Widening Participation to Events that Encourage Teenagers to take an Interest in Computer Science

Abstract

Many developed economies across the world are confronted with a significant challenge: A shortage of programming-skilledworkforce. The fact that fewer women select to study computer science further aggravates the challenge. Multiple national and international efforts were initiated to tackle the issue, by means of highlighting the value of programming skills and thus encouraging high-school students to consider computer science as a career path. This paper discusses the motivation, challenges, and lessons learned from organising events that encourage teenagers to take an interest in computer science, as well as findings related to gender balance in computing professions.