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MiSTEM Network
Computer Science Clubs
Computer science (CS) clubs can bolster a district’s learning experience and provide opportunities to students beyond the classroom. A CS club can expose students to career fields, provide hands-on experience, engage community stakeholders and cultivate interest. Even a one-time event for computer science can enrich students and families’ learning experiences.
Within this chapter are considerations and supporting documents for developing logistics of your club, determining educator training, finding resources or funding, generating interest and sustaining your newly developed program.
Investigate available resources for computer science clubs or one-time event
Students gain awareness of computer science, as well as the career pathways that can be taken with the skills acquired in the club.
Although computer science is not a new field of study, many students are unaware of the many concepts that envelop computer science concepts. Students are also not exposed to the concepts involved till the latter primary grades. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects a 12% increase in computer science and information technology occupations by 2028.
Computer science clubs cultivate interest in computer science and STEM-related fields.
By nature, clubs are usually a lower-cost alternative to exploring curricular concepts with a diverse population of students. Clubs not only allow students to explore concepts of interest, but they also in turn help stakeholders (administration, teachers and parents) to become curious about the possibilities of the curricular aspects of CS.
Stakeholders can experience, engage with CS content in practice.
Although the state of Michigan has clear computer science standards, many administrators, teachers and parents are uncertain about the concepts and application of computer science. Implementing clubs that explore computer science concepts within K-12 education allows stakeholders to understand computer science in practice.
Opportunity to expose CS and STEM-related fields to all demographics.
A clear and conscientious implementation of CS clubs would encompass recruitment of students who represent your school’s demographic and designing learning spaces that are accessible to students with diverse abilities – in other words, to recognize the needs of access, learning space, diversity and how instruction is implemented in order for CS and STEM-related concepts to impact all students. See the Inclusive Classroom Guide Appendix E: Diversity and Inclusion Planning Guide for further support.
Districts should examine a few considerations when implementing a computer science club or one-time event:
Elementary, Middle and High School
Camp Infinity introduces girls to computer technologies through hands-on exercises during each session.
Elementary and Middle School
Everything you need to start a club in a box; online program.
Elementary, Middle and High School
Yearly cybersecurity competition (not strictly CS; held as a STEM program).
Elementary, Middle and High School
Yearly themed compeition challenge.
Elementary, Middle and High School
Yearly competition themed challenge utilizing robots.
Elementary and Middle School
State-wide competition for Michigan girls; uses robots.
Elementary, Middle and High School
Revolving STEM challenges (not strictly CS; held as a STEM challenge).
Middle and High School
One Education Network offers multiple design challenges for student and teacher teams. Multiple options are available to compete.
Elementary & Middle School
Yearly competition themed challenge utilizing Dash and Dot robots.
Here are some computer science club examples from Michigan districts.
- Country Elementary, Pinckney, MI Wonder Workshop
These resources provide guides, strategies, tips and opportunities for starting and running a computer science club or one-time event.
Share your ideas, comments, or feedback on MiSTEM Network Playbooks!