TCU Computer Science Capacity Building

About The Program

Through the generous funding of private donors, the four-year $2.7M TCU Computer Science Capacity Building program provides the opportunity for TCUs to build institutional capacity through increased computer science education that strengthens tribal sovereignty. This is accomplished by developing computer science degree programs and by fostering integration of computer science education within the general education curriculum and other disciplines.

To support that goal, the College Fund has identified the following outcomes for this program:

TCU grantee develops computer science programming reflective of student engagement, faculty development, institutional capacity, and community outreach.
Students at TCUs develop baseline computer science knowledge informing career choices, community social and economic development, and research.
Faculty have the opportunity for professional development that increases their understanding of computer science concepts and the integration of concepts throughout curriculum.
Tribal communities, agencies, and governments use computer science capabilities to improve social and economic outcomes.
Institutional capacity to maintain computer science programming is developed through student engagement, faculty development, and community outreach.
While the primary focus of the grant supports faculty hiring, professional development, and curriculum/program design, TCUs identified additional areas for building capacity. These areas seek to integrate community outreach, place-based projects, intergenerational transfer of knowledge, K-12 pathways, and student support through industry internships/mentorships. Some of the desired activities relate to improving education; developing apps for activating languages, stewarding land, and connecting culture and food sovereignty; bringing visibility to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women; managing health care systems and tracking COVID and other health outcomes; creating virtual/augmented reality experiences; visualizing history and genealogy; building tribal businesses; and ensuring access to emergency services.

While the opportunities are truly limitless, success is dependent on sustained funding from the private sector.