(The interactive networking, where attendees moved from table to table and spoke with whomever they wanted, was enjoyed a lot but is not captured in the event recording b/c those conversations are private. Our Tech Nite video contains the public segments of the event.)
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ElectionHackathon: Design a platform for your own democratic voting system (10/16 - 11/2)
WHO ARE THE MINORITY PROGRAMMERS ASSOCIATION (MPA)?
We are an international network of diverse professionals, educators, students, and hobbyists that unify together to combat humanitarian problems through software solutions with a project based approach to learning.
WHY ARE WE SPONSORING THE #ELECTIONHACKATHON? Now more than ever people around the world are dissatisfied with the antiquated election systems, As programmers we feel like we needed to provide a platform to motivate other programmers to channel their isolation into a collaborative effort to design democratic systems that represent all voices in this modern age. Benefits of #ElectionHackathon
- Channels Isolation into Innovation
- Bring Coders Together From All Backgrounds
- Opens Avenues to Discuss Flaws in Democratic Systems
- Long Enough to Develop Impactful Solution
- Promoting Interdisciplinary Learning: Bringing Tech into Social Space
- Allows Public to Motivate Coders to Develop Existing Ideas
- Networking Opportunity
- STEM Education
- Technical Support for Aspiring Programmers
- A Way to Collaborate During Pandemic
- A Constructive Way to Get Technically Involved in Election Process
- Opportunity for Students to Win Money
- Building Resume with Relevant Projects
- Recruitment Opportunity for Employers
PREMISEIn a race to tackle flaws in modern democratic systems, we decided, in these tough economic times, to inspire people to use STEM to join the fight along with a $1000+ prize. CHALLENGE You have 17 days (Friday October 16, 11:00AM EST - Sunday November 1, 11:59PM EST) for your team (1-5 people) to develop a platform for your own democratic system for the citizens of the world to vote on issues and/or candidates. This is not meant to be a digitization of current voting systems, but rather your own redesign on global electoral systems through the facilitation of modern technology. YOUR TASK Develop a software solution (as a shippable product) that has its own democratic system for voting on issues and/or candidates. The more people consider for a team, the more the prize split. Your team can be up to 1-5 people. All members must register for the competition, and also specify their team name with fellow team members' github usernames. If you do not have team mates, you can find other members on our Discord server.
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Teacher from Winchester seeks companies that can host teachers for a STEMersion!
My name is Britt Miller, and I am part of an exciting elementary computer science and STEM grant in Winchester, VA. Winchester Public Schools received a federal EIR grant called METRICS: Maximizing Education Through Regular Immersion in Computer Science. The main goal of this $4 million grant is to create a whole school immersion approach to computer science and STEM in two local elementary schools. There are many working parts that make up this project and I was hoping that the local tech ecosystem is able to respond.
A large part of the grant is focused on preparing and supporting teachers as they integrate computer science and STEM into their classrooms. All teachers are required to complete a "STEMersion" which is an immersive learning experience. Teachers will connect with a company or individual who works in a STEM/CS field for a variable amount of time in order to experience an authentic STEM career. We want the teachers to be as hands-on as possible so that they can bring those experiences back into our classrooms to benefit the students.
Part of my job is to make these connections and I am looking for more companies that would be interested in hosting (either in person or virtually, at this point) teachers for a STEMersion! We had originally planned for these to be about a week long over the summer, but we are adjusting plans based on current situations and we are hoping to work with individual companies and teachers to set-up something that works for everyone.
The grant also provides opportunities for other real-world tethers to STEM and CS for our students. We are working to virtually bring in guest speakers, field trips, and clubs to support this goal.
Thank you so much for your consideration of this project. I am passionate about creating authentic learning experiences and I know that we need the support of the community to make that a reality. If you are interested in discussing any of these opportunities or maybe even something new, please let me know! I look forward to speaking with you!
Britt Miller, office: 540-662-3945 (12122)
millerb@wps.k12.va.us
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The Congressional App Challenge, the official student coding competition of the U.S. House of Representatives, is an initiative encouraging American students to learn to code and inspiring them to pursue careers in computer science through a series of district-specific competitions. Over 250 Members of Congress have already signed on to host App Challenges in their districts, several of which are within the Shenandoah Valley. Students can use any programming language and any platform. There are no limits on application theme or topic. To be eligible to participate in the Congressional App Challenge, students must be a middle or high school student at the time of app submission. Students may register as individuals or as teams of up to four. No more than four students are allowed to form a team. Students may compete in the district they reside in or the district they attend school in. View the rules for participating.
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On Saturday, October 24th, 2020, MetaCTF will host it's 6th annual virtual, jeopardy-style CTF! This event is free and open to everyone. Participants can compete in teams of up to 4, with separate scoreboards for students and non-students.
This CTF will challenge and encourage participants to learn new techniques and concepts related to cybersecurity, with problems covering topics such as web exploitation , cryptography , binary exploitation , reverse engineering , forensics , and reconnaissance .
