Identifying the impact of the SPIRIT program in student knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward computing careers

Declining interest in computing programs nationwide presents a threat to America´s security and limits potential for innovation across all domains. One way to address this problem is to remove misconceptions held by the nation´s youth about computing, including information about how it positively impacts many subjects and showing them that applying computing can be fun and rewarding. One program at a Midwestern university accomplished this goal through a week-long, residential, summer camp for high school students to educate them about career opportunities and possibilities for people with Information Technology skills. Participants completed a variety of hands-on activities daily, along with listening to work experiences of computing professionals. Feedback collected from the student participants showed that in addition t o raising awareness about computing opportunities, the program increased youth interest in IT, prompted many to enroll in computing/engineering courses, and improved their performance in school. This paper shares details about the program and participant feedback to make a case for offering similar programs to correct the knowledge people have about computing.