STARS computing corps: Enhancing engagement of women and underrepresented students in computing

Abstract

The STARS Computing Corps is a national alliance of colleges and universities that facilitates student led regional engagement in computing service projects. In this paper, we present the results of a study of more than 400 students from across 20 institutions to examine the impact of participation in STARS. Results of the study show that there are many benefits for undergraduate computing students who engage in STARS projects across a variety of STARS institutions, including academic, career, and personal benefits, with students that are underrepresented in computing (i.e., females and ethnic minorities) benefitting more than others. The findings also indicate that higher degrees of student and faculty engagement in STARS projects are associated with greater student benefits. These findings establish empirical support for the STARS model of engagement, a flexible approach that can be applied across a variety of institutional types to positively impact traditionally under-represented students in computing.