Through the VIRTUAL My Brother's Keeper Coding on Saturdays and School Days and the Afterschool Coding Programs, Changing Expectations is responding to the urgent need to support K-12 African-American students in Central Texas to engage in coding, computer science, and cybersecurity learning.

We hope to create a Pathway to Brighter Futures by helping our students design computing projects and develop career interest. The main goals of the computing programs are to engage traditionally these traditionally underserved students around computer coding and cybersecurity projects and related jobs/careers; increase their understanding of the education, training, and skills needed to attain these jobs/careers; and encourage them to see such a path as a future possibility for themselves. To support their interest in computer science and cybersecurity, the students will learn:

• What is cybersecurity and why should I care?

• What can I do to stay safer online?

• How do I know if I like or can do cybersecurity?

• How do I figure out if a career in cybersecurity could be right for me?

• Teamwork, creative problem solving, and analytical skills through a Virtual Capture the Flag exercise.

The Changing Expectations Coding Programs offer traditionally underserved youth the following: (1) a sense of belonging and membership by designing projects that solve culturally relevant problems in their own home, school, and communities; (2) a sense of self-worth and social contribution of those relevant computing solutions; (3) a sense of independence and control over one’s life through the coding projects they select; and (4) a sense of closeness in interpersonal relationships by seeking role models who reflect their identities.

Volunteer roles include helping the students stay on task with their computer coding and cybersecurity projects. Here are some general guidelines: Work with a group of up to 2-3 students to develop projects, offer specific guidance in areas of expertise, and help organize logistics for projects. Mentors can help the students to explore the "teachable moments" that naturally occur during projects to expose underlying computing concepts. AND, mentors will be able to engage in their own learning and exploration. Volunteers who are STEM and computer professionals from ethnically diverse backgrounds are especially needed to participate as tech role models for our students. Austin, Travis County, and the Central Texas community needs you, and thank you for your consideration.