RAFIKI: Leveraging Large Language Models to Increase AP Computer Science A Enrollment among Disadvantaged High School FemalesK12
This program is tentative and subject to change.
Gender gap in computing persists after decades of investment in lowering the gap. Evidence suggests that stereotypical attitudes and bias perceptions play a critical role in limiting female participation in STEM, beginning at middle and high school. The gap is exacerbated in developing nations that lack academic counselor support. Therefore, to lower the gap, the need is to provide targeted counseling starting in high school. RAFIKI – “friend” in Swahili is a large language model-based web application designed to mimic an academic coach. Using user inputs, it provides customized academic counseling with curated information on STEM and computing pathways. Randomized control trial in Tanzania on 120 students show a significant increase in AP Computer Science A course enrollment, considered a pathway to future computing career, particularly among female high school students after using RAFIKI, providing preliminary support for its efficacy as a digital academic coach.