While I was looking for resources for my final project, “computing and Indigenous Youth,” I found a recent article inside the AISES (The American Indian Society of Science and Engineering) 2021 Spring Edition entitled “What motivates Native computer science students”. The publication discusses ongoing research held by researchers from TERC to understand what promotes and what hinders Native women and two-spirit individuals’ persistence in computer science (CS) majors (Terc, 2020, June, 29).
When interviewing the Native students, all participants talked about the importance of giving back, even though they were never directly asked about this topic. Through their CS education, the students think they can build their nations and strengthen their communities (Aises, 2021, May 4). For example, by bringing their culture into new productions using their Native identity and scientific knowledge, reciprocating what they learned for cultural preservation, and teaching their Native community members about cyberbullying and ways to protect their identities (Aises, 2021, May 4). Also, several students discussed that they use their culture as a source of resilience and strength to stay in their CS majors and wanted to challenge stereotypes of Native individuals not being capable of being persistent in CS education (Terc, 2020, June 29). They suggested that early exposures and experiences are helpful; reaching out to Native students as early as middle school for on-and-off campus CS activities can promote Indigenous youth interest in computing (Aises, 2021, May 4). Though the study involved undergraduates’ students, I believe the idea of “giving back” might apply to motivating youth as well.
References
- Aises. (2021, May4). What motivates native computer science students?. Retrieved from https://woc.aises.org/content/what-motivates-native-computer-science-students
- Terc. (2020, June, 29). I juggle both Native and Western Science
. Retrieved https://vimeo.com/433812259