Computing Research Association’s Committee on Widening Participation Receives $5.2 Million Investment from National Science Foundation

Susan Rodger headshot against white background
Susan Rodger, professor of the practice of Computer Science. (Photo courtesy of Duke Scholars) 

As the need for talented innovators in the field of computing grows, cultivating a robust and diverse workforce becomes increasingly essential. Co-chaired by Susan Rodger, professor of the practice of Computer Science,  the Computing Research Association’s Committee on Widening Participation (CRA-WP) addresses this need. 

CRA-WP is one of several National Science Foundation (NSF) Broadening Participation in Computing (BPC) Alliances that receive funding as part of a key initiative aimed at increasing diversity and addressing systemic barriers in computing. These BPC Alliances collectively serve as national resources, working to create a more diverse, inclusive, and innovative computing community.

“This NSF funding is critical for enabling us to reach a larger audience and provide the mentorship, guidance, and resources needed to foster a more diverse computing research community,” Rodger said. “Through this initiative, we aim to inspire students early in their academic careers and provide them with the tools and support to pursue computing research.”

CRA-WP will use this funding to expand its successful mentorship programs, focusing on three core areas: increasing awareness of computing research during the first two years of undergraduate study, helping graduate students build research connections through minicourses, and training faculty and graduate students to become effective mentors.

This NSF BCP Alliance aims to maintain the country’s position as a global frontrunner in technical innovation, research, and discovery by addressing the critical need for expanding the computing workforce. This project will tap into the vast, underutilized talent pool within underrepresented demographics, fostering innovation through diverse perspectives.

Curtis Cain, Director of Broadening Participation in Computing Initiatives at CRA and Co-Principal Investigator of the project, highlighted the importance of the funding: “This $5.2 million investment allows CRA-WP to expand our critical work in fostering diversity and inclusion within the computing field. By enhancing mentorship opportunities and research experiences, we will empower underrepresented groups in computing to thrive and contribute to the future of technology and innovation.”

Content adapted from cra.org.