URI’s Computer Science and Statistics Department is launching a new Pathways to Success in Computer Science (P2S in CS) program, which was developed based on research about URI computer science (CS) majors. “We have known for a long time, and it is no secret nationwide, that there is a dearth of computer science graduates from underrepresented, minoritized groups,” Lisa DiPippo, Chair of the Department of Computer Science and Statistics, said. A few years ago DiPippo asked one of her graduate students, Noura Albarakati, to learn about the experiences of students from these populations in the CS major to better understand the scope of the problem. This effort began the initiative that is now P2S in CS.
Albarakati’s research uncovered some of the reasons students were leaving the CS major before graduation: notably, many did not have a strong background in math and computer science and thus struggled academically in the introductory sequence of courses. Perhaps more importantly, Albarakati found what helped students thrive and eventually graduate with a CS degree: students from these populations who sought help from TAs, joined student groups, and found a community in the department were more likely to stay in the major despite having the same background and struggles as the students who changed their major. “We developed Pathways to Success in Computer Science to create a cohort of students who were taking the same course in the summer, studying together, getting academic support outside of class, attending workshops on study skills and professional development, and visiting local companies to see the kind of work they might do with the CS major,” DiPippo said. “The hope is that the students will be successful in this core major course, and they will gain a sense of belonging in the major and a sense of ownership in their success going forward.”
With the support of a $1M grant from the Economic Development Agency, this scholarship program will now be able to support ten undergraduates majoring in computer science each year for five years. The scholarship includes a summer stipend, tuition and book coverage, career professional development and network building with local companies, and on-campus housing and meal plans. The grant also funds a graduate student to organize and plan the summer events and other support for the program. URI has matched the grant funds with faculty time to work with the scholars and the graduate student and to develop the summer class to work within the program. The first group of scholars will start this summer. The application is open until January 31. Students can learn about the program here, and the application can be found here.