Responsible Computer Science Challenge

Abstract

Today, computer scientists wield tremendous power. The code they write may be used by billions of people and influences everything from what news stories we read to what personal data companies collect to who gets parole, insurance or housing loans – and who does not. When that power isn’t coupled with responsibility, the results can have unintended consequences, negatively impacting users’ privacy, security, or wellbeing.

Through the Responsible Computer Science Challenge, Omidyar Network, Mozilla, Schmidt Futures and Craig Newmark Philanthropies are supporting the conceptualization, development, and piloting of curricula that integrate ethics with undergraduate computer science training, educating a new wave of engineers who bring holistic thinking to the design of technology products. The hope is that the Challenge will unearth and spark innovative coursework that will not only be implemented at the participating home institutions, but also be scaled to additional colleges and universities across the country — and beyond.

Between December 2018 and April 2021, the Challenge awarded $3.5 million in prizes to promising approaches to embedding ethics into undergraduate computer science education, empowering graduating engineers to drive a culture shift in the tech industry and build a healthier internet.

Funding

Mozilla Foundation, Omidyar Network, Schmidt Futures, Craig Newmark Philanthropies