Throughout the CTF a series of talks, problem walkthroughs, and sessions with well-known cybersecurity professionals will be livestreamed! Participants will have opportunities to network with sponsors and recruiters. Never done a CTF? No problem! This event does not require any previous cybersecurity experience, and CTFs are a great way to get started in cybersecurity. While there will still be plenty of hard problems for those looking for a challenge, the goal is for you to walk away with some new techniques and skills. Prizes? Yes! There will be both prizes and swag for top-placing teams.
Based in Charlottesville, VA, MetaCTF aims to make cybersecurity education accessible and fun. They create hands-on, interactive, and learning-based competitions and trainings that make it easy to learn new cybersecurity skills by breaking down complex cybersecurity concepts into engaging challenges that simulate real world scenarios. Since 2014, MetaCTF has held over 45 events and trainings globally and written hundreds of CTF problems.
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Through experimentation and supported trial and error, students learn and grow. Introducing children to concepts allows them to create a physical artifact that will reinforce the new information. CodeVA's curriculum is designed to teach children computer science concepts that apply to all programming languages.
Eureka Workshops offer computer science experiences that combine the problem-solving skills of the visual arts and coding. These workshops introduce your child to the world of computational thinking appropriate for their age group through play.
Some upcoming workshops and classes:
Earsketch 201 Workshop | Oct 16, 2020 | Grades 6th - 12th
Earsketch 201 covers more possibilities the DAW offers such as making custom loops, creating your own rhythms, using expanded access to samples, and utilizing random and generative music techniques. $15.
GB Studio: A Visual Coding Game Engine | Oct 22, 2020 | Grades 6th - 8th
"GB Studio: A Visual Coding Game Engine" will be an hour and a half long guided seminar. Enrolled students can follow along by downloading the program ahead of time, or watch to see if they think the program will be right for them! $15.
Intro to Robotics Programming Workshop | Oct 28, 2020 | Grades 6th - 8th
In this workshop, students will explore the building blocks of robotics programming. Using the browser based VEX VR system, students will learn how to program virtual robots. Starting with the basics of moving the robot around the course and moving to use different sensors on the robot to control it's behaviors, students will get a powerful introduction to the world of robotics programming! $15.
Voxel Art Workshop | Oct 29, 2020 | Grades 4th - 8th
A Voxel is a "Pixel with Volume," aka a cube! Sculpting with Voxels is a lot like building with Legos. In this workshop, we will cover various tools used to create voxel art. Students can follow along and learn the tools, or sit back and watch to decide whether or not the unique quirks of sculpting with voxels is for them! $15.
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Startup Shenandoah Valley (application due 11/13)
Startup Shenandoah Valley is a hybrid program that combines the strengths of accelerator and incubator models. The program delivers online coaching to identify and address the riskiest parts of each entrepreneur's business model. Participants will join a cohort with access to the best resource providers, mentors, and investors in and beyond the region. This powerful network and flexible online guidance are what make S2V unique. S2V is offered to participants at no charge and without equity requirements.
For businesses creating jobs in....
Frederick, Winchester, Clarke, Shenandoah, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Harrisonburg, Highland, Augusta, Staunton, Waynesboro, Bath, Rockbridge, Lexington, Buena Vista
For businesses focused on... Light manufacturing, food processing, agriculture, technology, and professional services Who should apply?
Businesses ready for rapid, iterative development, at every level - from building the product to refining and scaling the business model.
What to expect? 8 - 12 companies will participate in 8 weeks of virtual content tailored to their business and stage of growth.
How does S2V differ?
Participants are supported by mentors, investors, and subject matter experts as you execute the plan you develop.
When does S2V start?
Applications are due Nov. 13th. This program will begin in early January 2021.
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Shenandoah Valley Open Tech Jobs
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Solder Technician, VIRTEX | Waynesboro
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IT Operations Technician, Segra | Waynesboro
- Systems Analyst/Developer, Augusta County Service Authority | Verona
GOT ADDITIONAL JOBS THAT SHOULD BE PUBLICIZED? SEND US A NOTE AND WE'LL PUBLICIZE THEM.
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Participate in the local tech conversation: Rocktown Tech (Slack)
Currently there are 18 channels and over 450 members. Sign-up
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SVTC MEMBERS INVITATION: DISPLAY YOUR MEMBERSHIP STATUS
Membership Badge Available
Use our new graphic on your own website (and remember to link back to our website www. svtc-va.org!)
Choose the graphic file of your choice:
Let us know when you incorporate this graphic and we'll mention your site in return!
Examples:
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The Shenandoah Valley Technology Council does not endorse the companies, organizations, teams, or events mentioned, or take a stand on any of the articles or notices or events included.
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Contact Us
Shenandoah Valley Technology Council
800 S. Main Street MSC 3615
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
540-568-7882
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