Collaborating for Impact: Key Insights from the 2024 CSforALL Summit
Leading Action to Impact in Milwaukee to Foster Inclusive Computer Science Education for All Learners
The eighth annual 2024 CSforALL Summit was held at the Baird Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with local partners Marquette University and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction from October 23–25, 2024. This three-day convening gathered educators, advocates, and leaders in the field of computer science education for collaboration, discussion, and inspiration. Under the theme “Leading Action to Impact,” the Summit addressed critical issues in computer science education and promoted equitable access for all students. Continue reading for key insights derived from the sessions, discussions, and activities that spanned the conference.
Commitment to Ensuring Equitable Access for All Students
A core focus during the Summit is centered on ensuring equitable access to computer science education for all students. While picking up registration materials, attendees chose ribbons representing their reasons for promoting computer science education, culminating in the release of “Why Commit to CSforALL?”, an article that uncovers in further detail the motivations behind CS innovators and leaders.
The Summit announced 143 commitments from 136 organizations across the K-12 education spectrum, showcasing measurable and impactful goals aimed at broadening participation in computing. These actions demonstrate a unified front from various entities — nonprofits, educational institutions, corporate partners, and more — to create pathways for underrepresented students in computer science. Notable discussions featured multiple student panels, providing a platform for young voices to share their experiences and insights on the importance of CS education. Their perspectives underscored the Summit’s mission to empower future tech innovators by taking action.
The active participation of local organizations like “Lovin’ the Skin I’m In,” which brought young Black and Brown girls to the conference, illustrated a tangible approach to fostering interest in computer science among marginalized groups. This initiative not only provided exposure to computer science, but also connected young learners with mentors and role models in the field.
The Power of Community and Collaboration
The Summit emphasized the critical role of community and collaboration in driving improvements in computer science education. Throughout the event, networking opportunities and collaborative sessions allowed attendees to exchange ideas and form partnerships.
This collaborative spirit shone through in diverse breakout sessions, such as “Moving Beyond Access: Using CS Education Frameworks to Set Goals to Impact BPC.” Participants explored existing frameworks to enhance outreach and educational practices. By discussing shared challenges and innovative solutions, the Summit empowered attendees to return to their communities armed with actionable strategies that could drive meaningful change.
Panel discussions featuring leaders from organizations like Girls Who Code, Black Girls Code, and Code.org illustrated the collective efforts to ensure a more inclusive landscape for computer science education. These conversations also highlighted the importance of sharing experiences and strategies across organizations to amplify the impact of their initiatives.
Moreover, industry partners like LEGO Education and JPMorganChase discussed the role of corporate volunteer programs in promoting STEM education. Their contributions highlighted the importance of fostering partnerships between educational institutions and industry to enhance resource availability and real-world applications of computer science.
Embracing Innovation and the Future of Technology
The Summit placed a strong focus on embracing innovation and the future of technology as vital components of effective computer science education. In her keynote address, Nadiyah Johnson, CEO of Milky Way Tech Hub, stressed the necessity of leveraging technology to address economic disparities and create sustainable solutions in education. Her insights about the profound influence of mentorship and support were thought-provoking, providing ways for educators to rethink how they could harness technology to empower their students.
Various breakout sessions concentrated on integrating cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and cybersecurity into curricula, demonstrating the need for a modernized approach to computer science education. Sessions like “AI Education: Developing Explainable AI for Teachers, Students, and Policymakers” showcased how technology can engage students and prepare them for the future job market.
The exhibit hall, featuring interactive displays and demonstrations from various educational organizations, provided attendees with opportunities to explore new tools and resources while forging connections with potential collaborators. This innovative spirit reinforced the Summit’s emphasis on learning from one another — both successes and failures — to create a more robust support system for educators and learners alike.
The 2024 CSforALL Summit served as a critical platform for advancing the dialogue on equitable computer science education. With themes of commitment to access, the power of community collaboration, and the embrace of innovation resonating throughout the event, attendees were equipped to lead actionable change in their respective communities. The shared vision of creating an inclusive and engaging environment for all learners stands as a collective responsibility that attendees can carry forward into their work in computer science education.
We look forward to continuing to share the powerful work our community accomplishes in the future. For a picture view of Summit, please visit our Flickr account. Thank you again to the Baird Center, Marquette University, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, and all of our attendees, presenters, exhibitors, speakers, panelists, and more. It is through our continued collaboration and partnerships that we empower the CSforALL movement and can truly foster equitable CS education for all students.
For more information about CSforALL, visit: https://www.csforall.org/.
