Overview
ACM Teach LA is a non-profit outreach organization operating under the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) at UCLA, the largest tech community at the university and Southern California's largest student computer science organization. The organization is committed to providing equitable access to computer science education for K-12 students across Los Angeles. By teaming UCLA students with local schools, it offers free computer science classes, empowering students with coding and problem-solving skills in an inclusive learning environment.
Programs and Initiatives
The flagship offering is the academic quarter class program where sessions are held once or twice weekly. Courses range from introductory topics like Python and web development to advanced subjects such as machine learning and data science. Instructors balance theoretical and practical learning, enhancing student engagement with course materials.
ACM Teach LA also provides an open-source online code editor, designed for students to practice coding in an accessible format, accommodating programming in Python, HTML, and Processing. Educational enrichment is further supported with Learning Labs—online modules that demystify complex computer science concepts like Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), cryptography, and password security through interactive activities.
Collaboration and Partnerships
ACM Teach LA thrives through partnerships with numerous local schools and support from major sponsors, demonstrating a strong network of collaboration:
- Partnered Schools: Includes Brockton Avenue Elementary School, Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School, North Hollywood High School, Sepulveda Middle School, and Short Avenue Elementary School.
- Industry Sponsors: Supported by Blizzard Entertainment, Citadel, Deloitte, Facebook, Google, Northrop Grumman, Samsung, Sandia National Laboratories, and Viasat.
Leadership and Team
The leadership is composed of dedicated UCLA students who drive the organization's missions and operations:
- Vera Peker, President
- Leroy Betterton Gage, Co-President
Directors oversee critical functions such as curriculum development, special events, training, and development projects, ensuring a robust operational framework.
Online Presence
ACM Teach LA fosters engagement and disseminates information through its online platforms:
- Website: [teachla.uclaacm.com](https://teachla.uclaacm.com/)
- Social Media:
- Instagram: Showcases event updates and initiatives.
- LinkedIn and Facebook: Facilitates community interaction and shares milestones.
Competitors and Related Initiatives
In the broader scope of California's CS education:
- USC Viterbi K-12 STEM Center: Shares a similar mission to enhance computer literacy with outreach programs.
- 9 Dots: Targets transformative CS education for K-6 students in underserved Los Angeles areas, highlighting a different focus on age groups and methodologies.
These organizations align with ACM Teach LA's dedication to CS education, contributing to a network of equitable learning initiatives.
Impact and Community Involvement
ACM Teach LA is committed to imparting computer science knowledge and skills, thereby enhancing students' preparedness for both college and career paths. It adopts innovative teaching practices, tailored for diverse student demographics, emphasizing equal educational opportunities and cultivating a technologically capable future generation.
