BPC Programs & Activities for Students
Our BPC programs and activities seek to inspire all voices, imagine the future, and invest in the next generation of computing leaders and professionals. Programs serve many populations, including K-12, undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and graduate students, as well as post-doctoral, faculty, and staff development. Additionally, collaboration with external partners allows us to leverage an extensive network of resources and allies to support our students and faculty during and after their time in our programs.
Including all voices.
Making computing available to people from all backgrounds at all levels.
Pathway Programs
Our pathway programs seek to provide an accessible introduction to computing to people ages- pre-college through postbaccalaureate.
- K-12 Outreach Programs raise awareness about computer science in young people.
- AI4ALL offers three programs that help undergraduates learn about artificial intelligence (AI) and discover new opportunities to use AI: Discover AI, Apply AI, Experience AI.
- The Pre-Engineering Program (PREP) provides opportunities for highly-qualified University of Illinois students to prepare themselves to transfer into The Grainger College of Engineering.
- The year-long iCAN certificate program helps non-computer science college graduates get ready to pursue a graduate degree in computer science or a high-tech career in computing.
Innovative Degrees
Unique degree programs and minors allow students to pursue a flexible program of study incorporating a strong grounding in computer science with technical or professional training in the arts and sciences.
- Undergraduates pursuing another degree at the University of Illinois can minor in computer science to get a basic introduction to the field.
- Our CS + X degree programs enable undergraduates to blend a strong grounding in computer science with training in an art or science.
- The online Master of Computer Science (MCS) and MCS in Data Science programs allow busy professionals to complete an advanced computer science degree while continuing to meet their current life and career obligations.
Imagining the future.
Providing a strong foundation in computing research and BPC Education.
Research Opportunities
- The Siebel School of Computing and Data Science has a dynamic research culture with nearly 150 potential faculty advisors, covering 11 research areas.
- In the 10-week long Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), students work with faculty mentors and graduate students over the summer to get an introduction to computer science research.
- Undergraduates can also get involved in research through semester-long programs like PURE or summer programs like ISUR.
- During the Summer Predoctoral Institute, incoming graduate students from populations underrepresented at Illinois gain an early introduction to graduate study and an opportunity to work with a summer research advisor.
- The Speaker Series brings prominent leaders and experts to the school to share their ideas and promote conversations about important challenges and topics in the discipline.
- The school also hosts a variety of technical conferences and workshops benefiting the academic and research communities.
BPC Educational Activities
We offer many cross-cutting BPC educational activities that serve all levels in our school and the broader community. From workshops to thought-provoking speaker series, these opportunities help our school community grow in their knowledge and understanding of broadening participation in computing within our school and beyond.
Investing in the next generation.
Fostering an inclusive environment through professional development, mentorship, and community building
Mentorship & Professional Development
Leveraging External Partnerships.
Connecting with an extensive network of resources and allies to support our students and faculty.
Partners
Some of the NCWIT Aspirations Central Illinois Chapter winners pose with Department Head Nancy Amato, second from right.