Abstract
Non-conventional learning experiences (e.g., hackathons and coding camps) are increasingly popular to broaden participation in computing. It is relevant to analyze the profile of participants of non-conventional learning experiences to outline better whether they efficiently attract profiles that can enrich future professional profiles in Computer Science (CS) with an inclusive and diverse approach. Picking up from that need, this paper attempts to shed light and better understand the original attitudes toward CS that participants display upon joining an informal CS-relevant educational activity. To this end, we analyze, as a compelling case, the participants’ attitudes of two coding camps carried out recently. This analysis permits us to discuss what type of students are attracted by these events, provide a more detailed analysis of the participants’ profiles, and better understand whether informal educational events effectively thrive diversity in science. The compelling case presented in this paper promotes discussion and raises questions for future research.