Bowie State University Hosts Computer Programming Youth Summer Camp

Program Serves Black Male Middle and High School Students

Dozens of middle and senior high school students from Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., spent the beginning of their summer vacation in Bowie State University’s Computer Science building attending the Computer Programming for the Under-represented (CPU) summer camp, a program designed to serve young Black students from 12 to 17 years of age who are keenly interested in computer innovation and technology. 

Dr. Daryll Stone, chair of the Department of Technology & Security, is the founder of CPU. He says he wanted attendees to leave the camp with information that will prepare them for more advanced technical courses and thoughts of making computer technology a career.  

“Students participated in classes on computer programming, cybersecurity, computer networking and other STEM topics,” said Stone. “They were also introduced to algorithm design and logical thinking, which are important areas for individuals who want to develop skills to work in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Our goal was to get these young Black students thinking about working in some aspect of the computer industry.” 

According to a National Science Foundation report, Black men comprise 6% of the population but represent only 2% of the jobs in the computer technology field. 

Nate Yates will be a sophomore in the fall at Bridge Tutorial Ministry in Crofton, Md. Yates has been attending the camp for three years and says he already knows what he wants to do after college. 

“I want to go into cyber security and software design,” said Yates. “Those are top on my list, and the two areas I want to focus on.” 

“The goal of the CPU camp is to educate and motivate,” said Dr. Stone. “If students left the camp with a better understanding of the plethora of computer-related occupations that are available and the skills they need to secure jobs, we were successful.” 

CPU camp was held from Monday, June 23, through Wednesday, July 2.