Accelerating Computer Science Education for Communities

Discover how the CSforALL Accelerator Program, supported by Endless, is transforming CS education for marginalized communities through awareness, equitable access, and capacity building.

Computer Science for Communities, by Communities

As innovations in the education landscape continue to improve access for learners, one truth remains: sustainable and equitable programming thrives when personalized to the community it serves. To support high-needs communities in progressing towards standards-aligned computer science (CS) education, CSforALL, with support from Endless, created the CSforALL Accelerator Program. This program aims to cultivate opportunities specific to each community's students, families, and teachers.

The Accelerator aims to establish a comprehensive CS education community within all participating cities, enhancing local community support, building awareness, and increasing access to CS education opportunities. It serves traditionally marginalized students through formal educational and out-of-school programs, tracking outcomes with data systems that measure impact, sustainability, and capacity building.

Expanding Equitable Computer Science Education

Launched in 2022, the CSforALL Accelerator Program has supported two cohorts of communities across 11 states in the United States, awarding more than $120,000 in project grant proposals. These initiatives aim to impact over 640,000 students across 1,208 schools and the educators and families who support them.

Projects in both cohorts are ongoing. They successfully expand access and participation in CS education by focusing on raising awareness, increasing equitable access, and building capacity for sustainable growth.

Raising Awareness in Denver: Promoting CS Education Access

In Denver, raising awareness and lowering barriers to computer science education have been key priorities. The CSforALL Accelerator supported a STEAM Expo that allowed students and community members to interact with technology through hands-on coding and STEAM activities. The success of the first Expo led to its establishment as an annual event, further promoting CS education access in Denver.

Increasing Equitable Access in Miami: Engaging the Latinx Community

The Miami team launched the “Tech Es Para Todos” event to engage the local Latinx community with interactive coding and CS activities for students and families of all ages. This entirely Spanish-language event was a huge success, and it has also become an annual tradition, ensuring greater equitable access to CS education within Miami's Latinx community.

Building Capacity in Nashville: Professional Development for CS Educators

In Nashville, the focus has been on providing professional development for teacher delegates representing every school in Metro Nashville, aligned with the newly adopted Tennessee Computer Science Standards. Additionally, the Nashville team has increased resources in their CS lending library to enhance teachers' abilities to deliver impactful computer science education.

Broadening Participation in Computing

Looking forward, CSforALL plans to onboard a third cohort, expanding participation in computing to serve Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous communities. This ongoing collaboration empowers local efforts in computer science education and drives inclusive education nationwide.

Endless Support for Equitable Computer Science Education

Endless is proud to support CSforALL in making computer science education more inclusive and accessible for underserved students. Together, we aim to empower the next generation to thrive in the digital economy, and we're excited to see the ongoing impact of the CSforALL Accelerator Program in transforming communities.

Learn more about the CSforALL Accelerator Program and how it’s transforming CS education for marginalized communities.