Organize: Broadening Participation in Computing State Summit Toolkit

Advancing K-16 computing education in a state is a complex and collaborative endeavor. Computing education state summits are an important part of this process and can help to develop and advance a state’s strategy both for expanding computing education access and for broadening participation in computing (BPC). In particular, summits can promote equity and democratize change efforts by giving voice to all stakeholders in a collaborative and action-oriented environment.

This toolkit will help you define the purpose, create structure, and plan the logistics for your own summit, and help engage in follow-up efforts post-summit. It also provides practical resources that communicate the importance of BPC efforts and strategies that change leaders can apply to their efforts.

This toolkit was created through a partnership between the Expanding Computing Education Pathways (ECEP) Alliance and the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), with both organizations focused on BPC as NSF-funded organizations.

Ways to Use the “Organize: Broadening Participation in Computing State Summit Toolkit”

• Get the full PDF using the button below.
• Use the links in the table below to jump to sections or areas of interest.

SECTION 1

About This Toolkit: A brief explanation of the goals and contents of the toolkit and how it’s intended to be used; definitions for common terms used in the toolkit are also included.

• How to Use This Toolkit
• Definition of Terms

SECTION 2

Introduction: This section provides data and research-based information on broadening participation in computing and how hosting a state summit can help accomplish this essential goal.

• Why Broaden Participation in Computing? And Why Does This Toolkit Emphasize It?
• Why Hold a Summit? And What Role Does It Play in The Overall State Effort?

SECTION 3

Planning the State Summit: There are key decisions that will shape the summit, including: identifying goals, selecting a theme, identifying the audience, and selecting and preparing speakers.

• Identify Summit Goals
• Identify Audience(s)
• Decide on Summit Content
• Define the Agenda
• Selecting and Preparing the Speakers, Panelists & Session Leaders for the Summit
• Event Structure
• Conclusion

SECTION 4

Tools & Resources: Templates, Checklists & Additional Tips: Use these additional ready-made resources as needed to simplify the summit planning process.

• Tips for Making Your Summit Accessible
  • Venue & Catering
  • Website & Registration System
  • Presentations & Session
• Event Planning Framework
• Planning Checklist & Timeline
• Determining the Budget: Tips & Considerations
  • Sample Budgets
  • Financial Support
  • Sample Sponsorship Letter
• Securing Event Space & Request for Proposal Template
• Sample Summit Themes
• Sample Summit Themes & Representative Agendas
• Communication Strategy: Tips for Before, During & After Summit
• Day of Summit Event Management Checklist
• Tips for Conducting Evaluation
• Evaluation Template

 

Additional Articles

• 2018 State of Computer Science Education: Policy and Implementation (PDF)
• A Longitudinal Analysis of Community College Pathways to Computer Science Bachelor’s Degrees (PDF)
• CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards – Revised 2017 (PDF)
• Example Follow-up Communication (PDF)
• Example Pre-event Communication (PDF)
• Formats for Summits and Sessions within Summits (PDF)
• K12 Computer Science Framework (PDF)
• K-12 Computer Science Policy And Implementation in States (PDF)
• State Education Governance Structures: 2017 Update (PDF)
• State of the States Landscape Report: State-level Policies Supporting Equitable K-12 Computer Science Education (PDF)
• Student Perspectives of Community College Pathways to Computer Science Bachelor’s Degrees (PDF)