Teach Student-Led Computer Science Advocacy

Inspire students to advocate for access to computer science courses

What can you do in one hour to improve access to computer science? With our Youth Advocacy Toolkit there is no need to be a computer science expert, just have the desire to empower young people to advocate for the issues that are important to them— in this case, that’s computer science education. Help grow their enthusiasm for computer science advocacy and extend their passion..

Even if you’ve never been an advocate before, you can learn to teach students how to become advocates for their computer science interest. Help students develop confidence and leadership skills, all while bringing civics to life! Most importantly, advocacy may lead to greater access to computer science education for all young people, ensuring they are future-ready for any career.

Why Advocate for Computer Science

When young people aren’t exposed to technology and computer science education, the world eventually misses out on their creative brains and amazing ideas. Technology can help solve some of today’s toughest challenges but we need people who know how to use it to create new things and solve problems they are most passionate about! 

In their own words

"Creating a platform for student voice is a key component to student advocacy. Young people share what makes them excited about learning computer science."

What is advocacy?

Advocacy is the process of supporting a cause or proposal. By putting action to passion almost anything can be changed. Today's youth are the future; advocacy enables them to engage and build the future they want to lead. While many educators already advocate for expanded computer science education, teaching students to advocate for themselves not only tends to have a larger impact, but also equips students with vital future-ready skills.

  Promoting student advocacy is closely related to 21st Century Skills. Student voice and advocacy are built upon the core skills of collaboration, knowledge construction, self-regulation, problem-solving and innovation, information and communication technology (ICT), and skilled communication. Learn more about these essential skills while earning points and badges on Microsoft Educator Community by taking courses in the 21st Century Learning Design pathway.

How you can inspire student-led computer science advocacy

Students have the energy and the interest to expand their access to computer science instruction. Yet they sometimes don't know where to start or which tools are available. It often takes a caring facilitator to help students realize their potential to bring about change.

Luckily, free resources are available to turn wishers into doers. Download the Youth Advocacy Kit today.

The Youth Advocacy Kit includes:

• Facilitator Guide with outline, guidance, presentation materials, and speaker notes for leading a 1 or 2 hour youth advocacy workshop.
• Student Guide leads youth through a variety of advocacy efforts based on their own personal strengths ranging from social media campaigns, grassroots movements, to even meeting with political leaders. Includes customizable planning and presentation materials.
• "You've Got This!"
  Young people share how to get started and words of inspiration that helped them get started. Get inspired by their action and download all the resources you need to teach youth in your community how to advocate for greater access to computer science education.
• source: https://education.microsoft.com/