Indigenous Computer Science Interest and Access Study: Phase 2.0

This study examines how Indigenous students, educators, and communities engage with computer science (CS) and emerging technologies, with a focus on identifying both barriers to access and pathways for meaningful participation. Through surveys, focus groups, and community-based “talk story” dialogues, the research highlights a persistent gap in access to foundational CS education for Indigenous learners, despite strong interest and support from educators.

A central theme of the work is the importance of aligning technology education with community priorities—particularly language preservation, cultural knowledge, and real-world problem solving. The findings suggest that when CS and AI are framed as tools that can be shaped by Indigenous perspectives, rather than external systems imposed on communities, engagement and relevance increase significantly.

Overall, the paper emphasizes that expanding access alone is not enough; effective approaches must be community-informed, culturally grounded, and designed to support long-term educational and economic opportunities within Indigenous communities.