Computer Science students run first ever inspiration event for children

On Saturday 12th March, more than 40 children aged 10-18 from outer city schools gathered at UCL Engineering for HackStart, a day of tech demos, talks and workshops organised and run solely by first year Computer Science students and members of UCLU TechSoc.

Over 20 first year CS students conducted self-designed workshops and demos hoping to inspire attendees to take up STEM or Computer Science at the University level.  The topics included game development, cryptography with Python and Virtual Reality with the Oculus. Some made use of their high quality Coding Curriculum projects such as the Javascript education platform, Coffee School.

The children were able to see the most exciting developments in Computer Science directly from those studying it.  The sessions also promoted discussion between volunteers and attendees to give a first-hand impression of what studying Computer Science means and how exciting the field is. During the closing session, we had a lively Q&A session for volunteers to share their experience studying Computer Science at UCL to those aspiring to take up Computer Science in the future.

HackStart is part of the UCLU TechSoc’s efforts to inspire the next generation to take up more STEM-related subjects as well as Computer Science at the University level.  TechSoc members have volunteered frequently at events such as CoderDojo, YRS Hack Day at the Open Data Institute as well as running workshops for the Hour Of Code.
UCLU TechSoc would like to thank the Department of Computer Science for sponsoring this event and for their continued support in empowering the student community to able to run such events. We would also like to thank Rae Harbird and Elpida Makrygianni for their guidance.