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In addition to this programming, students received information about careers in computing and other possible activities for them at the University of Nebraska.
The grant also helped facilitate an afterschool program for children at Dundee Elementary School in Omaha. Dundee has 38% underrepresented enrollment, and around 41% of students at this elementary receive free/reduced lunch.
At Dundee, Perez held six after school sessions for 10 students, which included activities in computer programming, cybersecurity and cryptography, data encoding and representation, and an introduction to robotics and microcontrollers. These activities were held in October and November 2023.
While many children in the Omaha metropolitan area still need access to computer science and technology activities, the funding provided allowed the team to contribute to increasing awareness of computer science and computer science-related careers among underrepresented groups and foster relationships in the community.
Future plans include delivering a program of i/we Belong workshops in South Omaha during summer 2024, in partnership with a local non-profit that works with underrepresented groups.
“We expect to continue to expand these outreach and awareness activities in the future. We appreciate the IEEE Computer Society Diversity and Inclusion Fund and its donors for providing funding for this program,” said Perez.