Grant of $250,000 from Mozilla’s Responsible Computer Science Challenge for Institutions and Innovation Hubs in 2023

Apply for the ongoing Grant of $250,000 from Mozilla’s Responsible Computer Science Challenge for Institutions and Innovation Hubs in 2023. USAID and Mozilla are supporting the conception, prototyping, and scaling of curricula that combine interdisciplinary viewpoints with computer science education through the Responsible Computer Science Challenge. A new generation of technologists will be trained through this approach to consider the human effects of technology design and use, reinvent our technological ecosystems, and create a better future. It is hoped that these learning opportunities will give aspiring technologists the social and historical context they need to comprehend the effects of their work better and arm them with the frameworks they need to create ethical, reliable technology.

Eligibility

Higher education schools with accreditation and Kenyan innovation clusters are eligible to participate in the Responsible Computer Science Challenge.

Awards

Ten grants totaling $250,000 USD will be distributed by the Responsible Computer Science Challenge to Kenyan innovation hubs and accredited higher education institutions that incorporate ethical principles into their computer science programmes and curricula.

Judging criteria

A panel of judges from academic, nonprofit, and for-profit organisations with expertise in computer science, ethics, technology, and other related domain areas evaluates challenge submissions. The purpose of the selection criteria is to assess the viability of the suggested concept. The following are the review criteria:

• Vision Alignment with RCS: Does the suggested idea support RCS’ mission to train the next generation of engineers to develop technology products with a holistic perspective, equity, and diversity?
• Feasibility: How realistic is the idea described? How likely is it that the project team will successfully use this strategy?
• Impact: In what ways will this methodology give students the knowledge and tools they need to create better, more reliable, and less harmful technologies?
• Movement-Building: Does the applicant contribute to the inclusion of fresh and varied viewpoints in the discussion of technology and ethics?
• Working Open: How will you capture your idea and disseminate it to the local, national, and international communities of practice? How could you involve students, professors from other fields, university officials, innovation hubs, non-profit organizations, and start-up businesses?

Application Deadline:  January 17, 2023, Midnight EAT.

Visit the Official Webpage of the Mozilla Responsible Computer Science Challenge