RockStartIT: Authentic and Inclusive Interdisciplinary Software Engineering Courses

Abstract

The RockStartIT initiative was explicitly designed to increase the representation of girls in software engineering (SE) by providing interdisciplinary courses that connect the subject matter to their interests and passions. The program has been successful in engaging a diverse group of high school students, encouraging them to explore computer science (CS) through problem-solving in the areas of their choice. The program’s structure and approach have been instrumental in promoting interest in CS and increasing the understanding of the importance of using CS to solve real-world, interdisciplinary problems. The results of surveys conducted with program participants have shown that the program has been successful in providing girls with an alternative pathway into the field of computer science by building on their individual interests, which would not have been possible without the interdisciplinary approach.