Curious about computer science?

CS KickStart is a week-long introduction to computer science for Michigan freshmen with little to no experience!

Learn to Code

Get hands-on programming experience with guidance from current students.

Connect with Students

Meet other students interested in the same fields you're considering.

Explore Careers

Think software engineering is the only thing you can do with a CS degree? Think again!

2024 Organizers

Emily Abrams

she/her/hers

Emily is a senior in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. She is majoring in Computer Science after attending CS KickStart as a freshman. She really appreciated how CSK provided an opportunity to explore different career possibilities and to learn new skills in a welcoming and encouraging environment, and she had an amazing time getting to know future classmates and developing an interest in pursuing technology in her future. In her free time, Emily loves skiing, playing guitar, and exploring Ann Arbor!

Abby Hart

she/her/hers

Abby is a senior in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, majoring in Computer Science and minoring in User Experience Design. Before CS KickStart week, she was not considering majoring in anything remotely tech-related, but after the program she immediately changed her mind! Now, she feels a lot more confident in the classes and organizations she's involved with at school. Abby loves Pokémon, discovering new music, trying new restaurants in Ann Arbor, reading, and playing the NYT mini crossword!

Jessica Zhang

she/her/hers

Jessica is a junior in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Business. Before college, Jessica never had the opportunity to take computer science classes, but CSK offered her the perfect introduction. After camp week, she knew she wanted to pursue a career in tech, and excitedly walked into her first EECS course. In her free time, Jessica loves creating music with her friends, stargazing, and playing tennis!

Maurice Tobiano

she/her/hers

Maurice is a junior in the College of Literature, Science, and Arts, double majoring in History and FTVM, and double minoring in Law, Justice, & Social Change and User Experience Design. Maurice appreciates the introductory CS experience from CSK and believes that basic coding is useful for every professional field! She's enthralled to create a supportive community of #WomenInStem #slay. In her free time, Maurice loves binging movies, traveling, and playing Tetris. 

Nisha Koshy

she/her/hers

Nisha is a sophomore in the College of Engineering, majoring in computer science. She has always had an passion for tech and how it can be used to solve issues in the world, and she is interested in combining computer science and the arts and is committed to the mission of helping more women get involved in the STEM field. Her interests outside of academics include painting, playing piano, and reading!

Ava Esselman

she/her/hers

Ava is a sophomore in the College of Engineering, majoring in aerospace engineering and intending to minor in computer science and business. Prior to CSK, she didn't have any coding experience, but the program gave her the confidence to take on EECS courses and projects with ease. Through CSK, Ava met an amazing group of motivated peers who have supported her and become some of her closest friends. In her free time, Ava loves reading, traveling, and building things. 

Ally Wang

she/her/hers

Ally is a sophomore in the College of Engineering, majoring in biomedical engineering and planning on minoring in computer science. Ally believes that tech is extremely interdisciplinary, and that diverse interests can be integrated into both programming and tech at large. She believes that CSK is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity and had a lot of fun with her cohort. Outside of academics, Ally loves to create art and listen to music in all genres and languages.