About CS KickStart
About CS KickStart
Our Mission
Our Mission
CS KickStart aims to generate more pursuit of technology in women and other minority groups to improve the lack of representation and access in the tech industry, especially considering the shift in the UMich Computer Science program, through a week-long program that introduces participants to a wide range of industry opportunities, foundational programming concepts, and a supportive community that promotes diversity in tech.
Why does CS KickStart exist?
Why does CS KickStart exist?
The number of women pursuing some form of computer science or computing field has been steadily decreasing for decades:
The number of women pursuing some form of computer science or computing field has been steadily decreasing for decades:
University of Michigan is no exception. According to reports from the Office of the Registrar at the University of Michigan, enrollment in the University of Michigan's computer science program over the last three years has remained less than 20%:
University of Michigan is no exception. According to reports from the Office of the Registrar at the University of Michigan, enrollment in the University of Michigan's computer science program over the last three years has remained less than 20%:
Why is underrepresentation in computer science a problem?
Why is underrepresentation in computer science a problem?
Computer science needs women. The United States is in a computing crisis. The US Department of Labor says that by 2020 there will be 1.4 million computing-related jobs, which means 1 out of every 250 people will need to work a computing job (even accounting for population growth). However, at current graduation rates we will only be about to fill 30% of those jobs. Women and underrepresented minorities are a relatively untapped pool of talent that could help satisfy the national demand for computing skills.
Computer science needs women. The United States is in a computing crisis. The US Department of Labor says that by 2020 there will be 1.4 million computing-related jobs, which means 1 out of every 250 people will need to work a computing job (even accounting for population growth). However, at current graduation rates we will only be about to fill 30% of those jobs. Women and underrepresented minorities are a relatively untapped pool of talent that could help satisfy the national demand for computing skills.
Women need computer science. Due to the high demand, computer science jobs are stable even during economic downturns and pay high salaries. (In 2015 the median starting salary for Michigan students graduating with a bachelor's in computer science was $95,000!) By missing out on computer science, women are missing out on opportunities for financial stability and independence as a whole.
Women need computer science. Due to the high demand, computer science jobs are stable even during economic downturns and pay high salaries. (In 2015 the median starting salary for Michigan students graduating with a bachelor's in computer science was $95,000!) By missing out on computer science, women are missing out on opportunities for financial stability and independence as a whole.
Additionally, computer scientists design and build infrastructure that has major implications for society. Just think of smart phones, the Internet, and self-driving cars! The choices that designers of these systems make often determines which populations will benefit and which will suffer. If women and underrepresented minorities are not sitting at the table when these decisions are made, it is harder for these groups to shape technology's impact on society.
Additionally, computer scientists design and build infrastructure that has major implications for society. Just think of smart phones, the Internet, and self-driving cars! The choices that designers of these systems make often determines which populations will benefit and which will suffer. If women and underrepresented minorities are not sitting at the table when these decisions are made, it is harder for these groups to shape technology's impact on society.
What is causing underrepresentation in computer science at the University of Michigan?
What is causing underrepresentation in computer science at the University of Michigan?
We are not sure why enrollment remains low, but we have a few ideas. After performing a survey of students in EECS 280 (the second introductory programming class at the University of Michigan), we found three possible problems.
We are not sure why enrollment remains low, but we have a few ideas. After performing a survey of students in EECS 280 (the second introductory programming class at the University of Michigan), we found three possible problems.
One: Women were less likely to have prior programming experience.
One: Women were less likely to have prior programming experience.
Two: Women were more likely to find the atmosphere in the computer science department competitive and unwelcoming.
Two: Women were more likely to find the atmosphere in the computer science department competitive and unwelcoming.
Three: Women were less likely to visualize themselves in a career with computer science.
Three: Women were less likely to visualize themselves in a career with computer science.
How does CS KickStart help with this?
How does CS KickStart help with this?
