Computer Science Equity
Preparing Students With 21st Century Literacies
California is the sixth largest economy in the world and home to tech companies that shape every aspect of daily life, global economies and even democracy. Yet there remains a stubborn and perilous gap in Computer Science (CS) education in California, especially right here in Los Angeles County. USC Viterbi is the #20 ranked Computer Science Department in the nation – ranked #15 in new and expanding areas of CS such as Artificial Intelligence, yet many schools near the university have only limited access to CS classes. Consequently, many children and teens—especially the low-income students and students of color who are the vast majority of students throughout Southern California’s public schools—are not being equipped with the 21st Century’s necessary technological abilities.
Computer Science Professional Development Opportunities from LACOE
Our Goals
For teachers:
Increased knowledge and self-efficacy in teaching CS
Increased interest in teaching CS
Increased sense of the real world relevance of CS across all disciplines
Increased interest in learning CS and viability of CS
For students:
Build CS skills
Increased sense of the real world relevance of CS across all disciplines
Increased interest in learning CS and viability of CS
Our Solution
We have a comprehensive CS educational approach that is both local and expansive, providing tailored solutions to schools in USC's neighborhoods and comprehensive teacher training throughout Southern California to improve the region's urgent need to build CS capacity. See below for more information about the mechanisms of our approach.
Published on September 24th, 2020
Last updated on January 21st, 2022