Targeted Infusion Project: An Innovative Approach to Improving Undergraduate Student Performance in Computer Science at Howard University

霍华德大学的目标输液项目将通过建立一个多层次的项目，包括与谷歌公司的合作，来解决增加计算机科学专业非裔美国本科生数量的挑战。该项目包括：面向即将入学的新生的虚拟大学预科课程；经修订和重组的计算机科学课程包括与文化有关的内容；计算机科学入门课程的谷歌联合讲师和客座演讲者；将新生与谷歌员工配对的指导项目；一个针对计算机科学入门课程的计算机科学训练营；教师专业发展；以及计算机科学的本科生研究机会。项目活动将为学生参与者提供更好的理解计算机科学和在该领域的广泛机会。学生将建立支持系统，包括行业导师，系教师和同龄人，帮助他们不仅坚持，而且在计算机科学方面取得成功。增强型课程还将帮助学生培养批判性思维技能，包括解决问题、算法开发和高级编程。该项目将增加未被充分代表的少数民族在计算机科学方面的参与，并加强霍华德大学的教育基础设施。此外，该项目将直接影响15名职前教师，并加强对未来K-12教师的准备。该项目可以作为计算机科学系的一个模型，特别是那些在其他传统黑人学院和大学中面临类似挑战的学生入学，参与和保留。研究结果将广泛传播，提高计算机科学素养。

The Targeted Infusion Project at Howard University will address the challenge of increasing the number of African-American undergraduates in computer science by establishing a multi-layered program that includes a partnership with Google, Inc. The project includes: a virtual pre-college program for incoming freshmen; a revised and restructured Computer Science course curriculum that includes culturally-relevant content; Googler co-instructors and guest speakers for introductory Computer Science courses; a mentoring program pairing freshmen with Googlers; a Computer Science boot-camp for peer-led tutoring targeting introductory Computer Science courses; faculty professional development; and undergraduate research opportunities in Computer Science. Project activities will provide student participants with a better understanding of Computer Science and the broad opportunities available within the field. Students will establish support systems that include industry mentors, department faculty, and peers to help them not only persist, but succeed in Computer Science. The enhanced curriculum will also help students develop critical thinking skills, including problem solving, algorithm development, and higher-level programming.This project will increase the participation of underrepresented minorities in Computer Science and enhance the educational infrastructure at Howard University. Additionally, the project will directly impact fifteen pre-service teachers and enhance the preparation of future K-12 teachers. The project can serve as a model for Computer Science departments, particularly those at other Historically Black Colleges and Universities that share similar challenges with student enrollment, engagement, and retention. Findings will be broadly disseminated increasing Computer Science literacy.