Reaching Out to Diverse Learners with Non-Formal Workshops on Computing Concepts and Skills

Females, racial minorities, and other diverse individuals face many challenges in learning to program. Researchers have investigated these challenges for many years, yet participation by these groups continues to be low. Our action research project is investigating a non-formal learning activity for female and gender-diverse faculty, staff, and students in a university setting. Using surveys, observations and focus groups, we probed learners' experiences, to examine the short- and longer-term impacts of the workshop. We observed increases in self-efficacy and predictions of future use of programming; trepidation about computing decreased. We discuss the need to offer learning spaces for skills that can empower members of these groups.