As technology powers nearly everything from healthcare to agriculture, computer literacy and tech fluency have become key access points to better careers. But a digital divide still exists that hinders learning of these skills, especially for those in traditionally underresourced communities.

To enable opportunities for everyone to explore the potential of technology, the School of Computer Science is working to expand access to computer science education through several outreach programs.

"Each of us have people in our lives that poured into us and helped us to become who we are," said Darla Coleman, executive director of the school's diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. "On a grander scale, SCS wants to pay it forward. There's no obligation, but there's a strong sense of contributing to humanity that is important."

The school's outreach provides computer science resources for middle schoolers, community college students, teachers, community organizers and more. The programs range from in-school to at-home, curricula-based to self-paced. Those who participate may or may not go on to pursue computer science careers, but they at least had the chance to discover a new world of opportunities that may have otherwise seemed inaccessible.

To learn more about how SCS is building equity in computer science, read the full article in the SCS magazine, The LINK.