What is it about?

Black women in computer science (CS) face an uphill battle, not because they lack talent or passion, but because they often navigate environments that weren’t built with them in mind. Many start their CS journey only to feel isolated, overlooked, or unsure if they belong. The RISE Stars program is here to change that. It’s a research-backed initiative designed specifically for Black freshman women in CS, giving them a strong community, mentorship, and hands-on experiences to help them persist in the field. Through peer mentoring, social impact projects, and cohort meetings, RISE Stars creates a space where these women don’t just survive—they thrive.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

We talk a lot about diversity in tech, but the numbers show that Black women remain vastly underrepresented—and that’s not due to a lack of talent. The reality is that without strong support systems, too many are pushed out before they get a real chance to learn what computer science is all about. This work matters because it directly tackles that problem. By focusing on retention from day one, RISE Stars helps shift the narrative, proving that when Black women are given the right resources, community, and opportunities, they don’t just stay in the field; they lead and innovate.

Perspectives

As someone deeply invested in the intersection of education, computing, and equity, I find this project personal. I’ve seen firsthand how targeted support can make all the difference in a student's journey. The success of the RISE Stars program reaffirms my belief that systemic barriers can be mitigated with intentional, research-driven interventions. My hope is that this work will inspire similar efforts across institutions, ensuring that more Black women not only enter but stay and be their whole selves in computing.

Ashlyn Campbell
Georgia State University

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: RISE Stars: An Experience Report on a Cohort of Black Freshmen Women in Computing, February 2025, ACM (Association for Computing Machinery),
DOI: 10.1145/3641554.3701790.
You can read the full text:

Read

Contributors

The following have contributed to this page