Summer Computer Science Program Teaches Kids Coding Projects in a College Setting

Twenty-six Hartford middle-school students received a two-week college experience this summer, thanks to the Capital Community College (CCC) Summer Computer Science Program. The class is new among the summer programs supported by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. The Foundation supports summer programs for low-income youth in a variety of grade-school based, nonprofit and traditional camp settings, and a number of them integrate visits to college campuses. This is one of only three programs the Foundation has supported that is fully conducted in a college setting.

The course is taught by Seth Freeman, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of the Computer Information Systems degree program at CCC. Students are exposed to a range of computer skills, and work on computer coding projects that they later present to the full group.

In describing his approach, Professor Freeman said, "Our program challenged and engaged students in creative and technical activities over the two weeks. We want students to leave the program with knowledge, interest and confidence that they can be designers and developers, not just consumers of technology. We hope to broaden the way youth in our community see themselves and their abilities."

On August 12, Hartford Foundation staff members Sed Miles, Isaiah Torres and Judy McBride visited the program to speak with students.

McBride, who manages the Foundation’s summer program funding, discussed what inspired the visit: “I had visited CCC’s program earlier and heard presentations by women IT staff from local businesses. I wanted to return with two of the Foundation’s technology-savvy employees to talk with students.”

Miles and Torres talked about their work at the Foundation, as well as their career paths and experiences. The students, largely African American and Latino, expressed interest in having computer careers. (One student mentioned his ambition to be a Google intern.) Miles and Torres also attempted to impart a deeper message beyond career success; that the lives of young men of color have value and meaning.

In reflecting on the experience, Torres said, “Having students exposed early to a college campus and class room setting will encourage them to continue their education and make the transition to college easier. What is also uplifting was seeing how many kids were in the class. I was proud to offer insight and to answer questions about IT life.”

Miles added, “It was a very special experience to see the Summer Computer Science program up close. The students were engaged and asked lots of questions. Their future looks really bright. I would encourage more community engagement activities like our visit.”