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

霍华德大学的定向输入计划将通过建立一个多层次的计划来应对增加非裔美国人计算机本科生数量的挑战，其中包括与谷歌公司的合作。该计划包括：面向新生的虚拟大学预科计划；修订和重组的计算机科学课程课程，其中包括与文化相关的内容；谷歌计算机科学入门课程的联合讲师和客座演讲者；将新生与谷歌人配对的指导计划；针对计算机科学入门课程的同行指导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。项目活动将使学生更好地了解计算机科学和该领域内的广泛机会。学生将建立包括行业导师、系教员和同龄人在内的支持系统，帮助他们不仅坚持，而且在计算机科学领域取得成功。加强课程还将帮助学生培养批判性思维能力，包括解决问题、算法开发和更高水平的编程。这一项目将增加计算机科学中代表性不足的少数族裔的参与，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典范，特别是在其他历史上属于黑人的学院和大学，这些学院和大学在招生、参与和留住学生方面面临着类似的挑战。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.