Leading and Belonging: How Students Positioned as Departmental Leaders Negotiate Computer Science Identities

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: Belonging Supports, Resources, and Learning Outcomes

Abstract

In this study, we investigate participants’ navigation towards becoming LatinX computing professionals. We highlight their navigation on the way to more central participation in their local contexts where they are positioned as student leaders based on their awarded status as PROGRAM Scholars. We note the complexities of belonging and leading within a computer science or engineering academic department, and how other markers that Scholars perceive about themselves and others shape how co-curricular experiences position scholars as computer scientists, leaders, or both. We consider the study of developing a strong STEM identity in parallel with the study of leadership in the field as a fruitful avenue of further work.

Authors

• Sarah Taylor Hug, Colorado Evaluation & Research Consulting

• Heather L. Thiry, University of Colorado - Boulder