Empowering Detroit’s Next Generation Through Computer Science
Our Mission
CS for Detroit is a multi-year initiative, developed by a group of diverse stakeholders across the city of Detroit and beyond. Powered by Kapor Foundation, Google.org, Song Foundation, and CSforALL’s Accelerator Program, this initiative aims to champion lasting transformation in Detroit through deep investment in K-12 computing education.
Across the state of Michigan, there is a monthly average of 21,062 open computing jobs, but only 2,639 CS graduates are prepared to fill these positions with just 46% of Michigan high schools currently offering computer science courses.
Through investments and activities, the initiative will help expand access to year-round computer science learning opportunities for Detroit students, provide opportunities for professional learning for teachers and administrators, and engage the broader Detroit community in building a passion for the development of a diverse and robust pool of talent to design Detroit’s future.
Upcoming Events
POSTPONED: Justice-Centered Computing Back to School Summit
Through CS For Detroit, We Aim To:
Expand access to year-round computer science learning opportunities for Detroit students, invest in programs to ensure rigorous, culturally responsive, and community-driven opportunities for K-12 students, empower Detroit’s students to emerge as ethical leaders in tech to build equitable computer systems that reduce discrimination and harm, provide opportunities for professional learning for teachers and administrators, and engage the broader Detroit community in developing a diverse and robust pool of talent to design Detroit’s future.
TEACHERS
We are creating a diverse and inclusive network of CS teachers in Detroit, by both building a pipeline of new teachers and supporting professional learning for current teachers.
STUDENTS
We are expanding student participation, engagement, and success in computer science by elevating student voice and providing CS opportunities year-round.
SCHOOL / DISTRICT
We are working with district leaders in Detroit to expand equitable and sustainable CS pathways.
COMMUNITY
We are building connectivity, communication, and strategic alignment among stakeholders serving the broader Detroit community to impact tech equity.
POLICY MAKERS
We are collaborating with city and state policymakers to to advance equity and sustainability in computer science education in Detroit.
FROM THE COMMUNITY
CSforDetroit Steering Committee
The CS for Detroit Steering Committee is a dedicated collective of key stakeholders in K12 Computer Science education assembled to help school communities create a transformative learning experience in computer science classrooms and other learning environments throughout the city of Detroit.
CHANEL BEEBE
Founder, Beebe Arts, LLC & Kapor Consultant
SHANITA CANADY
Deputy Chief of Council Programs Girl Scouts of Southeast Michigan
KALISHA DAVIS
CS Equity Programs Project Director Kapor Foundation
PATRICIA GARCIA
Equitable CS National Advisor University of Michigan
RICHARD GRUNDY
Co-Founder and CEO Journi
RICK HILL
Professor of Mechanical Engineering University of Detroit Mercy
SHAWN HILL
Deputy Executive Director Detroit Public Schools Community District
TAWANA PETTY
Founding Director of Petty Propolis, Convening Member of Detroit Digital Justice Coalition
ALLISON SCOTT
CEO Kapor Foundation
LASHAWN SIMS
Senior Director of CS & STEM Enrichment at Detroit Public Schools Community District
MATTHEW WILLIAMS
Regional Manager at TEALS Program, Microsoft
AMAN YADAV
Equitable Computer Science Advisor, Michigan State University
CSforDetroit Student Leadership Team
The CSforDetroit Student Leadership Team represents seven school communities in Detroit, MI with varying levels of experience with Computer Science/STEM education. Our student leaders engage in meaningful conversations exploring CS, culturally responsive practices in and out of the classroom, and the impact their unique perspectives, voice, and leadership bring to create stronger communities for both youth and adults in Detroit.
To learn more about this incredible group of young people, and their research to examine perceptions of K12 computer science education among their peers, email dslt@csfordetroit.org.
We are currently accepting applications for the next cohort of the Student Leadership Team. Apply here by September 13, 2024.
Ahauna
DeRreana
Emiliano
Eyitooni
J. Israel
Joshua
Juelz
Monyé
Steve
Tatiyanna
Zariah
CSforDetroit Out of School Time Collective
The Out-of-School Time (OST) Collective is an emerging community of practice born out of the CSforDetroit initiative that launched in 2023.
The Collective offers incredible local professionals leading youth-serving/out-of-school time organizations in Metro Detroit an opportunity to connect to create a sustainable network, as well as funding to support their work to amplify learning opportunities for Black, Latinx, Native American, and other underrepresented students by introducing and deepening their understanding of CS & STEM Education.
Learn more about our 15 current grant partners in this community-driven effort.
