Marquette University is playing a significant role in expanding access to computer science education in Wisconsin and surrounding regions. This initiative aligns with the ongoing efforts to address real-world problems through software development and computational thinking.
Upcoming Conference
The CSforALL organization is set to host its eighth annual Computer Science for All conference from October 23 to 25 in Milwaukee. The event will convene computer science educators, leaders, and advocates to discuss advancements in computer science education.
CSforALL has partnered with Marquette University and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to coordinate this year’s summit. The theme, “Leading Action to Impact,” focuses on practical steps for implementing meaningful changes in computer science education.
Collaboration in Computer Science Education
Marquette University has established a reputation for leadership in computer science education. Dr. Dennis Brylow, a professor and chair of the computer science department, is at the forefront of this initiative. Under his direction, the research lab has secured various grants and developed a broad network of collaborators dedicated to enhancing computer science education through innovative curricula and tools, as well as assessing their effectiveness in K-12 environments.
Additionally, the SOAR Cyber Explorer Program at Marquette aims to improve access to STEM education for underrepresented students, particularly within Milwaukee public schools. The program’s engagement with CSforALL is expected to enrich its current initiatives, including sponsorship for 40 participants from TRIO programs across the Midwest, in collaboration with the Council for Opportunity in Education.
Dr. Brylow’s lab is also sponsoring scholarships for Milwaukee public school teachers to attend the summit, addressing the need for substitutes during their absence.
Highlighting Future Leaders in Technology
The summit will feature Dr. Nadiyah Johnson, a Marquette graduate and current instructor in the Department of Computer Science, as the keynote speaker. Johnson is the founder of Jet Constellations, a tech company in Milwaukee committed to enhancing diversity in STEM fields through education and entrepreneurship. Her remarks will focus on initiatives that foster inclusive tech environments for marginalized communities.
Tania Mishra, a junior at Marquette majoring in computer science and cognitive science, will moderate a panel titled “The Next Generation of Tech: A Student’s Perspective.” As the founder of Divas in Technology, an organization encouraging young girls to pursue careers in technology, Mishra will engage in a discussion about the challenges and opportunities faced by students in the field.
Impactful Discussions on Computer Science Education
Marquette’s involvement in the CSforALL Summit presents a platform to influence computer science education on a practical level. The summit is anticipated to draw over 1,000 attendees, including educators, policymakers, and nonprofit leaders. It aims to serve as a forum for exchanging effective strategies and best practices in teaching computer science. Dr. Brylow notes that the summit is designed as a “practitioner-focused dissemination channel,” providing participants with actionable insights, such as strategies to inspire middle school students to engage in cybersecurity.
Aiming for Universal Access to Computer Science Education
The primary objective of the summit is to ensure that all K-12 students receive high-quality computer science education. Significant barriers still exist for many students, even those in affluent districts, primarily due to an insufficient number of qualified computer science teachers. The summit calls upon parents and community members to advocate for improved computer science education in local schools.
This event represents a pivotal opportunity for Marquette University to advance access to STEM education, particularly for students from underserved communities. By fostering engagement among students, educators, and policymakers, the university aims to integrate computer science as a fundamental element of every student’s educational experience.
As the event date approaches, Dr. Brylow is coordinating efforts to recruit student volunteers, while CSforALL seeks to enhance visibility through various promotional initiatives, including murals and billboards. The overarching message emphasizes the necessity of community engagement and collaborative actions in dismantling existing barriers to computer science education.
(Original source: Marquette University Today)
