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Peer Mentorship
Research shows that having near-peer mentors (individuals who are a few learning stages ahead of participants) involved in providing computing experiences to K-12 students makes the environment less threatening, helps students build personal connections, and inspires students to explore how their interests and passions relate to a realm of opportunities in computing. Additionally, the near-peer mentors benefit from developing leadership, project management, and facilitation skills.
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Inclusivity
Computing education should be inclusive of all students — at the intersections of race/ethnicity, class, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, and other historically marginalized identities. To engage a diverse range of students, educational approaches should (1) assume all students can succeed, (2) make curriculum meaningful and relevant, and (3) connect knowledge and learning to students’ strengths, interests, and prior experiences.
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Hands-On Engagement
By stepping back and letting participants take the lead and work with their hands, students build skills around persistence and self-confidence that will be applicable to any future career. Hands-on, participant-driven experiences help K-12 students retain learning and gain genuine curiosity and interest in the subject matter at hand.
The following sample lesson plan was provided by NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Community members, as an example of what worked for them in their local community. Content presented is not vetted or endorsed by NCWIT.
The Future of Cyberspace (Ellen Xu & Zipline Theory)
This program touches on topics such as information security, digital forensics, online safety/ethics, digital forensic techniques, and internet protocols like DNS and HTTP/HTTPS. It also exposes participants to career opportunities within cybersecurity.
Sample Lesson Plan (Downloadable PDF)
The following promotional webpage, sample agenda, and sample presentations were provided by NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Community members, as an example of what worked for them in their local community. Content presented is not vetted or endorsed by NCWIT. Content may continuously evolve or change.
Cyberweek.org (Samina Mondal & Cyberweek)
Cyberweek.org is a flexible, week-long curriculum where participants learn to detect online threats, gain a better understanding of how the internet works, and spark an interest in the cybersecurity careers of the future.
Cyberweek.org
STEAMKidz (Tomi Oladeji & STEAMKidz)
STEAMKidz is a virtual summer camp where participants learn about different aspects of STEAM, write games using Python, and hear from role models who talk about how they got interested in the field.
Sample Agenda (Downloadable PDF)
HTML & CSS Presentation (Downloadable PPT)
Intro to Python Presentation (Downloadable PPT)
The following sample agenda/lesson plan was provided by NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Community members, as an example of what worked for them in their local community. Content presented is not vetted or endorsed by NCWIT.
ITgirl (Lola Kovalski & Mobile CSP)
ITgirl teaches programming and equips participants with the skills and confidence to persist in tech. The first three sessions introduce participants to App Inventor and Mobile CSP. The final session is a hackathon where participants are paired with a mentor to create apps related to women empowerment.
Sample Agenda/Lesson Plan (Downloadable PDF)