HBCU_Computing

HBCU Learning Community based Intervention in Computing

Empowering underrepresented students to thrive in computing fields. Fostering diversity and innovation for a brighter tech future…!

About us

Participating Universities

•Florida A&M University

•Hampton University

•Mississippi Valley State University

• Norfolk State University

•University of the District of Columbia

•Winston-Salem State University

•Funded by the National Science Foundation (# 2245970)

Goals

•Increase retention of first-year students in computer science and related fields.

•Prepare underrepresented students for collegiate success.

•Ultimately, increase diversity in the computing workforce.

Research Questions

The proposed project will address four (4) research questions:

•Do learning community-based programs affect underrepresented minority students’ preparedness for a computer science or computer-related major?

•Do learning community-based programs affect underrepresented minority students’ retention in computer science or computer-related major during their Freshman year in college?

•Does participating in a broader HBCU community affect participant attitude, confidence, and sense of belonging toward being in a computer science or computer-related field?

•Does service-learning increase the motivation and engagement of underrepresented minority students to participate in computer science or computer-related major?

….

Programming

Programming Components

•Collaborative Bridge Program (Summer 2024) : Provide foundational computer science and mathematics instructions, along with workshops on college success skills (study skills, time management, navigation and utilization of college resources).

•Service-Learning Program: Engage students in innovative computing service-learning projects to boost motivation and engagement.

•Lecture Series: Feature outstanding faculty, distinguished guests, and graduate students discussing emerging topics in computing to share their expertise with undergraduates.

resource

Today’s Planning Focus

Recap: Student Recruitment & Selection

•Criteria for selecting students

•Application and registration process

•  (https://forms.gle/EGYdNNVicXKVFEaE6 )

•Target number of students per institution

About us

Recap: Participants

A total of 65 students from the six participating HBCUs participated in LCI-CS Summerbridge 2024.

•The number of students from each university varied widely, with the largest number coming from Hampton (N=29) and the smallest from WSSU (N=3).

PIs said that while students enjoyed the sessions, the week did not include enough time.

•“It wasn’t enough time…When we broke them up into those groups, that was an excellent idea. So I think if we would’ve just had more time…”

•“If more time was spent on the time management skills, I think they would benefit even more from it in the study skills.”

•Students echoed these sentiments on the student survey.


In addition, because at some universities students were participating in a broader program, some could not make all the sessions that week or stay for the entire session each time.

Student Feedback : Slide 21 https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1g9x4RTQz5rTvYV6wLTndYbiQyKoUwhuTU5evgSdHjas/edit?slide=id.g337ae5f6dd8_0_167#slide=id.g337ae5f6dd8_0_167

Recap: Feeback from Summer 2024

The universities held a joint virtual program for participants from July 8-12, 2024, for one hour per day focusing on community building, time management, and study skills.

Our services

Summer 2025 Program
Schedule and Format

•Will Monday, July 7th – Thursday, July 11th work?

•What times of the day? Afternoon (1:30-4:00 pm)

•Should we keep the same format? 1.5 hours 1 hour for presentations/QA and 30 collaborative ice breaker

•How can we make it longer?

    Dates

    June 30th – Thursday, July 3rd

    •Hampton U: June 13th – July 18th

    •Winston Salem:  June 23 rd- July 18th

    •FAMU: June 26th –  August 1st

    •NSU: June 19th –  July 18th

    •Mississippi Valley: June 30 – July 18th

    •UDC : June 23 – August 16th

    Summer 2025 Program
    Topics and Guest Speakers

    •What topics or themes should we cover this year? FAMU check with previous speakers

    •Which university will take the lead on which days or sessions?

    •Should we include a hands-on project or group challenge across the week? Thinking about having face-to-face during the semester

    •What guest speakers to include?

    •Do we want to use icebreakers, games, or breakout room activities?

    Summer 2025 Program
    Additional Ideas or Concerns

    •Do we want any swag or prizes for students?

    •When should we meet next to follow up?