We created CS KickStart to specifically address these issues. We provide a week-long introduction to CS that takes students of any gender identity with little to no experience (or who aren't even really sure what CS is) and shows them what they can do with a CS degree. We address the problems mentioned above by introducing students to programming before classes start, building a supportive community that will serve students throughout their years at Michigan, and bringing in U of M faculty and local Ann Arbor tech companies to share the cool things that they do.
We created CS KickStart to specifically address these issues. We provide a week-long introduction to CS that takes students of any gender identity with little to no experience (or who aren't even really sure what CS is) and shows them what they can do with a CS degree. We address the problems mentioned above by introducing students to programming before classes start, building a supportive community that will serve students throughout their years at Michigan, and bringing in U of M faculty and local Ann Arbor tech companies to share the cool things that they do.
By doing this, CS KickStart hopes to improve the enrollment and persistence of women in the University of Michigan computer science program in order to give women a voice, level the playing field in terms of academic and career opportunities, and benefit the field of computer science through the development of a talented and diverse workforce.
By doing this, CS KickStart hopes to improve the enrollment and persistence of women in the University of Michigan computer science program in order to give women a voice, level the playing field in terms of academic and career opportunities, and benefit the field of computer science through the development of a talented and diverse workforce.
This is the eighth year of CS KickStart, and encouraged by the many success stories from our 2016-2024 programs, we hope to continue and expand our program in the coming years.
This is the eighth year of CS KickStart, and encouraged by the many success stories from our 2016-2024 programs, we hope to continue and expand our program in the coming years.
Founders of CS KickStart
Founders of CS KickStart
Meghan Clark
Meghan Clark
Meghan is a former PhD student in computer science and engineering at the University of Michigan, and is now finishing her PhD after transferring with her advisor to University of California, Berkeley. Her research focuses on coming up with cool futuristic applications for smart buildings and then designing the infrastructure to make them happen. Meghan first discovered computer science in her junior(!) year of college. She began as a double major in global affairs and conflict resolution, then switched to anthropology and economics, then finally to computer science with a mathematics minor. Why? Because computers are awesome and can do anything -- just like you!
Meghan is a former PhD student in computer science and engineering at the University of Michigan, and is now finishing her PhD after transferring with her advisor to University of California, Berkeley. Her research focuses on coming up with cool futuristic applications for smart buildings and then designing the infrastructure to make them happen. Meghan first discovered computer science in her junior(!) year of college. She began as a double major in global affairs and conflict resolution, then switched to anthropology and economics, then finally to computer science with a mathematics minor. Why? Because computers are awesome and can do anything -- just like you!
Laura Wendlandt
Laura Wendlandt
Laura is a current PhD student in computer science and engineering at the University of Michigan, where her research explores ways that computers can better understand language and images. She was first introduced to computer science through an introductory undergraduate class, where she learned how to program video game-playing web bots and maze-navigating Lego robots. In her spare time, Laura enjoys running, crocheting, and reading novels.
Laura is a current PhD student in computer science and engineering at the University of Michigan, where her research explores ways that computers can better understand language and images. She was first introduced to computer science through an introductory undergraduate class, where she learned how to program video game-playing web bots and maze-navigating Lego robots. In her spare time, Laura enjoys running, crocheting, and reading novels.
Cathy Finegan-Dollak
Cathy Finegan-Dollak
Cathy Finegan-Dollak earned her B.A. from Boston College and her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law. After practicing as an attorney for a short time, she saw Watson the computer crush the human champions on Jeopardy, and she started to think, "Why is that machine not doing my job?" Then she realized that there would be humans working to make that machine do her job, and that those humans had a more interesting job than she did. Now she is a PhD candidate in computer science at the University of Michigan, where she studies natural language processing.
Cathy Finegan-Dollak earned her B.A. from Boston College and her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law. After practicing as an attorney for a short time, she saw Watson the computer crush the human champions on Jeopardy, and she started to think, "Why is that machine not doing my job?" Then she realized that there would be humans working to make that machine do her job, and that those humans had a more interesting job than she did. Now she is a PhD candidate in computer science at the University of Michigan, where she studies natural language processing.
