Start a
Chapter
DCSS Chapters are student-led extensions of the Dubai Computer Science Society operating in schools worldwide. Each chapter runs its own weekly sessions, hackathons, and workshops — all powered by DCSS resources, mentorship, and a shared mission to make CS accessible everywhere.
Connect on LinkedInWhy start a DCSS chapter?
Build Real Impact
CS education shouldn't stop at the classroom door. A DCSS chapter lets you create a space where students build real projects, compete in hackathons, and develop skills that matter — on their own terms.
Join a Growing Network
You're not starting from scratch. Every chapter is part of a wider DCSS ecosystem — shared hackathons, cross-school collaborations, and a community of student leaders working toward the same goal across the globe.
Leadership That Counts
Running a chapter means organising events, managing a team, and growing a community. It's real leadership experience — the kind that stands out on university applications and beyond.
Everything You Need, Day One
From the Knowledge Library and session materials to branding kits and mentorship — DCSS gives you the full toolkit so you can focus on what matters: building your community.
Your chapter, our backbone
Knowledge Library
Full access to the DCSS Knowledge Library — visual guides, session materials, and curricula covering DSA, ML, OOP, Networks, Operating Systems, and Databases. Everything you need to run weekly sessions from day one.
Branding & Templates
Official DCSS chapter branding, presentation templates, social media assets, and event toolkits. Your chapter carries the DCSS name with consistent, professional identity.
Mentorship & Support
Direct line to DCSS leadership for guidance on running sessions, organising hackathons, and growing your membership. We've done this — we'll help you do it too.
Cross-Chapter Network
Join a growing international network of chapters. Collaborate on inter-school hackathons, share resources, and connect your members with students across borders.
Your chapter toolkit
Comprehensive Guide
Everything you need to know — running sessions, hosting HackerRank hackathons, growing membership, branding, and reporting.
Read the guide →CS Pitch Deck
A ready-to-present deck for pitching DCSS to your school admin, teachers, and prospective members.
View deck →Presentation Template
Branded Canva slide deck for running weekly sessions. Duplicate it, customise with your content, and present.
Open in Canva →Quarterly Report
The report template chapters submit each term — attendance, hackathon data, highlights, and compliance checklist.
Get template →Poster Template
Print-ready event poster for hackathons, sessions, and chapter promotions. Customise and print directly.
Get template →Social Media Kit
Caption templates, hashtag bank, posting guidelines, and post layout references for Instagram and LinkedIn.
View kit →Leadership Handover
Three-phase process for transitioning leadership — essay applications, interviews, and appointing your successors.
View process →Standards we hold
Leadership Structure
- Appoint a Chapter Head + Vice President, or two Co-Heads
- Designate an Events Coordinator responsible for hackathon logistics
- Secure a faculty advisor at your school to sponsor the chapter
- Leadership terms last one academic year with a documented handover process
Weekly Sessions
- Chapters must hold weekly sessions during term time — this is non-negotiable
- Use the DCSS Knowledge Library as your primary resource for session content
- Sessions can cover workshops, guest speakers, project work, or competitive programming
- Maintain a minimum attendance threshold or the chapter enters probation
HackerRank Hackathons
- Host 2–3 HackerRank hackathons per academic year
- Hackathons must be open to all students at your school regardless of experience level
- Results and participation data must be reported to DCSS after each event
- DCSS will provide hackathon templates and problem sets where possible
Membership & Conduct
- Chapters must demonstrate weekly active members attending sessions consistently
- Chapters must be inclusive and open to all students — no discrimination
- Uphold academic integrity in all competitions and projects
- All chapter events must be free to attend — no unauthorised fees
Reporting & Accountability
- Submit a brief quarterly report to DCSS — attendance, session topics, event outcomes
- Chapters undergo an annual renewal review to confirm continued activity
- Chapters falling below activity or membership thresholds receive a one-term probation period
- Failure to meet standards after probation results in chapter status being revoked
Branding & Representation
- Use only official DCSS branding and templates provided
- All public communications must align with DCSS values and tone
- Chapters may not enter partnerships or sponsorships without DCSS approval
- The chapter name must follow the format: DCSS — [School Name]
How to start a chapter
Assemble Your Team
Gather a core group of 3-5 committed students. Identify your Chapter Head (or Co-Heads), Vice President, and Events Coordinator. You'll also need a faculty advisor at your school — a CS teacher, IT coordinator, or any staff member willing to sponsor your chapter and provide a weekly meeting space.
Submit Your Application
Reach out to us on LinkedIn with your school name, team details, faculty advisor, and a brief statement on why you want to start a chapter. Tell us about your school's CS culture, how many students you expect, and what you'd focus on first — whether that's workshops, competitive programming, or hackathons.
Onboarding & Setup
Once approved, you'll get a welcome call with DCSS leadership, full access to the Knowledge Library, your official branding kit, and a chapter onboarding guide. We'll walk you through how to plan your first term, set up your session schedule, and promote your chapter across your school.
Launch & Grow
Run your first session, host your first hackathon, and start building your community. DCSS stays with you — ongoing mentorship, quarterly check-ins, and access to the full cross-chapter network. Your chapter is yours to shape, with DCSS behind you every step of the way.
Ready to bring DCSS to your school?
Reach Out on LinkedIn