Bold Idea is tackling the computer science opportunity gap for Dallas ISD students. Our after-school Coding Clubs combine project-based learning in computer science and mentoring from industry professionals. We partner with local corporations and Dallas ISD schools in under-resource neighborhoods. Together, we are creating a pathway to careers requiring technology skills for Dallas students - especially those marginalized by race and income. Through 28 learning sessions, for a total of 56 hours during the school year, students work with mentors on hands-on coding projects that prioritize development in computer science and digital literacy skills, as well as critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.
This North Texas Giving Day, Bold Idea is raising $45,000 for our Coding Clubs program, impacting 300+ students at 14 Dallas ISD schools in the 2024-2025 academic year. By making a personal donation, you are contributing to our goal of closing the computer science opportunity gap for Dallas students. All students deserve an excellent education that prepares them for the careers of the future, not just those born in the right neighborhoods.
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In a world increasingly reliant on technology, the urgency of addressing disparities in access to computer science education and the underrepresentation of girls and Black and Latinx students in computer science education cannot be overstated. In urban schools with a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students, computer science education resources are often limited. In Dallas ISD, as in many districts nationwide, the lack of budget for curriculum and necessary resources for computer science limits learning. This is particularly true for Black and Latinx students who are less likely to attend a school that offers this crucial subject.
This opportunity gap is a problem because learning computer science is critical for college and career success. Computing jobs are the top source of new wages in the U.S., and a computer science major can earn 40% more than the college average. It is especially glaring in Dallas, which hosts one-third of all tech jobs in Texas and the 6th largest concentration of tech jobs in the U.S. A recent CompTIA report projects that the Dallas tech workforce will grow by 17% over the next ten years.
Computer science is a foundation for modern careers, and the lack of access to this knowledge is an equity issue that demands attention. In response, we partner with Dallas ISD, Dallas College, community organizations, and North Texas companies to create more equitable access to computer science education for girls and students from underserved minority communities. Our Clubs provide access to quality computer science knowledge and skills at eleven Dallas ISD campuses with plans to expand to three additional campuses in AY 2024-25.
Our commitment to equity goes beyond the classroom. We remove financial and geographic barriers that prevent students from taking advantage of opportunities to learn computer science. Coding Clubs are free to schools and students and leveraging thousands of hours of donated mentor time keeps our costs low. By partnering with schools to offer on-campus clubs, we remove geographic barriers. We also ensure no student is left behind by donating laptops to students participating at home without access to a device. Finally, almost half of our mentors are also people of color, giving students real-life exposure to people who look like them and have successful careers in the tech world. Our ideaSpark Coding Clubs are not just about coding; they are about empowering communities and transforming lives.
Bold Idea creates access to Computer Science in under-resourced communities and prepares students for the technology careers of the future.
This North Texas Giving Day, Bold Idea is raising $45,000 for our Coding Clubs program, impacting 300+ students at 14 Dallas ISD schools in the 2024-2025 academic year. By making a personal donation, you are contributing to our goal of closing the computer science opportunity gap for Dallas students. All students deserve an excellent education that prepares them for the careers of the future, not just those born in the right neighborhoods.
We believe that ALL students deserve the opportunity to learn computer science and create technology, regardless of their race, gender, or income level. For that reason, Bold Idea is stepping up as an anti-racist organization.
As an anti-racist organization, we allow diverse viewpoints to proliferate and put all staff on equal footing so they can do their best work in a welcoming and justice-oriented environment. We acknowledge the systemic racism that has created opportunity gaps in schools. We work to bridge that gap to address racial inequalities. We are accountable to the communities our mission serves rather than a board, staff, and funders.
Bold Idea's team - the Board, staff, and volunteers - works together to create a learning environment that invites different viewpoints and respects the unique qualities of each person. Equity in north Texas computer science education will lead to more diverse technology college graduates who are qualified for higher-paying and more competitive jobs, creating a more diverse technology industry workforce.
View our current participation opportunities.
Online Volunteering
Hexagon Club
Online
Ongoing opportunity
Online Volunteering
Mentor Young Coders
Zoom call
Ongoing opportunity
In-Person Volunteering
Board Member
Pariveda Solutions
Ongoing opportunity
Organization name
Bold Idea
Causes
Education - STEM
Operating Budget
$500,000 - $999,999
Counties Served
Dallas
BIPOC Serving
Black or African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latinx, Native American, Other
Equity Statement
Equity Statement
Address
PO Box 140904