Announcing the Google CS Engagement Small Awards Program

Google has created the CS Engagement Small Grants Program to support educators teaching introductory computer science courses in reaching their engagement and retention goals. Unrestricted gifts of $5k will be given to selected applicants’ universities.

All educators who are teaching CS1 and CS2 courses at the post-secondary level are encouraged to apply — applications will be accepted through November 15, 2014 and will be evaluated on an ongoing basis. Please check out the Call for Proposal.

While the overall number of students in introductory computer science courses continues to climb, the number of students who go on to complete undergraduate degrees, especially among women and minorities is not as high. Recent findings show that retaining students after their first year in a CS program is still an issue. One of the strongest factors in retention is early exposure to engaging courses and course material, which are meaningful and relevant to the student’s life and encourage student-to-student interaction.

For more information: http://googleforeducation.blogspot.com/2014/10/announcing-google-cs-engagement-small.html