Is ACM-W Still Relevant After 30 Years? Exploring the Ongoing Needs of Women and URMs in Computing
This exploratory study aims to identify the needs of computing students within a consortium of community colleges and 4-year, primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs) to inform faculty train- ing programs and student support services. The Ohio Pathways to Undergraduate Computing Success (OPUCS) project survey ad- dressed key factors influencing academic experiences and outcomes, particularly for historically underrepresented groups.
This survey was piloted in Spring 2024 at four partner institu- tions, two PUIs and two community colleges. Participants were recruited through institutional outreach, resulting in a final sam- ple of 156 students: 26% women, 29% underrepresented racialized minorities (URMs), and 71% first- or second-year students.
Significant differences along gender lines were found in belong- ingness and self-efficacy, with women reporting lower levels in both. The findings highlight disparities in belongingness, self-efficacy, and persistence among women and URMs in computing, empha- sizing the need for tailored support strategies. The OPUCS project aims to create and collaborate with ACM-W chapters to provide mentorship and resources across the consortium. Future research will evaluate the impact of ACM-W involvement on students’ atti- tudes, persistence, and satisfaction