student center.
Associated Resources
	Computing Degrees and Careers Check out this brochure to learn about the interesting careers in computing and the degrees that will get you there. Provided by CSTA and ACM.

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College & University Resources

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NCWIT’s “Heroes” Podcasts

Audio Interview - NCWIT Heroes is a series of magazine-style audio interviews highlighting women and men entrepreneurs in information technology (IT) careers. NCWIT Heroes are women and men innovators from small companies, larger corporations, and non-profits, whose ideas and products are changing the way we think, work, play, and communicate.

 

America’s Got Talent

This resource provides the rationale for CS Principles, a new Advanced Placement computing course in Development by NSF and the College Board, and describes how to support its implementation in the school system.

 

Gearing Up for Change (PDF)

Institutional Reform in Undergraduate Computing Programs.

 

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