Bridging the Diversity Gap in Computer Science with a Course on Open Source Software

Abstract

Stereotype threat, impostor syndrome, lacking a sense of belonging, and misconceptions about the field are just some of the reasons that contribute to the increasing diversity gap in Computer Science. To address this, our institution has developed an undergraduate course in which students contribute to Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) projects under the guidance of a dedicated mentor. By contributing to FOSS projects, students can: find a mentor or role model; collaborate with, participate in, and contribute to a welcoming and supporting community; and see that they can have real-world positive impact. This paper describes the course and our experiences in teaching it, and provides evidence that it can have a positive impact on diversity by increasing retention and improving students’ confidence.