2024 NCWIT Summit

Workshop Block 2

DEI and Educational Censorship Legislation with Jeremy Young

In this session led by Jeremy Young of PEN America, we will examine the current state of educational censorship, and what strategies or resources are available to educational leaders in CS Education.

Team Member Selection for Project Alignment with Julia Williams

In this workshop, you’ll be introduced to two tools that can help you as you work with project teams. The first tool is designed to help team leaders identify needs for the project and align team member selection to those needs. The second tool encourages team members to communicate about the projects and their impacts using narrative techniques. Your work today will be hands on and will prepare you for using these tools with your teams.

Tools and Strategies for Leading Undergraduate Systemic Change (does not repeat)

This session will provide strategies and tools departmental change leaders can leverage in their home departments to broaden participation in undergraduate computing. Specifically, participants from NCWIT’s Higher Ed Learning Circles will share knowledge, skills, and strategies they gained from their participation in the Learning Circles initiative, and how these concepts are being translated into actions that will diversify and holistically benefit their undergraduate communities. Additionally, NCWIT higher ed research associates will interactively walk session attendees through utilizing NCWIT’s online Tech Inclusion Journey® for Undergraduate Programs (TIJ-UP) departmental assessment and strategic planning platform. The TIJ-UP is a tool that those in higher education who are working to broaden participation in computing can use to: build a common vision; identify gaps in knowledge and practices; improve communication and coordination; prioritize goals; develop an actionable strategic plan; and connect to NCWIT resources. To learn more, please visit the NCWIT Learning Circles webpage.

Macroeconomics in Color with Nikki Lanier

The browning of the working-class world, by 2045, will require the bold and unprecedented ascension of people of color into the middle class and beyond. This “fix” happens at work. This conundrum transcends the “right thing to do” argument of the past, and requires our demonstrative correction of the lingering impact of difference equating to deficit.

Racism is one of the most significant economic issues we face today and therefore must be addressed in every system, structure, and organization where it thrives.

Responding to Bias in Mentor and Sponsor Relationships with Lisa Fain

Bias in mentor-protege and sponsorship-protege relationships can manifest in various ways, influencing career trajectories and opportunities. This bias can contribute to the perpetuation of existing power dynamics and hinder the advancement of marginalized groups within organizations by limiting access to opportunities. Addressing and mitigating bias in these relationships is crucial for fostering inclusive environments that promote equal opportunities and the development of a diverse range of professionals. Additionally, unconscious biases may impact evaluations and decision-making, affecting how mentors and sponsors perceive the capabilities and potential of their proteges or potential proteges.

Beyond Tech Skills, Supporting First-Generation Professionals as They Navigate Their Career with Jacob Martinez and Kelsey Flood (Mini-Plenary, does not repeat)

Digital NEST provides underserved youth from under-resourced rural communities in California with the skills, resources, and network to build and launch successful careers. We operate NEST centers in five cities in California: Watsonville, Salinas, Gilroy, Modesto, and soon Stockton. Our free programs provide a bridge for underserved youth—87% Latinx and 40% women—to enter tech careers from which they have been historically excluded. Since opening our doors, nearly 3,800 14–24-year-olds have engaged in Digital NEST programming, helping to create a more diverse tech workforce.

We work closely with tech businesses to engage their employees as mentors and to create a pipeline for NEST members so they can transition into paid internships and career-path positions. Alumni who secure tech jobs help ensure the door that was opened to them is open to other members by advocating for them and providing guidance as they begin their careers.

Inspire the Future: Mentor an AiC Community Member (does not repeat)

Join a rewarding and interactive speed-mentoring session for Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Community members who are NCWIT AiC Collegiate Award recipients and AiC Story Ambassadors. Your mentorship will cultivate confidence and guide these students in their journeys into tech. Higher Ed and Workforce members are encouraged to join as mentors.