In light of falling enrollment in computer science programs across the nation coupled with rapid job creation in information technology across US and international industries, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has funded the STARS Alliance (Students and Technology in Academia, Research, and Service) to help address the issue by looking at generating interest in computing and technology across a wider breadth of students, paying particular attention to underrepresented populations to help close this growing gap.

Founded formally in March 2006, the STARS Alliance represents a ten university alliance dedicated to addressing the issue of broadening participation in computing and technology throughout primarily the southeastern United States.

The Alliance has had an active first six months:

• Each of the ten universities formed a Student Leadership Corps (SLC) comprised of both undergraduate and graduate student leaders committed to helping achieve the three primary activities of the Alliance: student recruiting, retention, and bridging.
• Attendance and participation at national conferences addressing the need for increased diversity in computing and technology.
• Press articles on our new Alliance
• The development of a strategic plan that will guide overall implementation and evaluation of Alliance activities.
• Marketing campaign targeted at advisors across the educational spectrum – four year colleges, two-year colleges, high school, and middle school.

Awarded $2 million across a three year period from 2006-2009, the Alliance is committed to addressing the issue of broadening participation in computing on a national level.