Computer science provides an understanding of the foundational principles and techniques used to solve real problems with software. This fall, Marquette University will be taking center stage in an effort to expand access to computer science education across Wisconsin and beyond.
CSforALL will host its eighth annual national Computer Science for All conference Oct 23-25 in Milwaukee. This is an opportunity for computer science educators, leaders and advocates to further computer science education.
“CSforALL is excited to partner with Marquette University and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to bring this year’s Summit to Milwaukee,” said Camie Belgrave, senior director of programs and partnerships at CSforALL. The event’s theme, “Leading Action to Impact,” emphasizes concrete steps to drive meaningful change in computer science education.
A network of collaboration
Marquette is not new to leadership in CS education. At the heart of this effort is Dr. Dennis Brylow, professor and chair of computer science, whose research lab has secured numerous grants and built an extensive network of collaborators. Together, they are advancing computer science education by developing innovative curricula, tools, and interventions, while also researching their effectiveness in K-12 settings.
Another of Marquette’s initiatives is the SOAR Cyber Explorer Program led by Marquette’s Educational Opportunity Program, which focuses on increasing access to STEM education for underrepresented students, particularly those in Milwaukee public schools. SOAR will join the fold and take part in CSforALL, providing expanded programming to its participants. Additionally, SOAR’s partnership with the Council for Opportunity in Education, headquartered in Washington D.C., led to sponsorship of 40 additional participants from TRIO programs in the Midwest. TRIO is a series of federally funded programs that help low-income students, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities access higher education.
Brylow’s lab is also offering scholarships for Milwaukee public school teachers to attend the summit, with the hope of covering the cost of substitute teachers to facilitate attendance.
Empowering the next generation of tech leaders
The summit’s keynote speaker is Dr. Nadiyah Johnson, a three-time Marquette graduate and instructor in the Department of Computer Science. Johnson, the founder of Jet Constellations, a Milwaukee-based tech company focused on promoting diversity in STEM through education and entrepreneurship, will speak on her commitment to creating inclusive tech ecosystems that uplift marginalized communities.
Tania Mishra, a junior at Marquette, will lead a panel titled “The Next Generation of Tech: A Student’s Perspective.” Mishra is majoring in computer science and cognitive science, with minors in dance and gender and sexualities studies and a certificate in innovation leadership. She is the founder of Divas in Technology, a non-profit organization focused on inspiring young girls to enter the tech field. Her panel will bring together students to discuss the challenges and opportunities they face in the field of computer science, both inside and outside the classroom.
A Focus on Practical Impact
Marquette’s involvement in the CSforALL Summit is a unique opportunity to make a real-world impact on CS education. Drawing over 1,000 participants from across the nation, including educators, policymakers, and nonprofits, the summit is more than an academic conference – it’s a meeting of minds focused on sharing practical strategies and best practices for teaching CS. Brylow calls it a “’practitioner-focused dissemination channel,’ where participants can learn real-world approaches, such as how to get middle school students interested in cybersecurity… This is a platform for making a real difference in CS education.”
Expanding the Reach of CS Education and a Call to Action
A major goal of the summit is to ensure that all K-12 students have access to high-quality CS education. Many students, even in affluent districts, lack access to qualified computer science teachers. This summit serves as a call to action for parents and communities to advocate for better CS education in their schools.
For Marquette, this summit is more than just an event — it’s an opportunity to continue building access for future STEM students, particularly those from underserved communities. The university’s role as a local partner in this national event underscores its leadership in K-12 outreach and teacher training. By empowering students, teachers and policymakers, Marquette is helping to ensure that computer science becomes an integral part of every student’s educational experience.
As the event approaches, Brylow is also actively recruiting student volunteers to help with event coordination, and CSforALL is ensuring visibility for the event with murals, billboards, and even a potential display on Milwaukee’s Hoan Bridge.
The message is clear: get involved. The future of computer science education depends on community engagement and collective action to break down barriers and ensure access for all.
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