Bold Idea’s Board and staff have recently crafted a new vision statement:
A world where every student has an unobstructed path to access computer science education and pursue fulfilling careers in technology.
The ‘unobstructed path’ phrase is particularly important. Computer science skills are critical to succeed in today’s economy, but too many students – especially those from diverse backgrounds and experiences – are excluded from computer science. Not enough students in Dallas ISD have the opportunity to learn computer science skills - and it’s setting them behind.
Many obstacles block access to computer science education for students in historically underserved communities. They include:
School constraints. Students may attend a school that doesn’t have the budget to offer computer science courses or provide qualified and trained teachers.
Technology access. They may lack access to a computer or broadband Internet access at home.
Geographic and financial barriers. Many out-of-school coding activities exist but they are located in regions of north Texas that are far out of reach for students in the southern sector of Dallas - plus, they’re far too expensive.
Adult support. They could also lack the adult support, mentors, and technology role models.
Bold Idea is committed to removing the barriers that prevent many students in Dallas from accessing this valuable learning. We will continue to address this opportunity gap in the coming years by expanding access to computer science in under-resourced communities.
Our ideaSpark Coding Clubs program closes the opportunity gap for students in Dallas. In operation for seven years, the program combines hands-on learning in computer science with mentoring from industry professionals. We remove the financial barriers that prevent students from taking advantage of out-of-school opportunities to learn computer science skills, which are more accessible to students in high-income parts of north Texas. With virtual learning and by partnering with a student's school, we remove the geographic barrier to participation.
Together with our corporate and community partners, Bold Idea is breaking down every barrier, erasing every limitation, and creating a level playing field that empowers all young minds to embrace the transformative power of an education in computer science. We are dedicated to fostering a world where the doors to computer science education and tech careers swing open wide for every student, paving the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and innovative tomorrow.