Fortunately there are many forms engagement activities. Unique to the African American community is the existence of HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). These institutions with a charter to serve the African American community produce one half of CS degrees held by African American. In addition, NSBE, NSBC, and BDPA are professional, non-profit organizations that provide the African American community with youth outreach and professional development.
Middle School/High School
- Design and disseminate a module on your research that is appropriate for high school and middle school students
- Find a local chapter of BDPA and lead a module or hands on activity for a local summer camp
- Participate in lab open houses for students and parents
Undergraduates
- Give guest lectures at HBCUs (see the Distinguished Lecture Series program)
- Write RET supplements with HBCU faculty
- Share teaching materials with HBCU professors
- Apply to DREU to source African American students
- Fund research students to attend undergraduate and affinity based conferences (e.g. Tapia, NSBC, ADMI, McNair, etc)
- Support NSBE, NSBC and ACM activities on your campus
- Conduct research with African American undergraduates
- Create formal or informal mentoring relationships with African American students (MentorNet)
- Practice intrusive advising with African American students
- Invite African American speakers from industry and universities
- Apply for CREU
Graduate Students
- Recruit African American graduate students by: 1) engaging McNair scholars and being a resource to the LSAMP and Bridge to the Doctorate programs, 2) judging posters at undergraduate research competitions (ERN, etc), 3) fostering relationships with HBCU faculty and 4) attending affinity-based conferences (e.g. Tapia, NSBC, ADMI, McNair, etc
- Work with your department to implement the Guidelines for Successfully Mentoring Black/African-American Computing Sciences Doctoral Students
Other
- Encourage students to become active in the activities listed above
- Take mentorship training in stereotype threat, imposter syndrome and microagressions
