Crossing Borders: The Beauty of Computer Science Beyond Disciplinary Borders

Incorporating diverse perspectives, especially women’s, in emerging tech development is crucial for innovation, sustainable product design, and ethical integrity. However, women remain underrepresented in STEM fields. We present insights into our RockStartIT initiative, tailored to increase girls’ interest in CS. By offering interdisciplinary courses aligned with students’ interests, RockStartIT has successfully engaged diverse groups of high school students. Through engaging expeditions, participants explore the beauty of CS in different contexts and its applications in solving real-world challenges closely aligned to their everyday experiences. We also introduce our IDEA framework, emphasizing inclusivity and interdisciplinary learning. With this approach, we aim to provide alternative pathways into CS education. By leveraging students’ individual interests, RockStartIT fosters inclusivity and promotes a deeper understanding of CS’s interdisciplinary nature.