The CSTA Computer Science IMPACT Fellows program is a prestigious, 6-month 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 2027 cohort open September 9, 2026.
Applications for the 2027 cohort close October 9, 2026, 11:59 PM PT.
Why the Change?
Computer Science education must continue to evolve and shift to match the growing needs of the Computer Science workforce. Recognizing this imperative, the transition from the CSTA Equity Fellowship to the Computer Science IMPACT Fellowship (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 to 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
- $1,000 stipend
- Professional learning with premier leaders in the field, including quarterly convenings and monthly virtual meetings (up to 50 contact hours)
- Peer Mentorship: Collaborative support and learning from fellow educators and expert speakers
- Capstone Project: Support in developing resources, curricula, or initiatives that promote measurable outcomes for CS students
- National Platform: Opportunities to share your work at the 2027 CSTA Annual Conference with additional opportunities to present on a national stage, including publications, podcasts, and professional learning settings
- Partial or full support to attend the 2027 Conference subject to funding availability
- Prominent recognition on CSTA’s website and professional learning materials, including a pathway to becoming a CSTA Ambassador.
- Connection to a dynamic cohort of passionate CS education leaders and CSTA’s extensive network of CS educators worldwide.
Eligibility Criteria
- Be a CSTA member (Not a member? Join CSTA here!)
- Be a current K-12 CS teacher
- Submit a completed application by the deadline.
A completed application includes:
- A 1-2 minute video introducing yourself and providing instances of your impact as an educational leader.
- Answers to short response questions about your teaching practice and vision for impactful CS education.
- Basic information about you and your school or organization.
- Preview the application on the Frequently Asked Questions page.
Selection Criteria
We’re looking for educators who:
- Demonstrate positive impact on CS learning outcomes with evidence of effective strategies to support access, engagement, and achievement in computer science education.
- Work effectively with diverse groups and are eager to contribute to a collaborative learning community.
- Show commitment to supporting the empowerment and success of all students.
- Leverage collaboration and partnerships, and understands the need for a sustainable, systems-level approach to CS education practices.
- Is self-reflective, and desires to grow and evolve as a leader.
- 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 2027 Cohort
- September 12, 2026: Application Opens
- October 9, 2026: Application Deadline
- December 1, 2026: Fellowship Cohort Announced
Convening Schedule
- December 1, 2026: Orientation* (5:30 – 7:30 PM CT)
- January 9, 2027: Convening #1 (virtual)* (10:30 AM – 2:30 PM CT)
- January 28-30, 2027: Convening #2 (in-person, location TBA)*
- April 3, 2027: Convening #3* (10:30 AM – 2:30 PM CT)
*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
- Fellowship Meetings (Attend 4 of the 5 offerings)
- January 14, 2027
- February 11, 2027*
- March 25, 2027
- May 13, 2027
- June 17, 2027
- Working Meetings (Attend 3 of the 4 offerings)
- February 18, 2027*
- March 11, 2027
- April 15, 2027
- May 27, 2027
Major Events
July 8-11, 2027: CSTA Annual Conference
CSTA’s IMPACT Fellowship is made possible in partnership with:
