Why study computer science?

(An invitation to high school students)

Computer Science is one of the most dynamic and rewarding fields of study imaginable. The study of Computer Science at UTEP gives you skills and knowledge that will enable you to create, adapt, maintain, and extend software, hardware, and systems of all kinds. Our graduates find jobs building web systems, aerospace systems, high performance computers, automotive systems, network infrastructure, productivity software and so on.

If you are interested in studying Computer Science, the best way to start is by taking programming courses, or buying a book and teaching yourself. It is also good to acquire a strong foundation in mathematics; Computer Science is not math, but lots of experience with mathematical thinking is a good way to prepare your mind for the sorts of creativity and problem-solving needed in Computer Science.

For more information, visit Computing Careers.

Computer Science at UTEP reaches out to the community in various ways, including three recent efforts:

• Expanding Your Horizons is an interactive program that introduces seventh and eighth grade girls to careers in mathematics, science, technology, and engineering. The goal of the program is to help young students: discover how interesting and fun math, science and technology can be; explore many career opportunities for women in these fields; and talk to successful women in these fields. The conference is held on the campus of the University of Texas at El Paso in early spring each year. This event provides an empowering and encouraging environment where girls' career dreams can be explored.

  The program coordinator is Peggy Gustafson (pmgustaf@yahoo.com), and the CS contact is Dr. Ann Q. Gates (agates@utep.edu).

• The ACM Student Chapter at UTEP makes outreach activities to different high schools in El Paso and Juarez, in order to inform students about UTEPs programs, computer science, and the ACM. During these visits we give a brief overview about UTEP, the nature of computer science, the CS faculty and curriculum, and the exciting research activities on offer. Regarding ACM we explain the role of a Student Association in Computer Science and the benefits of membership.

  We usually visit schools in the spring semester, since this is most useful for high school students in their senior year deciding where to apply to college. Last year we visited three schools in Juarez, and this spring we are planning to attend to Franklin High, Coronado High, El Paso High, Preparatoria Chamizal, and Bachilleres 5 (the last two being in Juarez).

  The coordinator is the ACM Student Chapter President, Christian Servin (christians@utep.edu).

• Sue Walker (Graduate Program Coordinator), occasionally visits local high schools to meet with future computer scientists and engineers, as in this picture with students in the Math, Science, and Technology Magnet Program at Chapin High School.

  

• In 2005 the regional Software and Information Technology Organization collaborated with Computer Science and IBM to organize and promote a number of technical briefings, reaching both industry and students from El Paso, Las Cruces, and Juarez. As part of Computer Science outreach efforts, a group of students from Father Yermo Middle School had the opportunity to attend one of the briefings. These future engineers are the youngest attendees that an IBM technical briefing has ever had!