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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

CHANEL BEEBE

Founder, Beebe Arts, LLC & Kapor Consultant

SHANITA CANADY

SHANITA CANADY

Deputy Chief of Council Programs Girl Scouts of Southeast Michigan

KALISHA DAVIS

KALISHA DAVIS

CS Equity Programs Project Director Kapor Foundation

PATRICIA GARCIA

PATRICIA GARCIA

Equitable CS National Advisor University of Michigan

RICHARD GRUNDY

RICHARD GRUNDY

Co-Founder and CEO Journi

RICK HILL

RICK HILL

Professor of Mechanical Engineering University of Detroit Mercy

SHAWN HILL

SHAWN HILL

Deputy Executive Director Detroit Public Schools Community District

TAWANA PETTY

TAWANA PETTY

Founding Director of Petty Propolis, Convening Member of Detroit Digital Justice Coalition

Dr Allison Scott

ALLISON SCOTT

CEO Kapor Foundation

LASHAWN

LASHAWN SIMS

Senior Director of CS & STEM Enrichment at Detroit Public Schools Community District

Matthew Williams

MATTHEW WILLIAMS

Regional Manager at TEALS Program, Microsoft

AMAN YADAV

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

Ahauna

DeRreana

DeRreana

Emiliano

Emiliano

Eyitooni

Eyitooni

J. Israel

J. Israel

Joshua

Joshua

Juelz

Juelz

Monye

Monyé

Steve

Steve

Tatiyanna

Tatiyanna

Zariah

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.

Get Involved

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