Problem: 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. In school districts across the country, girls and Black and Latinx students are all underrepresented in Computer Science education. Few schools have the budget for curriculum, qualified teachers, and other resources to teach the subject, especially for the youngest learners in elementary and middle school, and it’s setting students behind. This digital skills opportunity gap is a problem because learning Computer Science is critical for college and career success. Computing jobs are the top source of new wages in the U.S., and a Computer Science major can earn 40% more than the college average. It is especially glaring in Dallas, an area that hosts one-third of all high-tech jobs in Texas and the 6th largest concentration of high-tech jobs in the U.S. A recent report by CompTIA projects that the Dallas tech workforce will grow by 17% over the next ten years. Today’s 3rd grade students will be graduating high school seniors in ten years.

Our Approach: Bold Idea is committed to removing the barriers that prevent many students from accessing this valuable learning. Thanks to contributions from corporate partners and other donors, our ideaSpark Coding Clubs program is free for Dallas ISD students to participate. By partnering with a student's school, Bold Idea removes the geographic barrier to participation. Bold Idea also donates gently-used laptop computers to students participating at home who don’t have access to a device. Collaboration is key in creating more equitable access to Computer Science education. We partner with schools, districts, community organizations, and corporations in north Texas - together, preparing more girls and Black and Latinx students to succeed in our digital workforce.