Strategic partnerships to enhance data structures and algorithms instruction at HBCUs

Abstract

The lack of diversity in technical roles among Silicon Valley tech titans is well-documented. Recruitment efforts have increased at minority serving institutions, however passing technical interviews remains a barrier for students. According to several sources, having a strong command of data structures and algorithms is pivotal to success in many technical interviews. To provide students more practice in these areas, College A partnered with Company B to co-develop a course in advanced data structures and algorithms. The course was taught to 29 students in Spring 2018 using Product C, an online CS platform to assist the instructor with automated testing, plagiarism detection, and individual, targeted feedback. This experience report describes the co-development of the course, the execution of the course, and next steps for the partnership between College A and Company B.