The

Computing Research Association 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 ...

's Committee on Widening Participation in Computing Research (CRA-WP) has the mission of increasing the success and participation of

underrepresented group An underrepresented group describes a subset of a population that holds a smaller percentage within a significant subgroup than the subset holds in the general population. Specific characteristics of an underrepresented group vary depending on the ...

s in

computing Computing is any goal-oriented activity requiring, benefiting from, or creating computing machinery. It includes the study and experimentation of algorithmic processes, and development of both hardware and software. Computing has scientific, ...

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 ...

and

education Education is a purposeful activity directed at achieving certain aims, such as transmitting knowledge or fostering skills and character traits. These aims may include the development of understanding, rationality, kindness, and honesty ...

at all levels. In particular, CRA-WP focuses on

computer science Computer science is the study of computation, automation, and information. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, information theory, and automation) to Applied science, practical discipli ...

and

engineering Engineering is the use of scientific principles to design and build machines, structures, and other items, including bridges, tunnels, roads, vehicles, and buildings. The discipline of engineering encompasses a broad range of more speciali ...

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 and the Congress. The NSB also serves as an ind ...

'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 and

Nancy Leveson Nancy G. Leveson is an American specialist in system and software safety and a Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at MIT, United States. Leveson gained her degrees (in computer science, mathematics and management) from UCLA, including h ...

were awarded

CRA CRA is an abbreviation for: Companies * Conestoga-Rovers & Associates, a consulting engineering firm in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada * Convenience Retail Asia, Hong Kong * Conzinc Riotinto of Australia * CRA International, a consultancy Credit ...

's A. Nico Habermann Award 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