BPC-AE: STARS Computing Corps: Extending a National Community of Practice for Developing BPC Change Leaders

STARS Computing Corps aims to address the challenge of increasing the number of students who graduate with computing degrees and who remain in the field of computing after graduation by implementing evidence-based programs designed to promote persistence in computing degree programs and entry to the tech workforce. STARS especially seeks to expand the national community of computing students by improving pathways for computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) education and to the future computing and AI workforce. Through this project, STARS will continue its national community of practice—open to all college students, faculty, and administrators in computing-related fields—and associated resource center to build capacity in college computing departments for developing more comprehensive computing and AI educational experiences. Ultimately, the work of STARS has the potential to expand computing persistence and participation at all education levels and across disciplinary boundaries leading to computing career opportunities including AI, quantum, and biotechnology. STARS creates significant knowledge, institutional, and human resources that can increase the reach of computing education research to a larger audience of researchers, educators, and K-20 students. STARS conferences, programs, and networks disseminate evidence-based approaches and advance peer-reviewed scholarship for computing students. STARS activities include: 1) developing undergraduate student leadership abilities and provides resources that support their academic and professional development; 2) a year-long program (STARS AI Scholars) for undergraduate students, graduate students, and K-12 teachers to learn about foundational AI concepts, gain exposure to AI research topics, and engage in AI-focused outreach activities for K-12 students; 3) providing undergraduate students with early opportunities to engage in computing and AI education research experiences; 4) an in-person event providing sessions on academic and professional development to promote computing degree persistence, career awareness, and workforce entry; and 5) fostering a network that connects STARS undergraduate students with computing professionals to provide mentorship and guidance as students’ navigate a wide array of computing career opportunities including AI, quantum, and biotech. STARS will also conduct research aimed at identifying practices and programs that improve pathways to the future computing and AI workforce. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.