Allen School Ambassadors
Ambassador Mission
The mission of the Allen School ambassador team is to empower individuals and communities with computer science skills, tools, and frameworks as a means of innovating, mobilizing, and enacting change. We focus on middle school and high school students throughout Washington with limited access to computing education resources and strive to show students that computer science is a field that is not only attainable but also one where they can thrive. We also work to build sustainable relationships with students, other constituents from schools, and community organizations.
What We Do
Allen School ambassadors conduct K-12 outreach activities for middle school and high school students. We travel to middle and high schools in Washington as well as host field trips on the University of Washington – Seattle campus. Our programs and activities are free and include:
Presentations & Activities
- Computing in Practice Presentation
An interactive presentation about different real-life applications of computing. This is a great presentation for students who are new to computing! - Ethics and Social Good in Computer Science
A presentation that explores the ethical pros and cons of different social media platforms and technologies. This is followed by a small group activity where students brainstorm, ideate, and pitch technological solutions for social issues. - Machine Learning and Algorithmic Bias Lesson & Activity
A presentation about how computers learn using data and how bias in data impacts the process and result. This is followed by an activity to create and train a model. No previous machine learning or coding experience is needed! - Student Panels
During our panels, student ambassadors share information about Computer Science/Computer Engineering, the University of Washington, college life, and other advice & reflections.
Tabling Activities
- Binary Encoding (Grade Level: K-6th)
A tabling activity to introduce students to understanding computer instructions. This includes an art activity that allows students to visualize and encode their own secret messages in binary code. - Circuit Playground (Grade Level: K-6th)
A tabling activity for interacting with circuit boards. Students explore this through activities like Tug of War, where button presses control the robot’s pull, or shaking the board to simulate developing a Polaroid photo.
Field Trip & School Visit Opportunities
Ambassadors take field trips and school visit requests throughout the UW academic year (late September – early June)! You can request to book a field trip for your students to visit the Allen School on the UW-Seattle campus or invite us on a school visit to your school or program. Visit our School & Group Visits page to learn more!
Connect with Us
Connect with us on these platforms for updates on our outreach events and to learn more about what it is like to be an Allen School undergraduate student!
Interested in applying to be an Ambassador?
The Allen School ambassador position is a paid student position. Applicants must be an Allen School undergraduate student. Applications are open once per year in May for the following academic year. Students who are offered the position need to be able to commit to a minimum of 5 hours per week for the entire academic year. Check out the Allen School Ed Board for updates!