Computer Science Education: Why Equity Matters
GlobalHack believes that all students deserve access to computer science education. That’s why we design every youth program with an equity lens, making sure that all students are supported, welcomed, and represented.
CS: Not Just For Programmers
All students can benefit from learning computer science concepts, no matter what career path they choose. Computer science teaches logical thinking, data analysis, and troubleshooting as well as soft skills like resilience, collaboration, and problem-solving.
More than 7.7 million Americans use computers in complex ways in their jobs. Half of those jobs are in fields not directly related to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Computers and technology affect every aspect of our society, from the way we produce and consume media, to connecting with each other, to advancing research.
A Growing Pipeline
The state of Missouri currently has over 8,610 open computing jobs, which is 2.9 times the average demand rate in Missouri. The average salary for CS in Missouri is $82,368, significantly higher than the average of all MO jobs, $45,520.
This trend is expected to continue, with CS careers estimated to grow 13% faster than all other occupations through 2026. There will be 1 million more computing jobs than applicants that can fill them by 2020. These are jobs waiting to be filled by the huge untapped talent pool of students — as long as they have the access and opportunity to learn computer science.
The Digital Divide
Fewer than half of K-12 schools offer computer science courses. Students with the least access tend to be Native Americans, black, and Hispanic students; as well as children from lower income backgrounds. If students have limited exposure to computer science, they are left out of the growing pipeline of job opportunities. In 2018, of the 803 students that took the AP Computer Science exam in Missouri, only 38 of those students were black.
Computer science can open doors —but only if students have that opportunity. Black, Hispanic, female, and students from other marginalized communities have a lower likelihood of exposure to CS concepts, putting them at a disadvantage to their peers.
What We Do
GlobalHack designs all of their youth programs with an equity lens. Our coding summer camp is specially tailored to support all learners.
Half of all spots are reserved for students on full scholarship. This includes transportation assistance; breakfast, lunch and snacks; and beginner-friendly courses.
Our commitment goes beyond just scholarships. Our summer camp instructors are trained on trauma-informed learning as well as the historic race-based roots of educational inequality in St. Louis. Panelists of professionals speak at the camp every Friday, and individuals are purposefully invited to reflect the demographics that we serve.
Interested in signing your student up for summer camp? More information can be found here. Scholarships are still available here. Contact Beth Casagrand at beth@globalhack.org to learn more about how you or your company can support our dedication to equity in computer science education.
