Summary
CS KickStart is an intensive one-week program at UC Berkeley designed to help incoming freshmen women explore computer science in hopes of recruiting them into the field. We were able to launch CS KickStart for the 11th consecutive year in August of 2022 and recruited 95 participants. In 2022, our program included a variety of workshops in Python, Web Development, Electrical Engineering, and Data Science. We also hosted an amazing PhD student Jennifer Grannen and faculty speaker John Denero. The program had 3 field trips: a community-building experience with the Oakland Athletics, a tour and panel with SAP Academy for Engineering, and a tour and Q+A with Stitch Fix.
https://cs-kickstart.berkeley.edu/
Program Findings
Testimonials
Fund a meal for one of our participants during the week! Meals keep our participants fueled up so that they can learn more about Computer Science.
We spend about $20 per participant on transportation costs to various industry field trips and socials. These are cornerstones of our program, as they allow students to see practical computer science applications and build a community.
CSK's biggest expense is our housing cost. Students participate free of charge, so all housing costs come out of our budget. Student's stay in one of the university dorms in doubles or tripes and eat at the dining halls.