Partner with Counselors for Computing

 

Are you looking for meaningful professional development opportunities that empower school counselors, career coaches, and STEM educators? We’re here to help guide students toward exciting careers in computing.

NCWITCounselors for Computing (C4C) is excited to collaborate with state leaders, Departments of Education, and organizations like yours to bring our impactful workshops to your community. 

For more information, please contact us at [email protected]

Why Work with Us?

  • Proven Impact: Our professional development has a solid history of empowering educators to make a lasting impact on their students’ lives.
  • Nationally Recognized Expertise: NCWIT is a leader in promoting diversity and inclusion in computing, and our C4C program is at the forefront of these efforts in K-12 education.
  • Collaborative Approach: We work hand-in-hand with our partners to tailor our workshops to the specific needs of your educators and students.

C4C Offers:

  • Expert-Led Workshops: Our engaging sessions are led by seasoned school counselors and educators who know the ins and outs of the K-12 landscape.
  • Cutting-Edge Content: Our workshops focus on increasing participation among girls and other underrepresented groups in computing. We offer insights into a wide range of computing careers and provide educators with the tools they need to weave computing into their advising and teaching.
  • Flexible Formats: Whether you prefer in-person workshops, virtual sessions, or a blend of both, we have options to fit your needs and schedule.

One-Hour Workshops

Future-Ready Foundations: 

This workshop is designed specifically for elementary school counselors and focuses integrating computer science (CS) in early education. Utilizing C4C resources, this session provides essential strategies for introducing young students, especially those from underrepresented groups, to CS. The event highlights the role of counselors in fostering early interest in technology, equipping them with a variety of tools to guide and inspire. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how to effectively communicate the importance of CS education and develop skills to encourage diversity and inclusivity in technology from a young age. This engaging and informative session is a must-attend for counselors who want to prepare a future-ready generation.

A photo from a C4C workshop featuring a presenter at the podium and a slide deck projected on the screen behind her

Future-Ready Pathways:

This workshop highlights how counselors can become pivotal guides in the digital era, helping students navigate the rapidly-evolving landscape of technology and computing. Gain access to resources that help counselors effectively integrate computer science education into counseling practices. These tools not only aid in building an understanding of the field but also enable counselors to identify and nurture diverse talents, ensuring equitable access to all future careers. By focusing on strategies that align with college and career readiness, counselors can foster a generation of tech-savvy, innovative thinkers who are prepared to take on the challenges and opportunities of the future workplace. Amplify your impact as a school counselor, equipping your students with the skills and confidence to thrive in a world where computing is at the heart of every industry and aspect of modern life. 

ABCs | AI, Bias, + Careers

Computer science is about so much more than coding! Learn about artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, training data, and bias, while exploring ethical issues and how AI can be used to address world problems. As a demonstration, we will use free materials from Code.org – an NCWIT K-12 Alliance member organization – to model a lesson and conversation talking points you can use with K-12 students! The event aims to quickly introduce counselors to a resource that can be used to meet a variety of goals, and can be conducted either in-person or remotely, both asynchronously and synchronously.

Half-Day Workshops (3.5-4 hours)

Connected Counseling | Strategies for the Digital Age

This interactive workshop equips school counselors and career coaches with knowledge and strategies to connect students’ interests with careers in computing and tech. Participants will dive into the landscape of the industry, align career counseling practices with American School Counseling Association (ASCA) Student Standards: Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success, and develop culturally-responsive strategies to engage diverse students in computing education and career exploration. Through group activities, action planning, and resource sharing, attendees will gain the tools to inspire and prepare students for success.

Counseling 2.0 | Level Up SEL with CS

This interactive workshop provides advisors and counselors with the tools and skills to foster students’ social-emotional learning (SEL) while guiding them towards computing careers. Participants will explore the dynamic landscape of the tech industry, align practices with the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors standards, and develop culturally-responsive strategies that empower students to engage with computing and tech. Through hands-on activities, action planning, and resource sharing, participants will learn how to use computer science education to level up K-12 students’ SEL.

Future-Ready Careers (6-hours)

This workshop is designed to help K-12 advisors show students how every field and industry is impacted by computer science. Computer science is not a “fad” – it’s the key to unlocking a world of career opportunities! Participants will be empowered to build awareness of the changing career landscape and learn how the arts, media and creative services – and even many middle-skills jobs – now require computing and technology literacy. This session will convince school counselors that computer science is a non-negotiable when it comes to teaching career lessons. Counselors will gain the skills and resources to:

  • Identify emerging career trends, and the requisite skills needed.
  • Incorporate contemporary advising practices to support socially equitable career exploration. 
  • Strategically use individual counseling to empower students’ through career exploration.
  • Reach stakeholders to generate excitement and engagement in computer science education and careers.

Community Connections (Full Day)

The NCWIT Counselors for Computing (C4C) Community Connections workshop offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of computing pathways and connect with local tech employers. This full-day experience blends C4C program resources with immersive site visits and panel discussions. Tour local companies, engage with tech professionals, and explore diverse career pathways in your region. Learn how to effectively guide students towards computing and tech careers, regardless of their chosen field. Participants will gain actionable strategies and resources to enhance career counseling programs.

A group of participants in a C4C event gathered in front of a large vehicle
 

Multi-day events are available in collaboration with partners.

Ready to Move Forward? Reach out to us at [email protected] to learn more or to schedule a consultation. Our staff will be in touch soon to discuss how we can bring NCWITC4C professional development to your community.

 

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