If you are seeking activities for students to engage in coding this year, CS First is a free program from Google to help you do this.

Empowering students to create with technology through free computer science clubs

CS First provides free, easy-to-use computer science (CS) enrichment materials that target and engage a diverse student population.

Program Overview

CS First is a free program that increases student access and exposure to computer science (CS) education through after-school, in-school, and summer programs. All clubs are run by teachers and/or community volunteers.

Theme-Based Clubs

Each CS First club is based on a real-world theme and offers about 10 hours worth of lessons and activities. The different club themes aim to attract and engage students of varying backgrounds and interests. All materials are targeted at students in 4th – 8th grades (or between the ages of 9 – 14) and are free and easy to use.

CS First materials:

All Training and Materials Provided — No Experience Needed

No computer science experience is necessary to host or volunteer. CS First provides all the training and materials you need to successfully run and lead a CS First club. All training and materials are free and available online.

• are completely free and available online
• are targeted at students in grades 4th-8th (ages 9-14)
• can be tailored to fit your schedule and needs
• involve block-based coding using Scratch and are themed to attract students with varied interests

CS First Goals

• Increase confidence when using computers
• Instil courage to try new things
• Grow perseverance when tackling difficult problems
• Provide a sense of belonging in technology for under represented students
• Demonstrate the impact that CS has in careers and communities

Why Computer Science?

Computer science is…A 21st Century Skill

• a theory and practice that allows you to program a computer to do what you want it to
• a tool that helps you tell a story or make something happen with technology
• a discipline that emphasizes persistence in problem solving — a skill that is applicable across disciplines, driving job growth and innovation across all sectors of the workforce
• a skill that teaches students how to use computers to create, not just consume

Computer science is not…

• learning how to type
• learning to use word processing, spreadsheet, or presentation software
• learning how to build or repair computers
• playing video games

Ready to find out more or get started?

All the information you need to get started is available here.