Computing a path for the future

Transforming the student experience

Abstract

UW's Department of Computer Science and Engineering program DawgBytes teaches young students that computer programming is both a career path and valuable life skill.

(Front Porch, February 2013)

“Computer science is a medium, and you can use it to do all kinds of interesting things, from art to curing cancer to creating Angry Birds,” says Hélène Martin, a lecturer in the UW’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) and coordinator for the DawgBytes program. Since 2011, DawgBytes has immersed kids and teens in computer science and engineering through summer camps, classroom learning modules, open houses and competitions.

Through the program, students learn that computer science is both a career path and a valuable life skill, regardless of what profession they ultimately pursue. “The hope is that kids develop a lifelong interest,” says Hélène, adding that the program aims to help students learn to leverage computing skills to achieve their own goals.

As a DawgBytes camp instructor, Hélène also sees students forming lasting friendships and developing a love for programming. After the summer ends, she says campers often stay connected through reunions, form computer science clubs at their schools and meet with teachers about increasing computer science curricula.

Genevieve Payzer, a junior at Lakeside High School in Seattle, participated in a DawgBytes summer camp in 2012. Though initially skeptical about her interest in computer science, Genevieve left the experience inspired and decided to continue her involvement as a DawgBytes counselor. “Every week I [would] witness most of the campers really become passionate about computer science to the point where we have to pull them away from their projects,” Genevieve says. 

Instructors are already seeing the program’s lasting impact. Former participants stop by their offices, but now instead of campers many of them are UW students pursuing CSE degrees. And Genevieve, along with other high school students, is looking forward to taking computer science classes at her school. She says, “DawgBytes definitely broadened my perspective on the application of computer science and how rewarding programming can be.”

 

To learn more about DawgBytes, visit cs.washington.edu/dawgbytes

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College of Engineering | Faculty