Blog: 5 Ways to Improve Equity in Computer Science

Only 24% of the computers science (CS) workforce is female, 8% is African-American, and 7% is Latinx. What can you do to make computer science education more equitable in your school or district?

Last updated - July 7, 2023

Did you know that only 24% of the computers science (CS) workforce is female, 8% is African-American, and 7% is Latinx? Every student should have the opportunity to learn how to code. Unfortunately, not all students are given equal access to a quality computer science education.

Barriers like lack of funding or teachers being unfamiliar with teaching computer science are contributing factors to the lack of diversity in CS. Minority and marginalized groups need more exposure to STEM education, and we need more of their unique perspectives in the STEM industry.

So, what can you do to make computer science education more equitable in your school or district?

1. Give students access to computer science education early.

The sooner students are exposed to a subject, the less imposing it seems. Computer science is no different. When students don't have any interaction with coding until middle or high school, it feels less familiar and for many students, scarier. They've been exposed to subjects like math and reading since they were young, but all of a sudden they're faced with the prospect of a new subject to learn. This can be daunting and discouraging for students.

By introducing computer science to elementary students, you are setting them up for success down the road. They will feel more confident and prepared throughout their computer science journey...