by Kelsey Kman, NCWIT Counselors for Computing Program Manager
In June, NCWIT Counselors for Computing (C4C) hosted school counselors and career coaches from across the country for the two-day 2024 NCWITC4C Leadership Development Institute (LDI) at St. Mary’s University. This annual event is held in a new location each year, and aims to empower K-12 counselors to incorporate tech into their career guidance practices, as well as to provide information and resources to help counselors join the front line of the computing conversation.
As the dust settles in Texas, I come away proud and energized from the phenomenal leadership and passion our NCWIT Counselors for Computing (C4C) Regional Consultants brought to the LDI this year. More than just another event, this annual gathering was a testament to our ongoing commitment to create a diverse and inclusive computing landscape — one which every educator’s involvement can significantly impact.
The 2024 institute was packed with activities to equip regional C4C consultants with the tools and knowledge needed to empower school counselors, career coaches, and others in student-advising roles across the nation. The energy and collaborative spirit were infectious as we engaged in friendly competitions, building camaraderie and strengthening our network of changemakers.
The highlight on day one was the visit to the magnet school for cybersecurity— the Institute of CyberSecurity and Innovation–in the North East Independent School District. Josh Beck showcased how innovative their program is, how dedicated he and the other educators are, and how impressive their students are, all thanks to early exposure to cybersecurity education. This was an inspirational experience that demonstrated the potential impact of intentional guidance and mentorship on shaping the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. A huge thank you to Josh for modeling true excellence in teaching!
We also enjoyed the opportunity to learn about some of the programs and activities that enhance cybersecurity education in the San Antonio area:
The championing of such programs by organizations like the CyberTexas Foundation, (Alamo STEM Ecosystem (ASE) DSEC partner)Â and its visionary leader, Joe Sanchez, underlines how community collaboration is very important in nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity talent.
The second day was spent on the beautiful St. Mary’s University campus, a STEM innovation and education hub that showcased cutting-edge computer science and cybersecurity programs and invited us to engage in meaningful conversations with university professors and students. The university strongly believes in hands-on learning while creating a warm and respectful atmosphere for diverse learners—two aspects at the core of C4C’s mission.
We also spent valuable time exploring new C4C content and resources, ensuring that regional consultants have the most up-to-date information and research-based strategies to engage school counselors effectively. The culmination of our institute was a talent show where our consultants creatively showcased the learning outcomes of C4C workshop segments—a testament to their ingenuity and passion for making a difference.
I am continually amazed by the dedication and leadership shown by our nationwide network of regional consultants. Their unwavering commitment to increasing the meaningful participation of girls and women in computing and STEM fields is not just inspiring, but they are also making a significant impact. Through bringing the C4C program to local communities, consultants provide educators with the knowledge, professional development, and resources they need to guide students toward fulfilling careers in computing.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our regional consultants, partners, and all those who support our mission. Your contributions are invaluable and deeply appreciated. I know we are making a difference—one student, one school, one community at a time.
To any potential K-12 educational partners reading this: I invite you to join us in this critical effort. By partnering with NCWIT and hosting a C4C professional development workshop for your school counselors and educators, you are investing in the future of your students and our society. Together, we can draw upon years of research to effectively break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and build a more inclusive and equitable computing landscape.
The NCWITC4C program is much more than just a workshop; it’s a movement. It empowers K-12 administrators, career coaches, educators, school counselors, and student advisors to advocate for change, inspire students to explore their passions, and create a world where everyone can thrive in the digital age.
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