Cross-Sector Collaboration: Expanding CS Opportunity for Students Experiencing Homelessness

Title: Cross-Sector Collaboration: Expanding CS Opportunity for Students Experiencing Homelessness Visual Story and Welcome (throughout 90 minutes) Large central poster visually summarizing: The collaboration The project’s purpose: co-designing CS learning with the community Key visuals: partnership map, photos of activities, quotes from parent facilitators and students (if possible). Engagement One presenter welcomes visitors with a 60 second overview QR codes link to a 1-minutes video and digital handout (project overview, resource links) Time per visitor: 2-3 minutes (to accommodate for shared exhibit style environment) Collaboration in Action (continuos 3-5 minute conversations) Mini-panels or tabletop visuals showing how partners from different sectors collaborated: How each organization’s expertise contributed How decisions were shared and communication maintained across cities. Challenges and lessons learned. Engagement Visitors invited to share a story of an unexpected or out-of-sector partnership they’ve seen. Optional sticky-note prompt: “What’s one partner outside your usual circle you could collaborate with?” Time per visitor: 4-5 minutes Learning Experience Showcase (hands-on, continuous) Small activity station highlighting what students and parents experienced Unplugged coding activity using everyday materials Scratch demo showing a student or parent-created project (with permission) Posters illustrate how these experiences supported belonging and transitions for families. Engagement Visitors try a 2-minute unplugged mini-activity or view a short Scratch animation. Handouts and QR links to the project report and images/videos from the project. Time per visitor: 4-6 minutes Takeaway Station (continuous reflection and dialogue) Final section with key takeaways on building sustainable, cross sector partnerships. Visual board summarizing what works and what we’re still learning. Engagement Reflection prompt: “What’s one new partnership idea you’re taking with you?” Visitors write on a sticky note or scan a QR to post on a Padlet board Time per visitor: 3-4 minutes Presenter Facilitation Approach (throughout the 90 minutes) Rotating roles among presenters: Greeter: welcomes new visitors and shares the 60 second overview Storyteller: leads brief conversations and answers questions Connector: facilitates one-on-one or small group dialogue with visitors wanting deeper discussion. Presenters intentionally rotate every 20-25 minutes to stay energized and engaged. All materials will be designed for accessibility. Visitor Experience Summary (to minutes per visitor) 2 min - overview and visual story 3 min - collaboration story 3 min - hands-on activity or Scratch demo 2 min - reflection and takeaway Visitors can enter at any point and complete the loop in 10 minutes, while presenters continuously engage and tailor conversations wot each visitor’s interest.

https://nationalinitiatives.issuelab.org/resources/16921/16921.pdf School House Connection 2025 Fact Sheet: Educating Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness. schoolhouseconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Educating-Children-and-Youth-Experiencing-Homelessness-2025-Fact-Sheet.pdf El-Hamamsy, L., Bruno, B., Audrin, C., Chavalier, M., Avry, S., Zufferey, J., & Mondada, F. (2023). How are primary school computer science curricular reforms contributing to equity? Impact on student learning, perception of the discipline, and gender gaps. International Journal of STEM Education, 10(1), 60-63. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-023-00438-3 Ching., Y, Yang, D., Wang, S., Baek, Y., Swanson, S., & Chittoori, B. (2019). Elementary school student development of STEM attitudes and perceived learning in a STEM integrated robotics curriculum. Techtrends, 63(5), 590-601. Forbes: Why Cross-Sector Collaboration is Key to Solving Societal Challenges. forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2025/08/06/why-cross-sector-collaboration-is-key-to-solving-societal-challenges Ferrera, M. (2015). Parent involvement facilitators: Unlocking social capital wealth. The School Community Journal, 25(1), 29. Beating the Odds: How Can Schools and Districts Support Students Experiencing Homelessness? buildingchanges.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/SchoolhouseWA_BeatingtheOddes_2020.pdf Matloff-Nieves, S. (2007). Growing our own: Former participants as staff in afterschool youth development programs. Afterschool Matters, (6), 15. Basualdo-Delmonico, A., & Spencer, R. (2016). A parent's place: Parent's, mentors' and program staff members' expectatations for and experiences of parental involvement in community-based youth mentoring relationships. Children and Youth Services Review, 61, 6-14. https://doi.org/10/1016/j.childyouth.2015.11.021 This nonprofit is training shelter residents in the tech skills they need to keep up with the workforce. streetsensemedia.org/article/this-non-profit-is-training-shelter-residents-in-the-tech-skills-they-need-to-keep-up-with-the-workforce/

Optional: QR code reader to scan codes for resources they can access later, since there are no power at stations. Scratch/ScratchJr/Octostudio app