Nilmini Abeyratne
Nilmini Abeyratne
Abeyratne was a Ph.D student researching memory architecture for supercomputers. In addition to CS KickStart, she was also a mentor in the Ensemble of CSE Ladies, a mentoring program for new female graduate students. Previously, she has also been involved in programs by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and Women in Science and Engineering (WISE). She became interested in computers at a young age, typing up small computer programs with her father on their computer at home. During high school, she enrolled in programming classes at a local university. She holds a BSc in Computer Engineering from Purdue University and MSc and Ph.D in computer science and engineering from the University of Michigan. In 2017, she joined Intel as a Performance Architect where she helps design next generation Intel processors.
Abeyratne was a Ph.D student researching memory architecture for supercomputers. In addition to CS KickStart, she was also a mentor in the Ensemble of CSE Ladies, a mentoring program for new female graduate students. Previously, she has also been involved in programs by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and Women in Science and Engineering (WISE). She became interested in computers at a young age, typing up small computer programs with her father on their computer at home. During high school, she enrolled in programming classes at a local university. She holds a BSc in Computer Engineering from Purdue University and MSc and Ph.D in computer science and engineering from the University of Michigan. In 2017, she joined Intel as a Performance Architect where she helps design next generation Intel processors.
Katie Hennells
Katie Hennells
Katie was a sopohmore in the College of Engineering studying computer science when CS KickStart was first founded and struggling to find her way in the computer science department. Through helping create CS KickStart she found a community of women with similar passions that she could look up to. Because of this, she has stuck with CS and is now a rising senior. She was first introduced to computer science during her freshman year, and decided to major in it because it combined all aspects of her favorite things, math, puzzles, and science, in a way that was crucial and benefical to the world. During her time at the University of Michigan she is also involved in Girls in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (GEECS) as a member of the outreach committee and the autonomous car program, TechLab, through the Center for Entrepreneurship. This summer she is interning at CME Group as a software engineering intern. She is excited to see where computer science will take her next.
Katie was a sopohmore in the College of Engineering studying computer science when CS KickStart was first founded and struggling to find her way in the computer science department. Through helping create CS KickStart she found a community of women with similar passions that she could look up to. Because of this, she has stuck with CS and is now a rising senior. She was first introduced to computer science during her freshman year, and decided to major in it because it combined all aspects of her favorite things, math, puzzles, and science, in a way that was crucial and benefical to the world. During her time at the University of Michigan she is also involved in Girls in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (GEECS) as a member of the outreach committee and the autonomous car program, TechLab, through the Center for Entrepreneurship. This summer she is interning at CME Group as a software engineering intern. She is excited to see where computer science will take her next.
Past Officers
2025
Emily Abrams
Emily Abrams
she/her/hers
Emily graduated with a major in computer science, inspired by attending CS KickStart as a freshman. She really appreciated how CSK provided an opportunity to explore different career possibilities and to learn new skills in a welcoming and encouraging environment, and she had an amazing time getting to know future classmates and developing an interest in pursuing technology in her future.
Emily graduated with a major in computer science, inspired by attending CS KickStart as a freshman. She really appreciated how CSK provided an opportunity to explore different career possibilities and to learn new skills in a welcoming and encouraging environment, and she had an amazing time getting to know future classmates and developing an interest in pursuing technology in her future.
Abby Hart
Abby Hart
she/her/hers
Abby graduated with a major in computer science and a minor in user experience design. Before CS KickStart week, she was not considering majoring in anything remotely tech-related, but after the program she immediately changed her mind! CSK made her feel a lot more confident in the classes and organizations she engaged with at school.
Abby graduated with a major in computer science and a minor in user experience design. Before CS KickStart week, she was not considering majoring in anything remotely tech-related, but after the program she immediately changed her mind! CSK made her feel a lot more confident in the classes and organizations she engaged with at school.
