Mission Bit

Mission Bit was founded in 2012 with just one volunteer-led class and a bold vision: to make computer science education accessible and equitable for all students. Since then, they have grown rapidly, expanding their program and reaching more students. Mission Bit has now expanded into more than eight distinct offerings and in 2024 served over 2,000 students in San Francisco and beyond. This growth reflects both the increasing demand for accessible computer science programs and the enthusiasm of students who thrive in Mission Bit’s hands-on, project-based learning environment. Mission Bit’s program is delivered by college-aged computer science instructors who inspire and empower students to develop skills in coding, game design and web design. 

Issue

How can Mission Bit expand the reach of their program and position Mission Bit as the gold standard in computer science with educators and aspiring instructors?

Situation 

Mission Bit offers a very successful instructor preparation program. This program trains and equips instructors—typically college students or early career individuals—to teach computer science classes. Mission Bit is interested in scaling their program by exploring what additional segments of prospective instructors might be a good fit for their program. They also seek assistance in how to best market and message their offering. In addition they are interested in learning from peer organizations who engage instructors to deliver their offerings.

Project 

This project will support expanding the reach of Mission Bit’s program and position Mission Bit as the leader in instructional practices for high school computer science education.

Project Deliverables:

1. Identify additional segments of people might be good potential instructors for Mission Bit’s program.
2. Develop Mission Bit’s value proposition and messaging to current and aspiring instructors. Position Mission Bit as the gold standard in computer science instruction.
3. Understand best practices from other organizations with formal training programs (e.g. Breakthrough Collaborative, Aim High, BUILD) about how they engage specific segments of instructors, position their offerings and financially monetize their programs.