Fall '21 Pathways Program: Recruiting Students Now!
The Fall 2021 program consists of three curricula “pathways”, all tailored to different computer science experience levels. The Fall 2021 program also contains an additional Builder’s Workshop designed to assist students in building a self-directed project of their own using their previous knowledge of Python. These programs will introduce or further immerse our students in the field of computer science in an engaging, yet supportive manner. To learn more about the different pathways in the Fall 2021 program, click here!
Spring '21 Pathways Program: Complete!
Through an intensive recruitment process, we selected 30 extremely qualified and passionate Sidekicks (all Duke University students) that led DPS students through our 8-week program. Our 3:1 student to Sidekick ratio enabled the mentoring relationships that are integral to our offerings.
In this program, we worked to ensure that every student not only learned more about computer science, but also how to navigate online educational resources to further their own understanding and become independent learners. Every student, no matter their background, ethnicity, race, or sexual orientation HAS the ability to have a positive impact on the world using technology, and we aim to support students through their journeys.
Winter '20 Pilot Program: Complete!
The CS Sidekicks Winter 2020 Pilot Program was a free introductory program for 18 Durham Public School students to learn web development fundamentals. Over the course of 8 one-hour sessions, they learned HTML and CSS and created their own personal websites using a streamlined Code.org curriculum. Each student was mentored by one of 7 Sidekicks, composed of various Duke University students in STEM. The feedback surveys from each session of our pilot program were invaluable in shaping each of our 8-week Spring 2021 course offerings.
Students:
- Gained valuable CS website development experience
- Learned how to navigate Code.org interfaces
- Experimented with 3 different coding languages and created a real website to show friends and family
Our COVID-19 Response
CS Sidekicks understands that a great number of difficulties have arisen for many families due to COVID-19. In an attempt to decrease the exasperated disparities that Black, Latinx, and Low-Income communities will face as a result of the pandemic, we plan to use this increased amount of time spent at home as an opportunity to occupy students with productive work and great role models.
We have fully transitioned to remote after school sessions and will try our best to provide students with appropriate hardware, if necessary. We have been working hard to ensure that all students have the opportunity to complete all of CS Sidekicks’ programming and curricula
CS Sidekicks is continuing to strive to establish and build personal connections with a 5:1 student Sidekick ratio, allowing for deeper connections even in a virtual setting. We also plan on implementing a “CS Sidekicks Assist Program”, where students can come and ask for help, whether it be on a personal project or a AP Computer Science assignment.
We are looking to complement, rather than disrupt or compete. CS Sidekicks aims to work towards bridging the gap in computer science by placing an emphasis on mentorship and harnessing existing resources. We will continue to use our experiences in computer science to create the most effective classroom instruction, self-directed exploration, and enrichment for students.