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Our Programs
We believe that all students — especially those traditionally underresourced and underestimated in STEM fields — deserve access to programs that help them decide if theirs is a future in computer science. No one should have that decision dictated to them by their circumstances.
CS Pathways exists to achieve that goal: To develop programs and initiatives that create a more equitable and inclusive journey to computer science opportunities. For all students. From all backgrounds.
CS Pathways Programs
Carnegie Mellon AI4ALL
Carnegie Mellon AI4ALL gives rising juniors and seniors with a strong interest in computer science the chance to study artificial intelligence with CMU faculty, staff and researchers who are leaders field. The goal? Learning to leverage AI for social good.
Every1online
The digital divide and the homework gap have long been issues, and COVID-19 has highlighted these old inequities and strained inequitable systems to their breaking points. SCS has worked with Meta Mesh WIreless Communities and other community partners to provide a structural solution to the inequitable wireless access in historically underserved communities: wireless internet service providers (WISPs). The team co-designs community-based WISPs and the longer-term cost-coverage models that will sustain them.
Homewood Children's Village
In partnership with Technovation and the Homewood Children's Village, SCS is bringing Technovation's AI Family challenge to Pittsburgh. Through Technovation Families, students and their families explore core artificial intelligence concepts and apply AI tools to problems in their communities. Participants also have the opportunity to enter their ideas into a global competition.
Laptop Loaner Program
Not every SCS student can afford to replace a laptop if theirs breaks, and we recognize that this shouldn't be a barrier to success. To help alleviate the stress of not having the tools they need to complete their work, we've made multiple machines available that SCS students in need can borrow.
Microsoft TEALS
Technology Education and Literacy in Schools (TEALS) is a Microsoft Philanthropies program that connects classroom teachers with tech-industry volunteers to create sustainable CS and technology education programs. Through remote and in-person collaboration, instructors learn to teach CS independently over time to ensure all young people are equipped for the future. SCS is Microsoft's Pittsburgh university partner. CMU is also the leading provider of volunteers for the program nationwide.
Middle School Bridge
Many students leave middle school without the basic skills they need for STEM success in high school. SCS has created a bridge program to help close that gap, catching participating rising 9th graders up on the math skills they need before their first semester of high school. By intervening early, the program hopes to better prepare more Pittsburgh students to pursue STEM majors in college.
PASS Kits
Through support from the SCS Parents' Emergency Fund, SCS now provides mental health first aid kits for every incoming first-year SCS student. These kits provide some basic self-care items to help students deal with stress, and information about on-campus and national mental health resources.
Voices Against Violence (VAV) Robotics Initiative
VAV delivers a beginner and intermediate robotics course to summer camp participants. The students also learn elementary programming skills, which they continue to learn throughout the year via in-school and after-school delivery. The program develops digital literacy while providing safe spaces for vulnerable youth during out-of-school time.