Experiencing Start with One: Increasing Black Student Interest in Graduate Computer Science Education Using Accessibility Workshops

It is a well-documented reality that Black-identifying students are significantly underrepresented at both the graduate and undergraduate levels in computing and related fields. We developed the Clemson Computing, Inclusion, and Identity (CCII) workshop series to explore strategies to address this issue. The CCII program uses a user-centered design activity coupled with presentations from diverse speakers to introduce students to a unique topic in Human-Centered Computing (HCC): inclusive design. The program seeks to use the inclusive design of assistive technology as a novel method of engaging underrepresented minority students while encouraging these students to explore the pursuit of additional graduate education in computer science and related fields. This experience report describes the CCII workshop series and critically reflects on our experiences and the program's outcomes. We believe this work demonstrates a unique approach to broadening participation in computing that may be leveraged by others at the university level.