Boise, Idaho – One Stone and the Idaho PTECH Network, together with Trailhead Boise, will stage the first PlayTech, a two-day gaming, hacking and coding event designed to inspire high school students from across the state to pursue an education and career in the tech industry in Idaho. The hands-on event will feature speakers from the high tech and start-up industry, as well as peer-to-peer coaching opportunities for high school students.
PlayTech will be staged in part to address Idaho’s low college and post-secondary go on rate in light of the needs of Idaho’s employers. A May 2014 study by Idaho Business for Education reports by 2018, 61 percent of the jobs will require a post-secondary credential; either a workforce-ready certificate, a two-year associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree or higher. Further, the IBE survey shows that computer science and technology jobs will be in the greatest demand in four years.
The event will also bring focus to the soft skills students need to be successful in the workplace – skills like collaboration, problem solving and leadership.
“We know how important career exploration and experiential learning opportunities are for high school students as they make critical decisions about their future educational and training needs, said Alan Millar, Idaho PTECH Network Executive Director. “Events like PlayTech are invaluable to helping students envision a future, and with the help of PTECH, begin the process of putting a path in place to get there.”
“One Stone is excited to partner on this event that blends the best of coding, gaming and technology with the practice of critical 21st century skills like creativity, collaboration, innovation and teamwork,” explained Matt Wiggins, a member of the One Stone student planning team. “Everyone involved is bringing their best practices, best content and experience in their field.”
Boise-based start-up Klowd.com is providing the coding instruction. Its CTO, Casey McMullen, will guide students through coding basics with the goal of demonstrating what is possible through coding knowledge.
Other activities of the weekend include a tech skills round table with technology professionals, a life-size game simulation, a food truck dinner and “game of life” soft skills builder.
Tech professionals and the public are invited to PlayTech to see the students in action at the following times:
Friday 4:00 PM – Design Your Life
Friday 5:30 PM – Coding Skills
Saturday 12:00 PM (noon) – Tech Round Table
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Contact:
Neva Geisler
One Stone
208.860.7043
neva@onestone.org
Gina Borud
Idaho PTECH Network
208.473.9529
gina.borud@gmail.com
About One Stone
One Stone is a student-led and directed nonprofit that makes students better leaders and the world a better place. Our program empowers high school students to learn and practice 21st Century skills through experiential service, innovative initiatives and social entrepreneurship. Contact Neva Geisler, Community Engagement Director, at neva@onestone.org to learn more.
About Idaho PTECH Network
The Idaho PTECH Network is a pilot program funded by the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation. Its mission is to bridge the gap between education and industry by providing students with the credentials and skills needed to secure well-paying jobs in Idaho’s high growth industries while giving businesses access to a qualified pipeline of employees.
About Trailhead
Located in downtown Boise, Idaho, the Trailhead is a collaborative professional space that encourages gathering, connecting and learning. Founded by local entrepreneurs, The Trailhead is a non-profit, community effort focused on helping develop the next generation of business successes in the Treasure Valley.
