Equity-Driven Computer Science for All: Empowering LA’s Youngest Learners and Educators

K-12 STEAM education

South LA South Bay

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

In K–12 STEAM education, there is growing emphasis on computer science (CS) and artificial intelligence (AI), yet access to these subjects in elementary classrooms remains limited, particularly in historically marginalized communities. Persistent equity gaps in CS and AI education begin early and are worsened by a critical shortage of qualified, well-prepared teachers, especially in low-income schools. Despite calls at the state and national levels to expand CS and AI instruction, many students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, are systematically excluded from early learning opportunities that shape future academic and career pathways. This lack of access reinforces cycles of educational inequity and limits who gets to participate in and shape the future of technology. We addresses these disparities by expanding professional development for teachers and designing culturally relevant, hands-on CS and AI learning experiences for elementary students in Los Angeles.

This project seeks to close persistent equity gaps in computer science (CS) and artificial intelligence (AI) education by expanding professional development (PD) for both preservice and inservice teachers. Building on university–school partnerships, we will collaborate with elementary educators in Los Angeles County to co-design and implement culturally relevant, hands-on CS activities that integrate foundational AI knowledge. The project is designed to engage all students, including those with disabilities, ensuring full and meaningful participation.
Inservice teachers will co-develop inclusive CS and AI lessons with support from SITE faculty and staff. CSUDH preservice teachers will gain practical teaching experience by co-facilitating classroom activities, reinforcing their preparation to teach CS and AI confidently and equitably. This dual-impact model increases teacher capacity while expanding early access to CS/AI for students in historically underserved communities.
To date, this model has reached approximately 350 elementary students annually and involved 75 preservice and 15 inservice teachers each year. By equipping educators and engaging students early, this project builds a more inclusive CS and AI pipeline and helps ensure that the technologies shaping our world reflect a wide range of voices and experiences.

If SITE’s work is successful, Los Angeles County will experience greater equity in computer science (CS) and artificial intelligence (AI) education at the elementary level. Sustainable university and school partnerships will provide students in underserved communities with early and meaningful exposure to foundational CS and AI concepts. Early access fosters confidence, interest, and skills before inequities take root, helping students see themselves as creators of technology. This advances diversity in CS and AI by empowering underrepresented voices to shape the tools that influence society. The project will improve lives by increasing teacher capacity and expanding access to inclusive, high-quality CS and AI education. As teachers co-design and deliver engaging, culturally relevant lessons, they will transform classroom practice and open academic and career pathways for students who have been historically excluded from the tech field.