Desert CodeSprouts- Computer Science Workshop for Middle-School Kids

Welcome to Desert CodeSprouts Workshop!

Join us on an exciting journey into the world of computing with unique workshops designed for middle school students!

Desert CodeSprouts is open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, or sex. We value program participants as unique individuals, and we welcome the variety of experiences they bring to our program. We have a strict non-discrimination policy, and all individuals are able to apply and participate in our program without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, or gender identification.

Hey future techies! Want to have a good time with computers and friends? Are you ready to explore the amazing world of computing in a workshop where your ideas come to life? Join us for future fun-filled journeys into coding and build awesome memories together!

Our next workshop is on May 17th, 2025.

Cybersecurity

As we rely on computers, it is important to ensure our interactions remain secure. In this module, students will put to use key practices of cybersecurity through games.

Faculty Lead: Prof. Adil Ahmad

Graphic with lock in circle of circuits

Programming

With an introduction to block coding, students will have an opportunity to learn the programming basics. It’s a fun and engaging way to start their coding journey and create their own projects!

Faculty Leads: Prof. Samira Ghayekhloo & Prof. Farideh Tadayon

Graphic of laptop

User Interface

Each website and mobile app are developed to ensure that the user can have a positive experience. Learn the practices and designs behind reaching different audiences through web design.

Faculty Lead: Prof. Hasti Seifi

Graphic for desktop

Machine Learning

Dive into the essentials of AI and machine learning, exploring how they make decisions and solve complex challenges. Engage with hands-on activities and create your own model!

Faculty Lead: Prof. YooJung Choi

Machine Learning graphic

For Parents/Students

Look forward to our next workshop taking place on May 17th, 2025!
If you are interested in hearing about our upcoming workshops, fill out this form and we’ll contact you as workshops become available.

For Teachers/Educators

Discover how our workshop initiative can inspire your students. Sign up for our upcoming information session to learn more about our unique modules, including hands-on activities. This is a great opportunity to connect and collaborate. Secure your spot by filling out this form!

During this workshop, students will be taken through a series of four different activities covering topics in Web Development, Machine Learning, and Cybersecurity.

If you are interested, fill out this form and we’ll contact you as workshops registration opens.

Registration fee

A fee of $20 per student applies for each workshop, ensuring a spot in this exciting experience.

Register for the workshop through this Registration Link

Cancellation policy

If you cancel more than two weeks prior to the first day of workshop, Desert CodeSprouts will fully refund the registration fee. If you cancel more than one week prior to the start date, Desert CodeSprouts will refund 50% of the registration fee. Cancellations made less than one week to the start date will receive no refund of registration fees as it is at that point too late to offer the spot to a wait-listed individual.

Please send a cancellation request by email to the scai.outreach@asu.edu attaching the confirmation email you received from us upon your confirmed registration.

Bursary

To allow our workshop to be accessible to as many youth as possible, Desert CodeSprouts offers bursaries to cover our registration fee.

Reach out to us on scai.outreach@asu.edu to inquire about bursary options.

Additional information

During this one-day workshop, each student will be expected to bring their own lunches.

All other materials needed for the workshop will be provided.

Are you passionate about making a difference and sharing your knowledge with eager young minds? Looking for an enriching way to give back, enhance your resume, and develop new skills? Join our vibrant team of volunteers and help inspire the next generation of thinkers and doers at our interactive workshops. Your expertise could be the spark that ignites a student’s lifelong passion for learning! Volunteer with us and be a part of this rewarding journey.

See our information packet below for more information and requirements for applying.

SCAI Workshop Volunteer Application Packet

Apply

The first Desert CodeSprouts workshop took place on May 11th, 2024 covering three topics in computer science: cybersecurity, programming, and user interface. Each interactive module gave students a deeper look into how each of these tools is being used all around us and how they can also use it!

Check out this article to learn more about Desert CodeSprouts Workshop.
https://scai.engineering.asu.edu/news/training-the-techies-of-tomorrow/

Desert CodeSprouts’24 Gallery

Past Contributors

Taryn Wilson

Workshop Coordinator, School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, ASU

Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support, making this workshop possible.

Desert CodeSprouts invites sponsors to contribute cash or in-kind donations, help enhance our module preparation and panel sessions, ensuring our programs remain accessible to all participants at minimal cost.

If interested please contact us at jkauser@asu.edu

Experienced Mentors and Volunteers

Our expert mentors bring learning to life with enthusiasm and expertise.

Volunteer

Interactive Learning

We believe in hands-on experiences to make tech concepts fun and relatable.

Join our mailing list to be notified when the interest form is open!

Join

Inclusive environment

Every student is a valued participant, ensuring a supportive and collaborative learning atmosphere.

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Prof. Hasti Seifi

Workshop Co-Founder

Prof. Adil Ahmad

Workshop Co-Founder

Prof. Farideh Tadayon

Faculty Incharge: Programming

Prof. Samira Gayekhloo

Faculty Incharge: Programming

Prof. YooJung Choi

Faculty Incharge: Machine Learning

Jameela Kauser

Workshop Coordinator

Desert CodeSprouts is the first of a series of workshops created to help younger students experience what computer science really is. All questions regarding the Desert CodeSprouts workshops can be emailed to this team at scai.outreach@asu.edu.

Hasti Seifi, Adil Ahmad and Jameela Kauser

Workshop Co-Founders and Team, ASU, School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence

We gratefully acknowledge the inspiration and foundational ideas derived from the GirlSmart4Tech workshop, which have been instrumental in shaping the development of our program. GIRLsmart4tech