Outreach
The Iribe Initiative for Inclusion and Diversity in Computing is committed to making computing a field that includes participation of individuals across the intersections of gender identification, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and disability status.
Programs - Fall and Spring Semester Outreach Programs
Creative Computing Program
The Creative Computing Program is an online enrichment program designed to provide experiences in computing concepts for all students in grades 4-8, including homeschoolers and those who have been historically underrepresented in computing. Students are taught by current UMD undergraduates in various computing majors. For more information contact us at i4c_k12@umd.edu
Grades 4-6
Explore computer science and computational thinking by creating your own animation, story, and game development projects in the Creative Computing Program. Students will learn computer programming skills such as functions, loops, events and computational thinking skills such as debugging and testing while learning Drag & Drop programming. In addition, we will introduce other general computing concepts such as cybersafety and number theory.
Grades 6-8
Advance your programming skills with Python. The Creative Computing Program gives students the opportunity to create geometric art designs and more advanced projects using Python. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced programmer, learning Python can enhance your understanding of variables, conditionals, input/output, and much more. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of computing concepts that help them prepare for future career paths while also strengthening their math, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
To request this program for your group of 10 or more students please complete this form: go.umd.edu/I4C_K12OutreachRequest
NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Award
In collaboration with National Center for Women In Technology (NCWIT), the Maryland Affiliate Chapter, consisting of The University of Maryland-College Park, UMBC, and Loyola University Maryland partner together to recognize the best students for the prestigious NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC) for the Maryland region.
We honor 9-12 grade students who identify as women, genderqueer, or non-binary for their computing or tech related achievements and interests, and encourages them to pursue their passions. Our AiC recipients are selected based on their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing, as demonstrated by their computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership experience, and tenacity in the face of barriers to access. To receive more information visit and create a profile at: https://www.aspirations.org/recognitions/AiCAward. Applications open September 1 each year. Email md-affiliate@aspirations.org.
Technica
October 26-27| Registion opens in August: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdsOv-jDAX80OY2m14QtPRDOMTPqy2Q...
Technica is the world's largest all-women and nonbinary hackathon hosted annually at the University of Maryland. Over the duration of 24 hours, women and non-binary people are immersed in tech culture and encouraged to exercise their imagination to create interesting and innovative hacks.
For more information contact us at hello@gotechnica.org or visit our website: https://gotechnica.org/
Girl Scouts Workshops
We are proud to present our workshops series for Girl Scouts to earn their Coding for Good, Cybersecurity, and Robotics badges while building “courage, confidence, and character.”
Coding for Good and Cybersecurity badges may be earned through the in person Girl Scout Day each semester (register through the Girl Scouts of Nation's Capital website) or the Virtual Girl Scout Computing Adventures, free private workshops through Zoom for troops with 10-15 Girl Scouts. Each badge takes around 1 hour at the Daisy, Brownie, and Junior levels; 1.5 hours/badge for Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors. To see which badges are available, visit: https://go.umd.edu/GSWorkshops. To request a virtual workshop for your troop fill out our interest form: https://bit.ly/VGSCA23
STEM/Robotics K-12 Outreach
Throughout the year, our Ambassadors take our curriculum on the road to visit local organizations and schools (ex. local schools) with a fun STEM activity. Activities last up to 2 hours. STEM options include LEGO Mindstorm Robots, cryptology activities and programming that provide an introduction to computing principles. If your group of 15 or more students are interested in learning more about these options, tell us more about your group and your interest by completing the Outreach Request form: https://go.umd.edu/I4C_K12OutreachRequest
Ignite Elementary Workshop with UMD
Elementary students are invited to participate with the University of Maryland's current Computer Science students for an interactive learning experience in computing, robotics, and cybersecurity! In previous years our undergraduate students have led workshops in topics such as Python Art, Robotic Challenge, and Cryptography. This event provides students with the opportunity to explore computing topics, and learn about additional resources to continue their learning. Audience: Current 3rd- 5th Graders. To request this program for your group of 15 or more students please complete this form: go.umd.edu/I4C_K12OutreachRequest
Cyber Girls Ambassadors
In partnership with WIT (the local professional Women in Technology), UMD Computer Science students go into the high schools to coach high school students to participate in the CyberPatriot competition through after school programs in local schools. This program is managed by the ACES Honors Program. To request this program for your group of students please complete this form: go.umd.edu/I4C_K12OutreachRequest
The Perspective - CS @UMD
Returning Fall 2024
The Iribe Initiative for Inclusion & Diversity in Computing & the Maryland Center for Women in Computing invite you to The Perspective - CS @UMD. This in person event is for all high school students, including those who identify as Black/African American, Hispanic/Latina/o/e/x, and Native American Indian. Students will be able to take a closer look at the University of Maryland's admissions process and program requirements, participate in programming workshops, and listen to a guest speaker. Students will hear from current computing students' perspectives about majoring in computing and student life at the University of Maryland.