2024
Debby Chung
Debby Chung
she/her/hers
Debby graduated with a major in user experience design and minors in art and computer science. She is grateful to CS KickStart for providing her with a judgement-free community and some of her closest friends at U-Mich during COVID, and for providing so many great resources for CS KickStart alumni. Debby was not sure of what to pursue coming into college, and CS KickStart was the perfect program that introduced her to the field of tech.
Debby graduated with a major in user experience design and minors in art and computer science. She is grateful to CS KickStart for providing her with a judgement-free community and some of her closest friends at U-Mich during COVID, and for providing so many great resources for CS KickStart alumni. Debby was not sure of what to pursue coming into college, and CS KickStart was the perfect program that introduced her to the field of tech.
Julia Jun
Julia Jun
she/her/hers
Julia graduated with a major in statistics and a minor in computer science. She is grateful to have been a part of the virtual program of CSK in 2020 as it introduced her to CS and allowed her to find a welcoming community where she can discover new interests and learn about the endless career opportunities in the tech industry. After her week of CS Kickstart, her curiosity about CS grew and motivated her to take EECS courses for the semesters to come.
Julia graduated with a major in statistics and a minor in computer science. She is grateful to have been a part of the virtual program of CSK in 2020 as it introduced her to CS and allowed her to find a welcoming community where she can discover new interests and learn about the endless career opportunities in the tech industry. After her week of CS Kickstart, her curiosity about CS grew and motivated her to take EECS courses for the semesters to come.
2023
Divya Ramamoorthy
Divya Ramamoorthy
she/her/hers
Divya graduated with a major in computer science and minors in linguistics and French. She's super grateful to CS KickStart for providing her with a supportive community coming into college, and for introducing her to so many of the potential paths in the field of computer science. Divya thanks CS KickStart for giving her confidence in her EECS courses and for helping her meet some of her best friends!
Divya graduated with a major in computer science and minors in linguistics and French. She's super grateful to CS KickStart for providing her with a supportive community coming into college, and for introducing her to so many of the potential paths in the field of computer science. Divya thanks CS KickStart for giving her confidence in her EECS courses and for helping her meet some of her best friends!
Sydney Swider
Sydney Swider
she/her/hers
Sydney graduated with a major in computer science and a minor in biochemistry, thanking her introduction to CS to this very program. Coming into college planning on going premed, her world was irrevocably changed after her amazing week with this program. She was motivated by CS KickStart to explore a field she didn't know anything about before, and fell in love.
Sydney graduated with a major in computer science and a minor in biochemistry, thanking her introduction to CS to this very program. Coming into college planning on going premed, her world was irrevocably changed after her amazing week with this program. She was motivated by CS KickStart to explore a field she didn't know anything about before, and fell in love.
2022
Mairna Askar
Mairna Askar
Mairna graduated with a majors in computer science and international studies. She is now a software engineer at Salesforce in San Francisco, and is excited to start more journeys in her hobbies and passions. CS Kickstart was transformative for her in determining her career path, paving wonderful opportunities for her and gifting her unforgettable communities.
Mairna graduated with a majors in computer science and international studies. She is now a software engineer at Salesforce in San Francisco, and is excited to start more journeys in her hobbies and passions. CS Kickstart was transformative for her in determining her career path, paving wonderful opportunities for her and gifting her unforgettable communities.
Rachel Holmes
Rachel Holmes
Rachel graduated with a major in business and a minor in computer science. She is now working in finance at RBC Capital Markets. CS KickStart gave Rachel the confidence to pursue computer science knowing there is a supportive community around her and that she has the ability to successfully make an impact in the future of tech. CSK also exposed her to the world of possibilities that exist in tech!
Rachel graduated with a major in business and a minor in computer science. She is now working in finance at RBC Capital Markets. CS KickStart gave Rachel the confidence to pursue computer science knowing there is a supportive community around her and that she has the ability to successfully make an impact in the future of tech. CSK also exposed her to the world of possibilities that exist in tech!