About BPCnet.org

The BPCnet Resource Portal is a clearinghouse for the community to provide curated resources on broadening participation in computing. The website started with a focus on creating awareness for projects addressing underrepresentation in computing. Over the years, it expanded to include a wide array of resources and activities. BPCnet.org serves two key roles:

Increase awareness of ongoing BPC efforts and research-based best practices for BPC.
Assist departments and NSF PIs in planning and enacting impactful BPC activities.

History of BPCnet.org

Below are some highlights of BPCnet.org, from its inception, launch, various updates, to a redesign. Click the button below for a full history of BPCnet.org.

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2017

NSF CISE BPC Pilot Launch

Dear Colleague Letter was published launching the CISE BPC Pilot addressing the long-standing issue of underrepresentation in computing.

2018

BPCnet Resource Portal Proposed

The Computing Research Association (CRA) proposed to build the BPCnet Resource Portal, a website that provided PIs with best practices regarding broadening participation in computing. BPCnet.org was launched in early 2019.

2019

First in-person workshop

The first in-person workshop, Departmental Plans for Broadening Participation in Computer Science took place at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in November 2019.

2020

Resource Development

New resources were added to BPCnet.org – web applications that allowed users to view Postsecondary Computing Degrees Awarded (IPEDS), Postsecondary Engineering Degrees Awarded (IPEDS), and K-12 Enrollment (CCD) data; and a BPC Consultancy service where PIs received guidance on their Departmental BPC Plans.

2021

Launch of the Statistics and Data Hub

Web applications were updated to allow users to view and interact with Postsecondary Computing Degrees Awarded (IPEDS), Postsecondary Engineering Degrees Awarded (IPEDS), and K-12 Enrollment (CCD) data.

2022

100th unique academic department

In September, the 100th unique academic department, Washington University in St. Louis’ department of Computer Science and Engineering had their Departmental BPC Plan verified. View verified Departmental BPC Plans.