The
Computing Research Association's Committee on Widening Participation in Computing Research (CRA-WP) has the mission of increasing the success and participation of
underrepresented groups in
computing
Computing is any goal-oriented activity requiring, benefiting from, or creating computer, computing machinery. It includes the study and experimentation of algorithmic processes, and the development of both computer hardware, hardware and softw ...
research
Research is creative and systematic work undertaken to increase the stock of knowledge. It involves the collection, organization, and analysis of evidence to increase understanding of a topic, characterized by a particular attentiveness to ...
and
education
Education is the transmission of knowledge and skills and the development of character traits. Formal education occurs within a structured institutional framework, such as public schools, following a curriculum. Non-formal education als ...
at all levels. In particular, CRA-WP focuses on
computer science
Computer science is the study of computation, information, and automation. Computer science spans Theoretical computer science, theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, and information theory) to Applied science, ...
and
engineering
Engineering is the practice of using natural science, mathematics, and the engineering design process to Problem solving#Engineering, solve problems within technology, increase efficiency and productivity, and improve Systems engineering, s ...
and tries to make sure their activities have a positive impact on underrepresented groups in these areas. CRA-WP is also concerned with improving the success rate of all computer scientists and engineers in the working environment. Formerly known as the
Committee on the Status of Women in Computing Research (CRA-W), the committee changed its name and acronym in 2019.
Awards
* 2005: CRA-W was awarded the
National Science Board
The National Science Board (NSB) of the United States establishes the policies of the National Science Foundation (NSF) within the framework of applicable national policies set forth by the President of the United States, president and the United ...
's Public Service Award for its action-oriented programs aimed at increasing the number and success of women participating in computer science and engineering research and education.
* 2004: CRA-W co-founders
Maria Klawe
Maria Margaret Klawe ( ; born 1951) is a Canadian-American computer scientist and served as the fifth president of Harvey Mudd College from 2006 to 2023. Born in Toronto in 1951, she became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2009. She was previously ...
and
Nancy Leveson
Leveson in 2022
Nancy G. Leveson is an American specialist in system and software safety and a professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States.
Leveson gained her degrees (in computer scie ...
were awarded
CRA's
A. Nico Habermann Award
The Computing Research Association (CRA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit association of North American academic departments of computer science, computer engineering, and related fields; laboratories and centers in industry, government, and academia enga ...
recognizing their role as founding co-chairs of the highly successful CRA-W Committee.
* 2003: CRA-W was awarded a Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring for long-running work to address the underrepresentation of women in computer science and engineering.
NSF Announcement regarding 2003 PAESMEM Awards
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References
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External links
Official CRA-WP website
CRA webpage
Computer science organizations