CSSI is an online, four-week introduction to computer science (CS) for rising first year college students with a passion for technology — especially students who identify with groups that have been historically marginalized in the field. CSSI seeks to inspire the tech leaders and innovators of tomorrow and build self confidence, agency, and efficacy. Students will learn computer science fundamentals, participate in workshops to promote self-care, identity, career, and skill development, and build community with peers and industry professionals.
Leaders & Partners
Impact
CSSI completely changed the course of my career. It gave me lifelong friends, wise mentors, and a surge in confidence to major in computer science in college. Largely because of CSSI, I was able to land in an internship at Google the summer after my freshman year, and since then I kept coming back to Google ultimately becoming a full-time engineer at Google NYC. Last August, I moved down to Miami with a dream to help Miami's tech dream vision in any way I could. I realized that CSSI had not yet come to Miami and thus set out to make this vision come to life. This summer will be the first time CSSI will officially be in Miami. I hope it changes the lives and careers of students as it did for me.
Current Metrics
91% of program participants identified as Black+, Latinx+, Women, or Non-Binary
95% of participants experienced an increase in their CS skills as a result of going through the CSSI curriculum.
93% of students experienced an increased sense of belonging in the tech community
Impact
CSSI completely changed the course of my career. It gave me lifelong friends, wise mentors, and a surge in confidence to major in computer science in college. Largely because of CSSI, I was able to land in an internship at Google the summer after my freshman year, and since then I kept coming back to Google ultimately becoming a full-time engineer at Google NYC. Last August, I moved down to Miami with a dream to help Miami's tech dream vision in any way I could. I realized that CSSI had not yet come to Miami and thus set out to make this vision come to life. This summer will be the first time CSSI will officially be in Miami. I hope it changes the lives and careers of students as it did for me.
Current Metrics
91% of program participants identified as Black+, Latinx+, Women, or Non-Binary
95% of participants experienced an increase in their CS skills as a result of going through the CSSI curriculum.
93% of students experienced an increased sense of belonging in the tech community
Goals
Demographic
We serve rising first year college students with a passion for technology — especially students who identify with groups that have been historically marginalized in the field.
Funding Goal
Impact Goal
This project aims to serve 150 students over the next 5 years.
