The CSTA IMPACT Fellows program is a prestigious, year-long leadership development program focused on creating Inclusive, Meaningful, and Powerful Approaches to Computing Teaching (IMPACT). Participating educators receive comprehensive leadership development while working collectively to identify and address challenges in computer science education. Fellows design and implement solutions that have a measurable impact on classroom practices, becoming catalysts for system-wide change. The program cultivates a network of influential CS educators committed to ensuring all students can access and succeed in quality computer science education.
Applications for the 2025-26 cohort are due Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. Do you know someone who be interested? Nominate them using the form below.
Why the Change?
Computer science education must continue to evolve and shift to match the growing needs of the workforce. Recognizing this, the transition from the CSTA Equity Fellowship to the IMPACT Fellowship signifies a crucial evolution. The Equity Fellowship laid a vital foundation in addressing disparities in CS access and engagement; now the IMPACT framework broadens this commitment by integrating measurable outcomes and emphasizing powerful teaching practices for all students. This shift aligns with the workforce’s demand for graduates who not only possess strong technical skills but also demonstrate adaptability, problem-solving prowess, and the ability to thrive in varying and collaborative environments.
This evolution to the IMPACT Fellowship focuses on sustainability by demonstrating clear value and impact to stakeholders, including funders, policymakers, and the broader education community. By empowering educators to implement inclusive, meaningful, and powerful teaching, the IMPACT Fellowship fosters a deeper and more lasting impact on student learning and ultimately contributes to a more diverse, skilled, and adaptable CS workforce. The growth of these fellows becomes a catalyst for systemic change, reaching far beyond their individual classrooms to shape the future of CS education in a more profound and sustainable way.
What IMPACT Fellows Do
- Share their expertise with CSTA members across the globe, including on stage at the CSTA Annual Conference and within the CSTA Professional Learning Series
- Develop sustainable, professional learning experiences (e.g., online PD courses, webinar series, virtual conferences, chapter PD) for the CSTA community by designing and implementing a project to promote measurable outcomes for CS students
- Represent CSTA and the PK-12 CS education community
Benefits
- $2,000 stipend
- Professional learning with premier leaders in the field, including quarterly convenings and monthly virtual meetings (70 PD hours)
- National Platform: Spotlight at the 2026 CSTA Annual Conference and the CSTA Professional Learning Series, with opportunities to present on a national stage
- Travel, accommodation, and food expenses are fully covered for fellows attending the annual CSTA conference.
- Two-Day Launch Convening: Intensive in-person experience building community and establishing project foundations
- Travel, accommodation, and food expenses are fully covered.
- Professional Mentorship: Support from CSTA staff, expert partners, and dedicated resources to implement their selected project
- Prominent recognition on CSTA’s website and professional learning materials
Eligibility Criteria
- Be a CSTA member (Not a member? Join CSTA here!)
- Be a current PreK-12 CS teacher OR educational leader (e.g., coach, administrator, specialist, curriculum or PD provider, or other role who supports PreK-12 CS teachers).
- Submit an application by Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. A completed application includes: (1) a 1-2 minute video introducing yourself and your interest in the fellowship, (2) answers to five short response questions, and (3) some basic information about you and your school or organization.
- Preview the application on the Frequently Asked Questions page.
Selection Criteria
- Has demonstrated evidence of positively impacting CS learning outcomes through instructional practices for all students.
- Clearly articulates effective strategies to support access, engagement, and achievement in computer science education.
- Is self-reflective, and desires to grow and evolve as a leader.
- Is deeply committed to the empowerment and the success of all students.
- Leverages collaboration and partnerships, and understands the need for a sustainable, systems-level approach to CS education practices.
- Has clear, creative, and thoughtful ideas for how to improve student access and achievement at a broader scale in the CSTA community.
Timeline
Application & Selection for 2025-2026 Cohort
- July 8: Application opens.
- August 8: Application closes.
- September 15: Fellowship Cohort Announced
Convening Schedule
- Sept. 27, 2025: convening #1 (virtual)
- Nov. 7-8, 2025: convening #2 (in-person*)
- Jan. 24, 2026: convening #3 (virtual)
- March 28, 2026: convening #4 (virtual)
- May 30, 2026: convening #5 (virtual)
*In-person convenings will be held all day on Friday and Saturday, with travel to/from the location on Thursday and Saturday. All travel expenses will be covered by CSTA. The location for the in-person convening is still TBD.
Monthly Meetings
- Sept. 15, 2025 (Orientation)
- Oct. 20, 2025
- Nov. 17, 2025
- Dec. 15, 2025
- Jan. 12, 2026
- Feb. 9, 2026
- March 16, 2026
- April 20, 2026
- May 18, 2026
- June 15, 2026
Major Events
July 13-15: CSTA Annual Conference
*All travel expenses for the current fellowship cohort will be covered by CSTA.
CSTA’s IMPACT Fellowship is made possible in partnership with:
