Who We Are
The computer science field has consistently underserved ethnic and racial minority, female-identifying, LGBTQIA+, and low-income individuals. CS Sidekicks strives to bridge this inequality in representation by teaching and mentoring the next generation in this discipline. Starting in our local community of Durham, NC, we are providing streamlined computer science curricula to public school students with limited exposure to the subject.
Our team believes that equal access to computer science resources is an essential part of increasing diversity within the field. We aim to introduce students to the discipline in a welcoming rather than daunting environment through hands-on mentorship from Duke University undergraduates in STEM, as well as a hub of additional support systems. We want to encourage each student to comfortably discover and explore their passions and skills with us as their Sidekicks. Our fundamental belief is that often, students do not necessarily lack access to computer science resources, rather they lack knowledge of the access that they have, and an even greater gap in understanding of where to start. CS Sidekicks is here to eliminate these uncertainties to the best of our ability by combining quality curriculum, active mentor guidance, and making other effective resources available to students. By extending on resources that others have created, we hope to teach students computer science, but also empower students with the equipment on how to most effectively learn computer science.
Our team at CS Sidekicks believes that computer science is an essential part of any student’s curriculum in the modern era, and the mission of introducing students to the subject we love so much is very close to our hearts. We know that computer science can seem daunting at first, so we are working to change the way the subject is taught, with hands-on mentorship from Duke undergraduates and a hub of support systems. We hope to change the status quo of teaching computer science by placing emphasis on the humanity of the subject and encouraging each student to explore their passions and skills with us as their sidekicks.
Our Mission
Our mission is to uplift our students as they dive into computer science. We want this program to be a supportive introduction to the field so they can be confident in their ability to succeed in STEM. Historically underserved groups have a place in computer science; we aim to mentor those who will be filling these seats.
Our Vision
CS Sidekicks was founded with the vision that we could create a curriculum structure that is engaging, appealing, and goes beyond introducing the information. Our course takes established curriculum from reputable sources, like Code.org and CodeHS, and adds a unique mentorship program that allows students to be supported throughout the learning process. With three levels of curriculum offerings, our Assist program providing extra help, and a hub of curated resources, CS Sidekicks wants to inspire students to keep learning, long-term. Our first two course levels will be content based, with the third placing emphasis on students completing a relevant independent project. We hope that this structure keeps students engaged and accountable, while giving them tangible goals to work towards. Our program can allow students to discover a passion for computer science with us as a relatable support system.
Our Values
- Empowerment
- Inclusion
- Community
- Trust
- Curiosity
Frequently Asked Questions
We currently work with Durham Public School students in 7th through 11th grade.
We provide underserved students with a unique opportunity to learn computer science and make a lasting connection with a high-achieving Duke University undergraduate mentor.
We recommend that students engage in at least one full semester course (the length of any one Pathway course) with us in order to derive maximum educational benefit. Our program structure gives students the opportunity to move on to the next “Pathway” course as their knowledge level increases. Ultimately students will be able to enroll in Pathway 3 as many times as they would like – the more ideas they have for venture-based projects the better!
Our free curriculum is divided into three levels, each one appealing to a different knowledge and skill level. Our first two curriculums have a traditional course structure, while the third is an independent project each student can take on with their mentor. This curriculum in combination with an assistance program and a curated list of extra resources for learning makes CS Sidekicks a one-stop-shop for learning computer science.
We define success as seeing students develop an enthusiasm for learning computer science. Through a non-traditional introduction avenue, we hone their analytical and problem-solving skills. In addition, our team records metrics to measure student engagement, enjoyment, and retention.
We won’t stress students out with excessive workloads, allow students to fall behind, or judge students based on their skills, knowledge, or personal attributes.
Our curriculum is easy to implement and scalable. We consistently maintain a 3:1 student-mentor ratio, making us a unique offering.
We hope that students, parents, and schools alike recognize the value of a computer science education. We think it is essential for students to have at least some computer science literacy given the modern era revolving around technology.
CS Sidekicks aims to address the research-backed evidence that ethnic and racial minority, female-identifying, LGBTQIA+, and low-income individuals study computer science at a lower rate than White or Asian males. Many underserved groups lack confidence in their capability to excel in the field. Our program elements are meant to counteract this sentiment and show every student that they have what it takes to take computer science to the highest level. We want our students to lead by example and be role models for the generation below them.
*We are not sponsored by or affiliated in any way with Duke University.