Quick-Start Pathways For Engaging Youth in Computer Science

These training pathways are designed to help you prepare those who may not have experience working with youth to lead engaging computer science experiences. Feel free to adapt pathways or change hands-on activities to better meet the needs of your participants.

The Basics of Engaging Youth in Computer Science pathway can be used for staff and volunteers who are working with youth for the first time. It can also be used for college or high school students who have computer science training/experience but have not worked with youth.

The Advanced Youth Engagement pathway can be used as a follow-up training or for audiences who have some experience working with youth.

 

Basics of Engaging Youth in Computer Science

1

What Makes Computer Science Unique?

The 4-H experiential learning model helps young people understand that computer science is much more than just what happens on a computer. This approach develops leadership and life skills and prepares young people to be the innovators and problem-solvers of our future.

Start Learning Click 2 Computer Science Video Icon
2

You’re a Computational Thinker

Learn how you’re a computational thinker, how computational thinking practices fit into other activities, and how to develop these practices with youth.

Start Learning Click 2 Computer Science Video Icon Click 2 Computer Science Group Learning Icon
3

Role Playing Conversations About Computer Science Careers

Practice using conversation prompts in order to talk to youth about careers in computer science.

Start Learning Click 2 Computer Science Video Icon Click 2 Computer Science Group Learning Icon
4

Any Student can be Inspired by the Possibilities of Computer Science

Watch a video to learn how youth can be inspired by the possibilities of computer science.

Start Learning Click 2 Computer Science Video Icon

Advanced Youth Engagement

1

Facilitating Inclusive Learning Experiences for Computer Science

Learn how adapting computer science activities to meet the needs of individual learners can benefit all participants, and the CS field as a whole.

Start Learning Click 2 Computer Science Video Icon Click 2 Computer Science Group Learning Icon
2

Developing Strategies for Reflection

Learning happens when we reflect. Take time to reflect on your strategies for reflection.

Start Learning Click 2 Computer Science Video Icon
3

Reflecting on Your Own Skills

Learn to increase engagement by connecting learning experiences to STEM pathways and careers

Start Learning Click 2 Computer Science Video Icon Click 2 Computer Science Group Learning Icon

For an audience experienced in working with youth but unfamiliar with computer science, go to the Basics of Teaching Computer Science pathway.

Learn More

For an audience ready to really engage youth in computer science, go to the Getting Started with Computational Thinking pathway.

Learn More