Our Program
What Is CS Kickstart?
CS Kickstart is a free, one-week summer program designed to welcome incoming UC Berkeley freshman women and nonbinary students into computer science.
Participants from all majors explore programming in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment, connect with student and industry mentors, and discover the creativity and real-world impact of technology.
No prior programming experience required!
CSK Week
Curriculum & Learning
CSK builds both technical skill and confidence. Through structured instruction, hands-on labs, and collaborative exploration, participants gain a strong foundation before their first semester at Berkeley begins.
Seminars
Prepare for your first CS coursework at UC Berkeley in a like-minded community, with special emphasis on the early weeks of CS 61A.
Labs
Apply what you learn in hands-on Python, Data Science, and Web Development labs. Practice writing and debugging code through interactive challenges designed to reinforce key concepts and build lasting confidence
Tracks
Students engage with content tailored to their interests and experience level
Discovery
🌱
Build core programming skills and computational thinking strategies as you step into computer science with confidence.
Preparatory
🧩
Prepare for your first CS coursework at UC Berkeley in a like-minded community, with special emphasis on the early weeks of CS 61A.
Events & Industry Exposure
Panels
Hear directly from engineers, researchers, founders, product leaders, and CSK alumnae as they share candid insights into their careers, challenges, and growth in tech.
Previous guest speakers have included EECS faculty members, ML researchers, and past CSK participants who are now at Meta.
Field Trips
Visit leading Silicon Valley companies and experience real engineering environments firsthand. Connect with professionals committed to advancing equity and representation in technology.
Previous visits have included Amazon, Meta, and Aurora.
Community
Build lasting friendships and begin your Berkeley journey with a built-in support system of women and nonbinary students who uplift one another long after CSK Week ends.
💜
🤝
Discover student organizations at Berkeley at our annual club panel before your first year begins.
“CS KickStart gave me a supportive community of like-minded women (many of whom are now my closest friends at Berkeley)! I’m always running into CSK members on campus, and the community feels like no other.”
Past Projects
A Sample CSK Week
Student FAQ's
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For Students
For Sponsors & Partners
Start your first year at UC Berkeley with confidence, mentorship, and a community behind you.
Your support keeps CS Kickstart tuition-free and accessible, helping close the gender gap in tech by investing in early talent, representation, and community at one of the world’s leading universities.