Bold Idea helps students discover computer science through hands-on learning and mentoring by industry professionals, building critical thinking skills and equipping students to succeed in the careers of the future. Our students—equipped with crucial interpersonal and technical skills—are better prepared for the careers of the digital future, can compete for higher paying jobs, and gain increased economic potential. We partner with Dallas ISD and north Texas companies to create more equitable access to computer science education and ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn computer science – no matter their race, ethnicity, age, family income, or zip code.
ideaSpark Coding Clubs offer equitable access to learning computer science through hands-on, after-school projects led by volunteer mentors from Dallas-area corporations. Our focus is providing girls and students of color a pathway to pursue careers requiring computer science and other STEM skills. Students join an ideaSpark Coding Club in partnership with their Dallas ISD school and hosted on their campus. Volunteer mentors who work in a technology field lead a team of students through Bold Idea’s project-based curriculum for two hours each week. Through 28 online learning sessions, for a total of 56 hours during the year, students work with mentors on interactive projects that prioritize development in computer science skills, teamwork, and communicating their ideas.
Our eight Dallas ISD partner schools for the 2021–2022 school year are Margaret B. Henderson Elementary School, Whitney M. Young Jr. Elementary School, C.F. Carr Elementary School, W.E. Greiner Middle School and Exploratory Arts Academy, Rosemont Elementary School and International Preparatory Language Academy, Zan Wesley Holmes Jr Middle School, Sarah Zumwalt Middle School, and Dallas Hybrid Preparatory School.
