Computer Science Connect

Program Details

Motivation

Computer Science is in a different position than most fields. We are unable to produce enough people educated in these technological fields for the demands of the workforce, but we are losing people, especially from certain populations, too early in their education often because of misconceptions they have about the field. Girls often show more interest in computing at an early age, but less than 25% of the computer science undergraduates are women. The goal of this camp is to remove the hurdles and dispel the misconceptions that turn students away from computing by exposing them to a variety of areas within computer science, participating in fun activities around these areas, and showing them the connections to how computing connects to almost every part of our world.

Our decision to gear this camp to those completing 6th grade was based on the literature that shows that in elementary school girls are as interested in STEM as the boys (even more so), but though middle school and high school they often lose interest. By allowing them to see the wide variety of areas within computer science, we hope to keep them interested with continuing connection through those years.

Program Objectives

Participants will become aware that...

• Computational (and algorithmic) thinking is natural and can be learned in fun and exciting ways.
• Computing is ubiquitous in our society.
• Computing has a wide variety of fields of study.
• People in computing come from a wide variety of populations and have a wide variety of interests.
• There are many computer tools and languages available.
• Camaraderie is important – It is great to work with others who share their interests.

Through...

• Hands on Activities
• Teamwork
• Fieldtrips
• Visits with Computer Scientists from around the world in person and electronically

Notes

• Although the program is designed to be attractive and accessible to female students, it is also open to male students, whom are encouraged to apply.
• Parents and students are responsible for arranging transportation to and from the University and for providing a bag lunch each day.