“Broadening participation in computing through recruiting, bridging and retention”

The mission of the STARS (Students & Technology in Academia, Research & Service) Alliance is to increase the participation of women, under-represented minorities, and persons with disabilities in computing disciplines through multi-faceted interventions focused on the influx and progression of students from middle school through graduate school in programs that lead to computing careers. The Alliance is organized as a national constellation of regional stars that include research universities, minority and women's universities & colleges, K-12 educators, industry, professional organizations, and community groups. Stars implement "best practices" interventions with an integrated focus on:

1. Recruiting to motivate students to enroll in computing disciplines or computing prerequisite programs of study through engagement and clear articulation of career opportunities and potential career paths.
2. Bridging to provide support systems and extra-curricular training for students without computing prerequisites to become eligible to enroll in computing disciplines.
3. Retention to support students in computing, as well as potential computing students at the freshman/sophomore university level, community college, and middle to high school students, to persist towards matriculation.