As part of its commitment to meeting the needs of CSTA members and developing a strong community of computer science educators, CSTA supports the development of regional CSTA chapters. A CSTA chapter is a local branch of CSTA designed to facilitate discussion of local issues, provision of member services at the local level, and to promote CSTA membership on the national level.

Newly-formed chapters should ideally include local computer science teachers and a university or college site or school district site willing to host regular meetings.

Groups wishing to apply for chapter status must be able to fulfill the chapter obligations listed below.

Benefits/Resources available to a CSTA Chapter

• Approved use of the CSTA name
• Unlimited use of CSTA Chapter logo for identification
• Listing of regular meeting times/activities in the CSTA Voice
• Advice and support from a special CSTA Chapter Liaison
• Contact information for all CSTA members in local region upon request
• CSTA promotional materials
• Opportunity for chapter president to attend leadership events
• Publicity of professional development opportunities in region
• Facilitation of connections to local post-secondary institutions interested in K-12 issues

Obligations of a CSTA Chapter

• Have a minimum of 5 members, not all from the same institution
• Hold regular membership meetings
• Have identified leadership structure (all chapter officers must be CSTA members in good standing)
• Formal set of bylaws meeting the conditions:
  • Organization name reflecting geographic location
  • Clearly stated purpose/mission aligned to the CSTA mission
  • Continuity of elected leadership
  • Non-restrictive membership
  • Dissolution clause providing for excess funds
• Provide standardized, on-going communication to members
• Provide an annual report to CSTA and chapter membership of activities of past year and proposed plan for upcoming year
• Regularly communicate updates regarding leadership, membership, and activities with CSTA chapter liaison
• Maintain relationships with other local chapters as appropriate
• Answer requests for information from CSTA promptly
• Promote CSTA to its membership and in the local region

Chapter applications must be submitted in writing to the CSTA Board of Directors in care of the Executive Director. Chapter status is subject to approval by the CSTA Board of Directors based on the recommendation of the CSTA Chapter Liaison and Executive Director.

For questions with regard to local chapter formation, please contact the CSTA Chapter Liaison at chapters@csta.acm.org.

Download CSTA Chapter Application

Download CSTA Chapter Bylaw Template