CERP3 contributors: Jason Jabbari and Yung Chung
Huang, W., Palmer, D., Udoh, E., Chun, Y., & Jabbari, J. (2026). Pinpointing persistence in computer science pipelines: evidence from a novel coding and apprenticeship program. Computer Science Education, 1–34. https://doi.org/10.1080/08993408.2026.2665181
U.S. demand for computer science (CS) talent remains high, yet participation in CS education and jobs is uneven by gender and race/ethnicity. While traditional CS pathways dominate research on persistence, alternative pathways such as coding bootcamps and apprenticeship programs may address workforce demand and equity gaps. Yet, little is known about who persists in these pathways. This study investigates persistence in LC101, a coding training and apprenticeship program offered by LaunchCode. LC101 is designed to expand access to tech careers for women and minoritized groups underrepresented in STEM. We examine how individual characteristics, prior experience, program supports, and participant motivations relate to persistence across course completion and apprenticeship placement.