Background:
The CODE Sí project dates back to the pre-pandemic era of 2019-2020 when the UCSD CREATE Code.org team meticulously crafted an inclusive bilingual curriculum aimed at elucidating the “Six Big Ideas” inherent in coding: Program, Repeat Loop, Code Efficiency, Debugging, Conditional, and If-Else.
This initiative was further bolstered by the collaborative efforts of the team to present this curriculum at Bilingual Family Coding Night events, where they actively engaged with both parents and students, striving to impart accessible computer science education. Though the project paused during COVID, it was reignited during the 2022-2023 academic year, thanks to the unwavering commitment of CREATE directors Dr. Minh Mai and Dr. Alberto Vazquez, who secured funding from AT&T, aligning with their dedication to fostering higher education initiatives geared towards cultivating a skilled technological workforce. Leveraging CREATE’s established reputation and ongoing mission to provide equitable computer science opportunities across the San Diego region, the resumption of the CODE Sí project proved to be a seamless integration.
Building upon the previous successes, last year’s endeavors encompassed the execution of four successful Bilingual Family Coding Nights across diverse sites, with a notable expansion into Coding Camps as a supplemental resource for students seeking further engagement with computer science curriculum during after school hours. Led by undergraduate staff from CREATE, many of whom were first-generation students of color pursuing careers in computer science, these camps offered a unique avenue for connection and mentorship. Encouraged by the groundwork laid by past projects, the CODE Sí team embarked on their latest endeavor, commencing with a visit to Encanto Elementary on January 30th, 2024.
Bilingual Family Coding Night at Encanto Elementary: January 30th, 2024
During this visit, the team orchestrated a highly impactful Bilingual Family Coding Night at a school boasting a student population characterized by a 54% female population, a 97% minority enrollment, and 77% identified as economically disadvantaged. The event attracted a diverse group of 50 attendees, including educators, parents, students, and members of the CREATE team. Extensive preparation preceded the event, with a strong emphasis placed on practicing the Six Big Ideas and refining bilingual presentation skills to cater to the predominantly Spanish-speaking audience.
The overarching objectives of the evening were to underscore the relevance of computer science in an era defined by rapid technological advancement, introduce youth to fundamental concepts within the field, and foster meaningful engagement with parents, transcending existing language barriers in the world of computer science. These objectives were resoundingly achieved, as evidenced by the palpable sense of communal spirit that permeated the gathering, facilitating dialogue, shared learning experiences, and genuine camaraderie.
As we reflect on the success of this event, we eagerly anticipate future endeavors, with plans already underway to expand outreach efforts to include presentations tailored to our Vietnamese communities.
In essence, the CODE Sí project not only serves as a conduit for CS knowledge dissemination but also as a catalyst for forging enduring connections between university resources and underserved student communities, thereby enriching the fabric of our collective learning journey in computer science.
UC San Diego CREATE Blog 