We aim to bring together colleagues who share a common interest in Computer Science and Engineering Bridge programs, which are designed to bridge the gap for less experienced and/or underserved students as they begin their university studies. We invite those interested in starting bridge programs at their institutions, as well as those knowledgeable about existing bridge programs, their best practices, and lessons learned. Together, we will discuss the most effective approaches to these programs and challenges that arise in their implementations, including exclusivity in the selection of admits, target audience, funding limitations, outreach, and more. We aim to have participants leave with resources, including information about other programs, points of contact for networking, a collaborative document from the session, as well as a website for hosting resources of existing programs. Our goal is to foster conversation and create a network of support so these programs can sustain despite general discouragement.

The Hispanic in Computing group is an informal online community comprising students, faculty, and industry representatives dedicated to providing support to Hispanic students in computing. Established over a decade ago, the group organizes gatherings at national conferences to strengthen the social bonds that connect this small community. This Birds of a Feather seeks to bring together Hispanics and other members of the Computing Education Community interested in supporting Hispanic students.

Summer bridge programs are initiatives aimed at supporting students as they transition into university, helping them build confidence, skills, and a sense of belonging. Many existing programs focus on serving less experienced and/or historically underrepresented students, striving to broaden participation in STEM fields. We aim to bring together colleagues who share a common interest in Computer Science and Engineering Bridge programs. We invite both those interested in starting bridge programs at their institutions and those with knowledge of existing programs, including best practices and lessons learned. We will collaborate to discuss the most effective approaches to these programs and challenges that arise in their implementations, including exclusivity in the selection of admits, target audience, funding limitations, outreach, and more. We aim to have participants leave with resources, including information about other programs, points of contact for networking, and a collaborative document from the discussion, as well as a website for hosting resources of existing programs.

The Hispanics in Computing group has been around for over a decade and serves as a networking group bringing together members of this community. Members of the group organize gatherings at national conferences to strengthen the social ties that connect this small community. This Birds of a Feather seeks to bring together Hispanics and other members of the CS Education Community interested in providing support to Hispanics. The Hispanics in Computing community was founded in 2009. Since then, the group has been meeting at annual conferences as a way to provide networking opportunities for Hispanic students and professors. As an added benefit, this group has become a resource to the larger computing community. The group has grown in numbers and in their online presence hosting a Facebook group, LinkedIn group, and a website. But by far, the most active medium of communication is the Hispanics in Computing listserv with more than 400 members. This group serves as a source of mentors for students and faculty, as a point of dissemination for faculty positions, and as a way to discuss topics relevant to the community. This gathering at the Technical Symposium will allow Hispanics to meet face to face and discuss issues important to our community. As the number of Hispanics in our classrooms grows, it is important that we provide mentors and role models for these new students.