Did you know that kids who learn computer science in high school are 6 times more likely to major in it, and women are 10 times more likely? Computer science majors have incredible opportunities after graduation. Help us bring computer science to more junior high and high school students! (https://code.org/advocacy/state-facts/TX.pdf)

By introducing computer science to kids at a young age, we can increase their cognitive skills, like analytic and problem-solving skills, number sense, language skills, and visual memory. (Sullivan & Bers, Robotics in the early childhood classroom: learning outcomes from an 8-week robotics curriculum in pre-kindergarten through second grade, 2015)

In 2015 only 2% of Texas high school students completed a computer science course. We're trying to change that by sending UTCS students into the Austin community to teach our kids computer science! (UT News, 2017)

In 2013 only 17.9% of computer science degrees were awarded to women. By introducing STEM curriculum and programming to kids at an early age we can fight gender-based stereotypes and avoid long lasting negative consequences that keep talented kids from seeking out computer science. (NSF, Science & Engineering Indicators, 2016; Sullivan, Gender differences in kindergarteners’ robotics and programming achievements, 2012 )

It's true what they say- teaching others is the best way to learn! A recent report from Google on the igniteCS mentorship program shows that the more confident a student is in mentoring another student in computer science, the more confident she feels in her own school work.

Join us in creating leaders at UTCS! Community service and outreach is incredibly effective for fostering students’ leadership capacity by developing their skills in brainstorming, decision-making, setting goals, and working with others. (Boyd, Bringing Leadership Experiences to Inner-City Youth, 2001; Furco & Root, Research Demonstrates the Value of Service Learning, 2010)