For more information contact us (301) 405-7615 or i4c_k12@umd.edu
High School Computing Workshops at UMD
Returning Fall 2024
Our workshops series for ALL high school students has historically explored computing concepts in programming languages, cybersecurity, web design, data science, and careers. This springl we're providing a dynamic virtual experience for all high school students while engaging in discussions, exercises, and activities in real-world situations. These workshops will be in person at the Brendan Iribe Center for Computer Science and Engineering. Refreshments will be provided.
Past Workshop Series:
- App Development I
- App Development II
- Cybersecurity
- UI/UX + Web Dev I
- UI/UX + Web Dev II
- Python I
- Python II
*In-person on UMD-College Park campus at the Brendan Iribe Center
For more information contact us (301) 405-7615 or i4c_k12@umd.edu
I4C Summer Academy
I4C Summer Academy
Applications are closed for the 2024 season.
AI Summer Program
Applications for Summer 2024 are closed!
Target Participant: Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th Graders
- July 8th - 19th
- Cost: $600
The AI summer program is a two-week long, computer programming and artificial intelligence (AI) non-residential program. Students will be given the opportunity to use artificial intelligence to address problems of a probabilistic and numeric nature. Participants will explore the field of AI through team projects, industry field trips, and presentations from guest speakers. There will also be opportunities to engage with faculty, staff and researchers who have been leaders in AI. Students will be exposed to a breadth of knowledge in the field with the goal of leveraging AI for social good. Accepted students will have to complete ~25 hours of asychronous content prior to the start date.
For more information, visit https://inclusion.cs.umd.edu/outreach/ai4all
Create Tech
Create Tech (High School)
Applications for Summer 2024 are closed!
Target Participant: Rising 10th - 12th Graders
- July 22nd - August 2nd
- Cost: $500
Come join us for a two-week non-residential summer program to learn the basics of Python and Wearable Technology. Here, high school students will create wearable technology, program it using Python, and explore the revolution behind such technology. Students will learn about software and hardware while programming Circuit Playgrounds to create wearable items such as light-up keychains, bracelets, and broches, odometers, etc. Labs will consist of creating a prototype design using materials and state of the art design equipment in our Singh Sandbox.
For more information, https://inclusion.cs.umd.edu/outreach/intro
Create Tech (Middle School)
Applications for Summer 2024 are closed.
Target Participant: Rising 8th - 9th Graders
- July 8th - 19th
- Cost: $500
In this two-week non-residential summer program, middle school students will explore how humans interact with information and technology and apply programming skills to better understand the social impact of modern day innovative technology. Students will have the opportunity to design and create a prototype to address a contemporary issue of their choice.
For more information, https://inclusion.cs.umd.edu/outreach/intro
CompSciConnect
Applications for Summer 2024 are closed.
