WTCS Family Engagement
WeTeach_CS Computer Science Family Engagement

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

  • 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.

Application

Application Deadline:
September 26, 2025 by 5pm CT

Applicants will be notified of their status no later than October 9, 2025.

Apply Now

WTCS Family Engagement Public Resources

Access program guidelines and FAQ (coming soon).

Access Resources

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.