WeTeach_CS Family Engagement
Empowering Families Through Computer Science

The WeTeach_CS Family Engagement Initiative is designed to bring families and communities together to explore the exciting world of computer science. By introducing parents and students to hands-on activities, we aim to spark curiosity, build confidence, and create pathways for future learning in technology.

Why It Matters:

  • Early Exposure: Research shows that early experiences in CS help students develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills that last a lifetime.
  • Family Connection: When families learn together, students feel supported and motivated to pursue STEM opportunities.
  • Community Impact: These events strengthen ties between schools, families, and local organizations, creating a culture that values innovation and digital literacy.

Resources for Trainers

Access 2025-2026 program guidelines and FAQ.

Access Resources

Contact

Amy Carrell

acarrell@tacc.utexas.edu

Community Code Jams

WeTeach_CS is excited to partner with organizations across Texas to bring Computer Science Family Engagement Events to K-12 students and their families. These events are designed to spark curiosity and build awareness about computer science, AI, computational thinking, cybersecurity, and more—helping families explore the skills that shape the future.

Whether you’re a parent, student, or educator, these Community Code Jams are a fun, hands-on way to learn and create together. No prior experience is needed—just bring your curiosity!

Community Code Jams are FREE family events designed to introduce K-12 students and their families to the exciting world of computer science. These gatherings provide hands-on activities in coding, computational thinking, AI, and cybersecurity, creating an engaging environment where families learn together.

2026 Community Code Jams

Event Date & Time Location Community Code Jam Details

Saturday, February 21, 2026
1:00pm - 4:00pm

 Commons Conference Center 
10100 Burnet Road, Bldg 137 
Austin, TX 78758 

Registration to open 1/5/26

Volunteer Application

Saturday, April 11, 2026 (UT Tyler)
TBD

 TBD TBD

Thursday, April 30, 2026 (ESC 15)
TBD

 TBD TBD

Saturday, May 16, 2026 (ESC 13) 
TBD

 TBD TBD

Saturday, October 24, 2026 (RICE)
TBD

 TBD TBD

Become a Trainer

Trainers have been selected for this season. If you are a trainer, resources are available for you! If you'd like to become a trainer next season, please sign up for our newsletter to be informed when applications are open. 

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Resources for Trainers

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Required Training

A team of 2-4 people from your institution must attend:

  • Training session days will be on November 10-11, 2025, on the JJ Pickle Research Campus in Austin, TX from 8:00am to 4:00pm each day. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and water/coffee/tea will be provided. 

  • An initial family engagement event to be held at JJ Pickle Research Campus on February 21, 2025. You will all be charged with various aspects to prepare you for your own event.

Awardee Additional Requirements and Responsibilities

  • Provide a venue with sufficient space, internet, tables, etc to host 6-12 stations 
  • Lead recruitment of families, students, and volunteers in your local region
  • Must serve multiple school districts
  • Recruitment efforts should target a minimum of 200 attendees for the event
  • Provide a plan for adequate technology to host stations and set expectations for students that are attending - Will students bring their own devices? Will you have devices available for checkout for those that do not? Will your institution have access to a computer lab? Laptops are recommended (not tablets) and Chromebooks are okay.
  • Securing local sponsorships for t-shirts, volunteer lunch or snacks, swag / giveaways
  • Team members will complete a post training survey as well as a post event survey
  • Administer surveys onsite to students, parents, and volunteers
  • Attend a minimum of two virtual check-ins prior to the event
  • Select a mutual decided date with the WeTeach_CS staff to host the event 

Funding

Entities will be selected through an application process and will receive $10,000 in a cost reimbursable agreement for:

  • Time and effort to prepare and execute
  • Event venue 
  • Onsite costs (examples: security, first aid station, tech support station)
  • Transportation and lodging for the training session (November 10-11, 2025) and the initial family engagement event (February 21, 2026)

Additional Information

Materials

All station materials and equipment to implement the event will be provided by UT Austin and Youth Code Jam.

The Jam in a Box includes materials for:

  • A minimum of six and a maximum of 12 stations based on your application and space capacity
  • print out and digital versions of all activities and TEKS alignment, supply lists, and toolkits

Reporting

  • Post training survey and post event survey
  • Basic evaluation data including:
    • number and grade of students,
    • number of adults,
    • participant/event location characteristics,
    • organizer support/training needs
    • organizer engagement, satisfaction, outcomes, recommendation
    • organizer outcomes, recommendations

Application Scoring

Point values for application scoring are provided in the Program Guidelines located in the WTCS Family Engagement Public Resources. Applicants in regions with less than 40% of high schools offering at least one computer science course will receive priority points.