Computer Science for Everyone: Interdisciplinary Online Courses of RockStartIT

The RockStartIT initiative was explicitly designed to increase the representation of girls in STEM-related subjects, particularly the field of computer science (CS), by providing interdisciplinary courses that connect the subject matter to their interests and passions. The program has been successful in engaging a diverse group of high school students, encouraging them to explore CS through problem-solving skills in the areas of their choice. The program's structure and approach have been instrumental in promoting interest in CS and increasing the understanding of the importance of using CS to solve real-world, interdisciplinary problems. The IDEA (Interdisciplinary, Diverse, Exploratory, and Active) approach of RockStartIT provides alternative pathways into the field of CS by building on the individual interests of diverse students, which would not have been possible without the interdisciplinary approach.