Get inspired by activity ideas and real-life sample program materials, consider multiple program types to implement, and utilize “How-To Guides” for planning and facilitation.

AspireIT Core Values

Evaluation shows there are three core values that foster effectiveness and lead to the greatest impact for participants and their communities: peer mentorship, inclusivity, and hands-on engagement. Click on the icons below to get a brief overview of each value to keep at the forefront while planning and running programs.

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Inclusivity Icon
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Activity Ideas

Looking for inspirational, engaging activities for program participants? Get started with these resources and tutorials.

Program Types

There are four main types of programs: afterschool programs, camps, hackathons, and community events. Which type is right for you? Click below to review key characteristics of each, as well as real-life agendas and lesson plans from past AspireIT programs.

"How-To" Guides

These guides provide an overview of each step of the process — program planning, lesson design, facilitation, and reflection — and will help you stay on track with every facet of your program. Keep the AspireIT Core Values (above) in mind as you work your way through each guide.

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Peer Mentorship Circle Icon

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.
Inclusivity Circle Icon

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.
Hands-On Engagement Circle Icon

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.