Uncovering barriers to participation through mapping citywide computing opportunities in Chicago: What do we mean by access?

Unequal access to quality learning opportunities is a key issue that shapes who is able to participate in computing relevant communities and jobs [1]. Although many educators, government officials, and business professionals acknowledge the need to provide computer science education to all youth, access to computing opportunities is still limited [2]. Understanding the current state of available learning opportunities is an initial step in addressing gaps, barriers, and unequal access. In this poster we present our in-progress mapping of the computer science ecosystem in the city of Chicago. As we present the landscape we ask: How accessible are the educational opportunities for youth in Chicago, particularly youth who are traditionally underrepresented in computing careers. The barriers to participation revealed through our mapping process include transportation, the time schedules of programs, and the lack of opportunities for elementary youth. Our findings suggest that in order to broaden participation in computing there is a need to 1) increase the number of local computing opportunities, and 2) to create opportunities that acknowledge the realities facing low-income and working class households, realities that include child care constraints, rigid work schedules, and limited disposable income.