BPC-DP Harmony in Hacking: Orchestrating Cryptography with Elements of Music

California State University San Marcos Corporation, San Marcos CA

Investigators

Abstract

This project at California State University San Marcos will develop an innovative, replicable hackathon model called Harmony Hacks to show all high school students computing is a possible education and career path. The project will engage more than one hundred high schoolers over the 2-year duration. Testimonies from the participants and lessons learned from the project will contribute to the knowledge base of how to increase high school recruitment in computing. The project will strengthen the partnership between the university and local schools. The comprehensive documentation of the process, activities, and resources in the Harmony Hacks Organizer Guide will make the Harmony Hacks model easier to be adopted by universities and organizations interested in supporting students in their pursuit of computing education and career paths. The project will offer a virtual introduction workshop prior to two in-person hacking events, and virtual office hours in between. Participants will create music cryptography by imagining and playfully exploring different ways of encrypting socially responsible textual messages into music. They will build computer programs to implement these creative ideas. Undergraduate students and professionals in music and computing will serve as mentors during the event to help participants develop a sense of belonging and feel their backgrounds, interests, and expertise are welcome, respected, and valued. Building on the complementary expertise of the project leadership team, the project will follow an iterative development process to ensure the soundness of Harmony Hacks in addressing high schoolers’ computing perceptions. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.