We provide weekly Computer Science Unplugged programming for roughly 1 hour for 4-12 weeks for youth grades 5-12. Our Computer Science Unplugged programs were designed by a Computer Science Ph.D. and Associate Professor of Computer Science at Grand Valley State University. These programs introduce computer science concepts in a fun, hands on way that makes it approachable for students. By introducing youth to computer science in middle school, we aim to reach students who typically wouldn't have considered a career in computer science and spark an interest in the field. For example, students learn about state space with tic-tac-toe tournaments using different sized tic-tac-toe boards. Concepts of state space are tied back to password security and why even computers have a hard time with some very big problems. Careers are then introduced that use these skill sets, including Game Engineers, Game Designers and Game Testers.

We also engage volunteer guest speakers that give STEM career talks. Students hear from diverse volunteers about their STEM career, and the educational path they took to get there. The goal is to introduce youth to careers in STEM that they may not have considered in the past and learn how they can become qualified to do that in their future.

We offer three different types of programs, but we are flexible and can work with you on different needs in your school or program:

• Option 1- In-School Program: We can come to your school to offer programming during the school day. 

• Option 2- After School Program: We can offer programming after school, either at a centralized location in the district, or at a particular school/ program location.

• Option 3- One Day Community Program: We can partner with existing organizations to provide special one-day programs. Programs typically last 1-2 hours and and serve up to 30 youth ages 12-18.

There is currently no cost to have our programs in your district if you serve over 50% minority students, or over 50% economically disadvantaged students. However, we do ask for classroom space and a teacher, staff or parent volunteer to be present to help supervise programming. Our lessons teach computer science concepts (e.g., logic, binary, discrete probability, mechanical computing via Turing Tumbles) that do not need computers, so they are accessible for any classroom. We are currently at capacity for Fall 2025, but if you are interested in having computer science programs at your school for 2026, please contact info@stemmingideas.org.