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.
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In the state of Texas, all high schools are required to offer at least one computer science class but less than half do. WeTeach_CS (WTCS) is seeking 4-6 entities to host Computer Science Family Engagement events in Texas for K-8 students and their families to increase awareness and exposure to computer science, AI, computational thinking, cybersecurity, and adjacent topics.
Timeline
- Applications open: September XX, 2025
- Applicant webinar: September 9, 2025, from 11am-12:30pm CT (will be recorded)
- Applications due: September 26, 2025 by 5pm CT
- WTCS Family Engagement Train the Trainer: November 10-11, 2025
- Initial WTCS Family Engagement Event: February 21, 2026
- Events must take place between March-May 2026 or August-December 2026
Eligible applicants include the following entities types within Texas:
- regional education service centers (ESCs)
- institutions of higher education
- informal education entities (such as libraries and museums)
In the application, you will have an opportunity to describe your experience and background along with your motivation to be involved with this project.
Become a Family Engagement Partner
Applications are now open for the WeTeach_CS Family Engagement 2026 - 2027 school year! Apply to become a partner and learn how to engage your community and inspire the students to learn computer science.
Deadline: October 9, 2026
Become a Family Engagement Partner
Applications are now open for the WeTeach_CS Family Engagement 2026 - 2027 school year! Apply to become a partner and learn how to engage your community and inspire the students to learn computer science.
Apply NowRequired Training
A team of 2-4 people from your institution must attend:
- Training session days will be on November 9-10, 2026, 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.
- A family engagement event TBD.
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 9-10, 2026) and the initial family engagement event (date TBD)
Training Timeline
September 3, 2026
Applications Open
September 10, 2026 | 1:00pm-2:30pm CT
Applicant Webinar (will be recorded)
Zoom Link: https://utexas.zoom.us/j/9054657867
October 9, 2026 | 5:00pm CT
Applications Due
October 16, 2026
Applicant Notification of Award Status
November 9-10, 2026
WTCS Family Engagement Train the Trainer
Spring 2027 (TBD)
Attend Showcase Event
Events must take place March - May 2027 or August - December 2027.
Resources for Partners
Additional resources will be added as the program progresses.
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.
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 |
Commons Conference Center 10100 Burnet Road, Bldg 137 Austin, TX 78758 |
Registration Closed |
|
Saturday, April 11, 2026 |
UT Tyler Ornelas Activity Center 2402 Old Omen Road Tyler, TX |
Registration Closed |
|
Thursday, April 30, 2026 |
Region 15 ESC |
Registration Closed |
|
Saturday, May 16, 2026 (ESC 13) |
PFISD New Learning & Teaching Center 1601 W Pecan St. Pflugerville TX 78860 |
Registration Closed |
|
Saturday, September 26, 2026 |
Coastal Bend Community Code am 6633 Evans Road, Elementary Campus Corpus Christi, TX 78413 |
|
|
Saturday, October 24, 2026 (Rice University) |
TBD | TBD |
|
Friday, December 4, 2026 |
Region 2 ESC 209 N Water St. Corpus Christi, TX 78401 |