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!

 

What I built at Desert CodeSprouts?

Here’s what previous Sprouters have said about the workshop.

  • -“I built my ability to code and encrypt things.”
  • -“I built my familiarity with aspects of computer science I didn’t know much about!”
  •  -“I built my understanding of website programming and app design.”
  •  -“I built skills in using HTML and C++.”
  •  -“I learned how to hack in a good way and how to use HTML.”
  • -“Encrypting messages and learning HTML were my key takeaways.”

 

Look forward to our next workshop taking place in early 2025!

If you are interested in hearing about our upcoming workshops, fill out this form and we’ll contact you as workshops become available.

 

 

 

Experienced Mentors and Volunteers: Our expert mentors bring learning to life with enthusiasm and expertise.

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!

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

We have been featured!

We’re excited to announce that Desert CodeSprouts has been featured in an article by SCAI Engineering, highlighting our mission to inspire middle-school students with hands-on workshops in coding, UI design, and cybersecurity. Hosted by Professors Adil Ahmad and Hasti Seifi, the camp aimed to create a more inclusive space in computer science, and we’re proud to see our efforts recognized. Check out the full article here.

Registration

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.

                                                      Registration details for Spring’25 workshop will be available soon!

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.

                                                                                  Bursary details coming soon

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.

Girls at ASU workshop

Volunteers

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

Volunteers

Sponsorship

Desert CodeSprouts is looking for sponsors to provide cash or in-kind donations to keep our programs running at minimal cost to participants.

All sponsors will be featured on our web site and in participant take-home packages.

                                                                        Sponsorship information coming soon!

Past Workshops

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!

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 in the world of cybersecurity through a series of games.

Graphic with lock in circle of circuits

Programming:

Ever wondered how websites and pages are really created? With an introduction to HTML & CSS, students will have an opportunity to create on their own web page after learning these programming basics!

Graphic of laptop

User Interface:

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

Graphic for desktop

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].

Hasti Seifi, Adil Ahmad, Jameela Kauser and Taryn Wilson

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