The Computer Science for English Learners (CS for EL) project began as a CSTA initiative focused on creating equitable access to computer science for multilingual learners. Its mission was to provide teachers with practical strategies to support both computational thinking and language development, ensuring that every student could thrive in the CS classroom.

As the work expanded, educators recognized that the strategies designed for English learners had a broader impact—elevating student voice, fostering collaboration, and building inclusive learning spaces for all. This natural growth led to the creation of Beyond Code, a CSTA course rooted in real classrooms.