North Star Relatives Computer Science Summit

June 24 - 25, 2025

This 2-day in-person event invites K-12 formal and non-formal educators, Tribal educators, mentors and leaders, as well as Indigenous education allies to connect and learn how to support Indigenous students in computer science (CS).

Event Goals:

  • Raise awareness about the importance of CS education for Indigenous students

  • Build community among Indigenous-serving educators

  • Share resources and content that is relevant to Indigenous students and computer science

Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College

North Star Relatives Computer Science Summit 2025 taking place on June 24-25th at the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College in Cloquet, Minnesota! We are excited to collaborate with you during this event to increase computer science education opportunities for our students!

Registration is $30.

All registered attendees (K-12 formal and non-formal educators, Tribal educators, mentors and leaders, as well as Indigenous education allies) who attend the entire event will receive a $200 gift card to help offset travel costs, and to support the implementation of the lessons learned from the conference during the 2025-2026 school year.

Black bear casino resort

A hotel block has also been reserved at Black Bear Casino Resort, and we encourage attendees who require lodging to stay there. For those staying at Black Bear for the conference, an additional $200 stipend in the form of a gift card will be provided to help offset any lodging charges. Guests are responsible for booking and paying for their lodging. When contacting Black Bear, please request the room block called "Midwest Indigenous CS" to receive the discounted rate.

CALL FOR PRESENTERS

We welcome proposals that align with the goals of the North Star Relatives Computer Science Summit. This includes sessions that raise awareness about the importance of computer science education for Indigenous students, explore ways to build and strengthen community among Indigenous-serving educators, or share resources and culturally relevant content that supports Indigenous learners in CS. Whether your work centers on classroom practices, community-based programs, mentorship models, curriculum development, or storytelling through technology - we invite you to submit a proposal and contribute to this growing network of educators and advocates.

Presenters will be given a code for free registration.

Proposals are OPEN NOW and close on May 1st.

TIMELINE & DATES

  • 4/17:  Registration opens

  • 5/10:    Presenter proposals are due.  Planning group will review presenter proposals

  • 5/16:  Speakers will be notified of proposal acceptance decisions

  • 5/29:  Event schedule will be finalized

  • 6/17:  Event registration closes

Cancellation requests: 1 week before the event (June 17th) & if cancelling within 1 week of event (June 18th or later), 50% registration fee.