4 Norwalk students named computer science ambassadors

CEDAR RAPIDS — While computer science remains a male-dominated field, Robin West is working toward balancing those statistics in her computer science classroom at Norwalk High School.

This summer, four students from the school — in Warren County, just south of Des Moines — were selected as CS Ambassadors by Code.org, a direct result of the efforts by their teacher.

West has participated in two of NewBoCo's professional development programs, Code.org Computer Science Principles and Computer Science A, both as a participant and a facilitator.

"After getting the chance to network and collaborate with CS teachers across the state through NewBoCo's programs, I've put a lot more focus on student collaboration, unplugged activities to explain concepts, scaffolding strategies, and intentionally encouraging students' identities as computer scientists," West said.

Since becoming a facilitator and participating in training, West has seen a notable change in her classroom, including an increase in enrollment, particularly among female students.

Remarkably, half the students in her upcoming Computer Science A course will be female.

That achievement aligns with the goals of the CS Ambassadors program, which aims to encourage young women to explore computer science and challenge stereotypes that may hold them back.

Code.org names student ambassadors to encourage young women to explore the subject and lift each other up “as they reclaim their place in computer science. ... CS Ambassadors connect with their peers to share their excitement and love of computer science."

The four student ambassadors will visit classrooms, host tables during lunch periods and work with teachers and school administrators to create an inclusive environment for women in tech.

Tech creators

“My students have just begun their experience with the CS Ambassadors program, but NewBoCo has been a great resource in helping them understand the state of CS education in Iowa, connect with professionals, and share their experiences,” West said.

NewBoCo’s leadership in providing CS professional development and advocating for tech skills across Iowa is s an excellent model for her students, she added.

Empowering young women in computer science is important, West said.

“Teaching CS means helping students become creators of technology, rather than just consumers,” she said. “It's important that the creators of technology represent the users of the technology so that the tools created are as useful as possible while limiting harmful effects.”

‘Ripple effect’

West’s dedication to ensuring all students, regardless of gender, see themselves as capable and belonging in computer science courses is a reflection of NewBoCo’s mission.

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Samantha Dahlby, NewBoCo’s director of K-12 education, noted the difference West is making in her classrooms.

“We are thrilled to see the ripple effect that Robin is having in our state,” Dalby said. “We love working with educators to support them, and, in turn, seeing the impact they have on their students for years to come.”

The CS Ambassadors program and NewBoCo's professional development initiatives are part of a larger effort to address gender disparities in tech and ensure equitable access to computer science education.

For more information about NewBoCo’s Professional Development programs visit: https://newbo.co/education/educators/

Jessica Abdoney is marketing and communications coordinator at NewBoCo. Comments: jessica.abdoney@newbo.co