News and Events

Google’s Computer Science Summer Institute in Detroit

 Applications are now live!

Google’s Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI) opportunities are now live for Summer 2020! High school seniors are encouraged to apply by Friday, February 28th at 11:59 pm PT. The Detroit session will take place July 7th - July 27th at the Google Detroit office. 

 

CSSI aims to provide students with an interest in computer science an opportunity to learn what their future careers may hold and inspire them to complete their work toward a technical degree. We encourage students to develop their technical skills, while also building important personal networks and friendships with a diverse group of students who share their passion!

 

Students can expect:

  • a specially-designed,project-based curriculum to help prepare for their CS studies
     
  • daily development sessions to help them prepare for future job opportunities
     
  • interaction directly with Google Engineers
     
  • exposure and insight into Google’s internship programs and technical career opportunities
     

   To apply, students will need to do the following:
 

  • Complete the general application, found on our website.  This will include a high school transcript and answers to two essay questions.
     
  • Participate in Google’s Online Challenge after the general application closes. Students will receive further instructions after the general application closes.
If you have any questions about the program that aren’t answered, please feel free to reach out at CSSI@google.com.

Special Opportunity from Girls Go CyberStart

CSTA Member Exclusive Early Bird Offer

 
The first 2000 CSTA members that register to run a Girls Go CyberStart Club will receive a pack of limited-edition GGCS posters for their classroom!* 
 
Girls Go CyberStart (GGCS) is a fun, online extracurricular cyber competition that inspires high school girls to discover their interest and talent in cybersecurity. 
The program has already reached 10,000 girls, but we’re on a mission to give even more young women the chance to learn about cybersecurity and to consider the amazing career opportunities in this field. Join as an Advisor to run a Girls Go CyberStart Club in your school! Find out more, here. 
 
GG Cyberstart Registration Open LogoThe program is free, and girls learn about cybersecurity and computing while participating in a three-stage competition to solve digital puzzles. Teachers don’t need any cybersecurity background as the GGCS gamified environment provides plenty of discovery-based learning resources for students to learn awesome cybersecurity skills. Teachers can register to run a GGCS Club between
Dec. 2, 2019 and Jan. 31, 2020.  
 
Here’s what Mary White, a high school CS teacher in Georgia, said about the program:
 
“We had so much fun with GGCS last year, and it was the catalyst that got our high school interested in pursuing other cybersecurity activities. So far, GGCS has definitely been our favorite competition - it was so well designed and kept the girls engaged. I work at a small school where previously we have not had more than one female student involved in any computer science activities. At my informational lunch meeting, I had an amazing turnout of 15 girls, who all competed through to the end. They all worked so well together as a team and took the time to help each other through challenging puzzles. Definitely a winning choice for us to participate!"
 
When you register as an Advisor, you’ll receive a free digital resource pack to help you set up and run your Club. Then, you can simply support your students through the program and watch them fly!
 
Run a Club and join Girls Go CyberStart as we help girls across the nation discover their talent for cybersecurity. Don’t forget, be one of the first 2,000 CSTA members to register to receive your exclusive pack of posters!
 
* You must check the ‘I am a CSTA Member’ box during registration to qualify for the early bird offer. The poster will be sent to the address you enter when you sign up for Girls Go CyberStart.
 
All schools in Michigan are invited to participate in the Governor's High School Cyber Challenge!
This opportunity is entirely FREE!
 
Teams comprised of up to three high school students are invited to participate in a round of challenges designed to test their knowledge of cybersecurity, computer science and information technology.
The only requirements are an interest in cybersecurity and a familiarity with computers. This is a great cybersecurity learning opportunity for all high school students in Michigan.
WHY PARTICIPATE?
By the year 2020 there will be an estimated 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs in the US. According to National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE), one of the main reasons students don’t pursue cybersecurity as a career field is simply a lack of exposure. The GHSCC aims to expose students to cybersecurity at no cost to the students or schools.
Round 2 participants will receive access to a certification course (self paced by student) and exam over a 6 month period commencing at the end of Round 2. Communication should run through the teacher/chaperone. Teachers will be given course vouchers to disseminate to their students within 2 weeks of the close of Round 2. Upon completion of the course, voucher codes and instructions will be provided for students to schedule their exam. Students must complete both the course and exam within 6 months of the end of Round 2. Results of the exam must be reported to High School Cyber Challenge at hscyberchallenge@merit.edu no later than April 27, 2020.
 
 

Computer Science Fundamentals 

In Partnership with Code.org, we are providing comprehensive professional learning for educators to implement Computer Science Fundamentals to elementary educators. 

High-quality workshops facilitated by an experienced computer science educator.  the workshop provides an introduction to computer science, pedagogy, classroom strategies and online management.  For more information and to locate a workshop near you, visit mi-coding.com

 

Computer Science Standards Adoption in Michigan

The Michigan Department of Education along with 45 individuals representing over 35 stakeholder groups have met and developed K-12 computer science standards for Michigan.   During the process, the committee agreed upon to utilize the K-12 Computer Science Framework and use the CSTA Computer Science Standards. 

The standards are unique in that they are framed using a grade band approach and are for all students through grade 10 (levels 1A, 1B, 2, 3A). Level 3B includes standards intended for enhanced study for students interested in CS related careers or college degree programs. The CS standards will be delivered in a way compatible and consistent with current school delivery models (integrated with other content areas, stand-alone courses, or as grade band offerings). The standards will not be assessed using current state summative assessments. You may access a copy of the standards here.