We have published a pivotal 2026 policy brief titled “State and Local Levers for Strengthening Elementary Computer Science Education” which underscores the necessity of broadening participation in computing by providing students with high-quality computer science (CS) education starting in elementary school.
The Expanding Computing Education Pathways (ECEP) Alliance is thrilled to announce a new grant from Siegel Family Endowment (SFE), a partnership that will accelerate our mission to facilitate systemic change in CS and AI education.
Expanding access to and participation in computing education took center stage in March 2026, as the Expanding Computing Education Pathways (ECEP) Alliance convened its annual Summit at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus at The University of Texas at Austin.
Now publicly available, the ECEP Data Dashboard offers granular, customizable insights into K-12 computer science participation across states and districts. By visualizing systemic gaps, the tool enables leaders to develop data-driven strategies for broadening participation in computing.
In March, ECEP held its annual Summit in Minneapolis. The event convened ECEP state teams from 27 states and the territory of Puerto Rico and highlighted state-level strategies for overcoming issues to access in computer science education (CSEd). Action-oriented sessions provided tangible lessons on increasing CSEd access and opportunity to students of all backgrounds and navigating challenges in the education space.
The only thing that is constant is change. Dr. Jaci McCune has accepted the position of ECEP Alliance Director. Brianna Johnston of Sagefox Consulting Group is our new ECEP Program Manager. The entire ECEP leadership team looks forward to executing on our mission to broaden participation in computing by identifying and addressing the policies, pathways, and practices in state education systems that are barriers to universal student engagement and success.
The ECEP Alliance, now in 29 states and Puerto Rico, has received a five-year NSF renewal to expand computing education access. In 2025, it will launch new initiatives, including ECEP Connected and Cohort 5 of the Common Metrics Project, while welcoming new leadership to drive equity-focused policy and teacher capacity research.
In 2005, the NSF launched BPC Alliances to address disparities in computing by funding national coalitions that promote diversity through outreach, mentorship, research, and policy.