CS Connections is a University of Michigan Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) outreach program designed to engage, inspire, and better prepare K-12 students for a future in computer science, and to help teachers and administrators to effectively use technology for learning.

Interest in computer science amongst incoming college freshmen has declined nationwide since its peak in 2000. At the same time, social media, mobile computing platforms, and pervasive Internet connectivity have changed the way the Net Generation communicates, plays, and learns. What these two trends have in common is our young people.

We need to engage more students and introduce them to the "real world" of computer science, a field that holds enormous potential for societal impact and progress. In addition, we need to change the way we interact with and teach students, employing a new education model that is more collaborative and interactive, focused on information discovery, synthesis, and analysis, and that is customized to each student.

The programs offered through CS Connections encompass direct interaction with K-12 students, collaboration with high school computer science teachers and administrators, and the research and development of new learning models and supporting technology for the classroom.

CS Connections is a service of the Computer Science and Engineering division of the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan.