Diversity Initiatives for Women and Underrepresented Students
In Purdue's Department of Computer Science, we believe strongly in supporting the success of underrepresented populations in the field. Addressing this issue is critical to our mission.
We offer a number of programs, student organizations and events targeted toward helping women and underrepresented minorities succeed at Purdue.
Student Organizations
Department of Computer Science
Association of Multicultural Computer Scientists (AMCS)
AMCS provides a support system for underrepresented undergrad and grad students’ academic, social and professional development.
Computer Science Women’s Network (CSWN)
CSWN consists of students, faculty and staff who are dedicated to helping all members succeed in computer science. You’ll connect with faculty and staff mentors and get to know other women in computer science as you explore the field together at professional conferences and fun social events.
Mentors for Aspiring Girls in Computing (MAGIC)
Join MAGIC and serve as a mentor for local high school girls who want to learn more about technology. Together, you’ll explore topics like art, games, mobile development, artificial intelligence and computer security.
College of Science
Association of Multicultural Science Students (AMSS)
This group helps members acquire jobs, internships and research assistantships and offers scholarships to students who show academic excellence, community service and club service.
Science Opportunities to Advance Retention (SOAR) Tutoring Program
SOAR is a tutoring program that will help you acclimate to college, providing strategies you can use to succeed in your major’s core courses.
Conferences and Opportunities
Each year, groups of computer science students travel to several conferences that encourage diversity the computing field:
- Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Annual Conference
- Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing
Campus Resources
College of Science Multicultural Science Programs
Division of Diversity and Inclusion
Office of Institutional Equity
Black Cultural Center
International Center
Latino Cultural Center
Native American Resource and Cultural Center
Asian American Resource and Cultural Center
LGBTQ Center
International Student and Scholars
Additional Resources
NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Scholarship for Incoming Women
Visit Purdue
Interested in visiting Purdue? Explore Purdue is a full-day campus visit program for minority students, in grades 8-12, interested in attending Purdue.
Interested in visiting Purdue's Computer Science Department? Schedule a tour.
Lillian Evans
Lillian Evans, diversity specialist for the Department of Computer Science, advises and supports the department’s student organizations for women and and underrepresented students. She travels to admissions events, conferences and community events to talk with prospective students about the Department of Computer Science.
Lillian previously worked in Purdue's Division of Diversity and Inclusion in the Office of the Provost, where she was program coordinator for Purdue's Emerging Leader scholarship and BoilerMentor programs. With the creation of this position, the Department of Computer Science became the first department on Purdue’s campus to have a full-time staff member who focuses on diversity initiatives.
Phil Sands
Phil Sands is the K-12 Outreach Coordinator for Purdue’s Department of Computer Science. He focuses on expanding opportunities for computer science education in Indiana and engaging underrepresented minorities in the field so that all students have the opportunity to participate. Previously, Phil spent six years as a software engineer and seven years teaching computer programming and statistics at high schools in Washington DC and Michigan.