Target Participants: Rising 6th - 8th Graders
- Session 1: June 17th - 28th (CSC Yellow & Red only)
- Session 2: July 8th - 19th (CSC Red & Terp only)
- Session 3: July 22nd - August 2nd (CSC Yellow & Terp only)
- Cost: $400
CompSciConnect is a three-year non-residential summer program (Yellow, Red, and Terp groups) that typically begins with rising 6th graders joining the Yellow group. Each summer, students learn more advanced skills and also meet once a month throughout the school year to maintain those skills. Through the three years, students explore block based programming (ie. Scratch) (Yellow); web design programming with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (Red); and 3D game design programming (Terp), along with cybersecurity/safety, cryptology, number bases, logic, and computer use skills. Through the three years, we emphasize how these skills connect to other areas of study and to making the world a better place.
NOTE: We typically only accept students into Yellow and Red. We will have 45-50 spots for Yellow campers, and about 10-20 spots for Red.
All rising 6th graders will be considered for Yellow ONLY.
All rising 7th graders will be considered for Yellow or Red ONLY.
All rising 8th graders will be considered for Red.
For more information, visit https://inclusion.cs.umd.edu/outreach/csc
S3C2 Secure IT Summer Academy
Applications for Summer 2024 are closed.
Target Participants: Rising 6th - 8th Graders
- Date: June 17th - 28th
- Cost: $400
Is computing taking over the world too quickly? Do you wonder if the technology you use is safe? Who created the code behind your app? Come explore the Secure IT Summer Academy in a one-week non-residential summer program held at the University of Maryland-College Park, and North Carolina State University. This program is for middle school (rising 6th - 8th grade) students who are interested in the growing field of cybersecurity. Students will learn to think like a cyber detective and employ design thinking to protect the things that you interact with daily (smart technologies, wearables, internet sites). In this summer program, you will use creative problem-solving to design, code, and protect various systems designed to help people across many fields.
For more information, visit https://inclusion.cs.umd.edu/outreach/secureit
Scholarships
Applications for Summer 2024 are closed.
I4C Summer Academy Need-based Scholarships will be available this summer. Scholarships are available for eligible students living in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia areas. Please apply to a summer program before you apply for a scholarship.
FAQ's
I4C Summer Academy Middle School Application Timeline:
|
|
Deadline |
Status Response |
|
Best Consideration |
March 29, 2024 |
April 1-12, 2024 |
|
Waitlist |
March 30, 2024 |
April 15-26, 2024 |
Summer Academy High School Application Process Timeline:
|
Deadline |
Status Response |
|
|
Best Consideration |
March 15, 2024 | March 18-29, 2024 |
|
Waitlist |
March 16, 2024 | April 1-12, 2024 |
- Can my son participate in this program?
- All students are eligible to apply and participate in an I4C Summer Academy program. Some content and themes are geared toward girls, but we accept all students.
- How will my child's references be contacted for a recommendation?
- We will email each reference an electronic recommendation form on a rolling basis beginning in January 2024. References can also request a paper version as needed.
- When do I submit my payment?
- After you have been accepted, you will have two weeks to confirm your seat in the program and will be given payment information. For non-residential programs, accepted students will have 1 month to submit their payment. Students accepted into the high school programs will have two weeks to confirm their seat and to submit their deposit. The full balance will be due 1 month after confirmation. If you are awarded a scholarship, you will have 2-4 weeks to submit your payment.
- My student is really excited about XX program. Are there any exceptions to the grade requirements?
- We currently have opportunities for rising 6th - 12th graders. Our grade requirements are for students rising into a particular grade. We are not able to make grade exceptions for any reason. We hope you can find a program that matches your student's interests. Please view other UMD Camp opportunities here: https://today.umd.edu/2022-umd-summer-camps
- I am interested in CompSciConnect. Can my student attend week 1 of one session and week 2 of another session?
- Due to the nature of the CompSciConnect program design and team environment, your student must be able to attend the entire session in full.
- When can I expect to receive the status of my application?
- Applications will not be reviewed before the best consideration date. Any applications received after the best consideration date will be considered on our waitlist and reviewed on a rolling basis as space is available. Please see the middle and high school timelines above.