Contact Us

ABOUT US

Helping to solve problems in the classroom, community and workforce.

The Chicago Alliance for Equity in Computer Science (CAFÉCS) is a Researcher–Practitioner Partnership placing equity at the center of computer science (CS) education in Chicago Public Schools (CPS).

About CAFÉCS

CAFÉCS is a partnership among:

Our Mission

CAFÉCS addresses problems of practice through research and development to:
  • Ensure that all students in Chicago participate in engaging, relevant, and rigorous computing experiences,
  • Increase opportunities for all students to pursue computing pathways,
  • Prepare all students for the future of work

Key Efforts

A central focus is supporting the implementation of Exploring Computer Science (ECS) and AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) through teacher professional development.

These courses are designed to provide every student—regardless of prior experience—with a strong introduction to CS. Students learn:

  • Problem solving
  • Computational thinking
  • Managing complexity through abstraction

These skills equip them to solve problems not only in the classroom but also in their communities and future careers.

Equity in Practice

Since computer science is a CPS graduation requirement, it is essential that all students successfully complete an introductory CS course.

CAFÉCS collaborates on:

  • Strategies for promoting equity in the classroom

  • Instructional practices tailored to diverse learners

  • Online professional development communities to strengthen ECS and CSP

Adapting to Change

CAFÉCS continuously responds to educational challenges and student needs. Recent efforts include offering in-person, hybrid, and remote formats of ECS courses, ensuring that equity remains at the forefront of CS instruction.

More About Us

Six FTR Partner members posing for a photo.

Our History

Find out how, where, and why CAFÉCS emerged.

Explore History
The SPLASH Planning Group.

Team

Meet the dedicated team of educators behind CAFÉCS.

See the Team
Two students looking at a computer screen.

Grants

Learn more about how CAFÉCS supports CS education through grants.

View Grants

Our Mission

CAFÉCS's mission is to engage in research and development that enables CPS to ensure that all students in Chicago participate in engaging, relevant, and rigorous computing experiences, increase opportunities for all students to pursue computing pathways and prepare all students for the future of work.