Computer Science is Changing Futures at Rocketship California

Maricela Guerrero, Executive Director, Rocketship California

We are excited to share a powerful moment from Rocketship California that’s making waves in our community. On April 25th, 18 students from five Rocketship schools showcased their computer science projects at the HelloWorld CS & Google Demo Day at the Google YouTube office in San Bruno. This was more than just a celebration; it was a game-changer for our students.

Through our HelloWorld CS program, which has expanded to eight schools this year, we’re giving our Rocketeers — who are 51% English Learners, 73% socioeconomically disadvantaged, and 80% Black or Latino — the opportunity to dive into Virtual Reality and AI literacy. The event was not just a celebration of innovation, it was a reminder of our collective mission: to provide every student, no matter their background, with the skills and confidence to succeed in the 21st century.

It was inspiring to see the energy, joy, and pride that radiated from our students as they shared their work with parents and peers. Principal Lisa Greene of Rocketship Brilliant Minds shared how meaningful it was for her students with special needs to be part of this experience. One student with special needs even presented their project, and Lisa couldn’t help but be amazed by the confidence they demonstrated.

One Rocketeer shared, “I never thought I could do computer science, but I realized I could and that’s what I really like about it.” That’s the power of access: access to opportunities that inspire and transform lives.

Take a look at this video to see how Rocketship students are thriving:

Thank you for your support in making these life-changing opportunities possible. The future is bright for our Rocketeers!

Published on mayo 20, 2025