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!
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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.
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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!
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Human Centered Computing All applications are developed to ensure that the user can have a positive experience. Learn the practices and designs for creating programs for all kinds of audiences that put humans first.
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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!
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For Parents/Students
Look forward to our next workshop in Spring 2026!
If you are interested in hearing about our upcoming workshops, please come back here for updates and for registration!
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 different activities covering topics in Programming, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, and Human Centered Computing.
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.
Registration for the workshop will be open soon. Please check back here at a later date for a 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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
Desert CodeSprouts 2025
The second Desert CodeSprouts workshop learned and expanded upon the success of the first camp in 2024, and inviting almost 5x as many participants. It covered four topics in computer science: cybersecurity, programming, user interfaces, and a new machine learning module, introducing middle schoolers to tactics, tools, and concepts used by more advanced students and igniting their interest in tech.
Check out this article to learn more about Desert CodeSprouts 2025 Workshop. https://fullcircle.asu.edu/outreach/asus-coding-camp-plants-seeds-of-stem-in-middle-schoolers/
Desert CodeSprouts’25 Gallery
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- CodeSprouts 2025 participants sitting at tables prepared to learn.
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- UI/UX Presentation with students following along.
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- Female students eager to start.
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- Student Lead posing with middle schoolers they are mentoring.
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- Student Lead presenting loops to participants.
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- Student Lead presenting pwncollege platform for introducing cybersecurity concepts.
Desert CodeSprouts 2024
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 2024 Workshop.
https://scai.engineering.asu.edu/news/training-the-techies-of-tomorrow/
Desert CodeSprouts’24 Gallery
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- CodeSprouts 2024 Participants.
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- Students hard at work on learning cyberscurity.
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- Teaching participants UI/UX principles.
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- Prof.Hasti demonstrating on screen for students.
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- UI/UX presentation showing examples of good design.
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- Students enjoying learning about programming,
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- Students participating in Kahoot to review computer science material.
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- Students engaged in hands on activities with ASU Student mentors.
Past Contributors:
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- Prof. Farideh Tadayon – 2025 Faculty Incharge: Programming
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- Taryn Wilson – 2024 Workshop Coordinator
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- Jameela Kauser – 2025 Workshop Coordinator
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 [email protected]
Prof. Hasti Seifi
Workshop Co-Founder
Prof. Adil Ahmed
Workshop Co-Founder
Prof. YooJung Choi
Faculty Lead: Machine Learning
Prof. Samira Gayekhloo
Faculty Lead: Programming
Prof. Rakibul Hassan
Faculty Lead: Human Centered Computing
Prof. Ozgur Ozmen
Faculty Lead: Cybersecurity
Prof. Jaron Mink
Faculty Lead: Cybersecurity
Johnnessa Barroquillo
Event 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 [email protected].
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