Unveiling FlitGap's Program Success for Increasing Non-Dominant Group Participation in Computer Science Disciplines
Conference
Nti-Asante, E, Secules, S. (2024). Unveiling FlitGap's Program Success for Increasing Non-Dominant Group Participation in Computer Science Disciplines
. 2265-2266. 10.22318/icls2024.768289
Nti-Asante, E, Secules, S. (2024). Unveiling FlitGap's Program Success for Increasing Non-Dominant Group Participation in Computer Science Disciplines
. 2265-2266. 10.22318/icls2024.768289
This study investigates the contextual practices driving the success of the Flit-GAP (Florida IT Graduation Attainment Pathways) project, a collaborative initiative funded by the NSF involving Florida International University, University of Central Florida, and University of South Florida. Despite the diminished attraction towards diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) projects and initiatives in the state, Flit-GAP has exhibited resilience in recruiting, retaining, and supporting academically talented yet financially challenged students, particularly those from non-dominant groups, to increase their participation in computing disciplines. By analyzing audio recordings, videos, and field notes from two case studies within Flit-GAP, this research systematically unveiled the critical roles of social and academic integration in driving the project's effectiveness in supporting students from diverse backgrounds in the computing field. Therefore, prioritizing both academic and social integration is recommended as valuable guidance for improving practices in other struggling contexts.
