Strategies for Engaging Hispanic/Latino Youth in the US in Computer Science

Abstract

In the United States, Hispanic/Latino youth are underrepresented in computer science degree programs and the workforce. This chapter reviews theoretical models and empirical evidence to guide efforts to engage Hispanic/Latino youth in activities and learning environments that have the potential to increase their interest and capacity to pursue and persist in computer science. The authors advocate for a culturally responsive approach to engaging youth in computer science, and highlight a research-based program called Computer Science for the Social Good that has evidence of increasing elementary and high school students' interest and capacity to study computer science. The chapter concludes with implications for research and practice.

Empowering Latinx Elementary School Students with Disabilities: Computer Programming through Culturally Sustaining Curriculum

“…For example, schools offering computer science courses tend to serve fewer students with disabilities compared to those that do not offer such courses (Fancsali et al, 2018). Furthermore, Latinx students are underrepresented in the computer science workforce and in higher-degree computer science programs, often stemming from an early educational pathway with limited opportunities to learn computer science in schools compared to their white peers (Denner et al, 2021).…”