TechStart launches Innovation Academy
Friday, May 17, 2013 at 11:55AM Students from Franklin and Wilson High Schools tackle real world problems with Portland Police Bureau
PORTLAND, ORE. – May 17, 2013 –TechStart Education Foundation will launch its new Innovation Academy on Saturday, May 18 at Franklin High School in Southeast Portland from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Students from Franklin and Wilson High Schools will showcase a mobile application they developed that allows the Portland Police to better collaborate with the community to improve neighborhood safety.
“It's important for the Portland Police Bureau to share public safety information as soon as possible. This innovative application designed by students, provides quick access to crime alerts and tips on how each of us can help keep our community safe, said Portland Police Chief Mike Reese. “I am especially pleased that students from Franklin and Wilson High School developed this application in collaboration with business leaders and the Portland Police Bureau. It has been a unique partnership and we look forward to an ongoing relationship with Tech for Tomorrow as they continue to create cutting-edge solutions that help improve our community."
The Innovation Academy is designed to facilitate project-based learning that will equip students with the skills they need to drive Oregon’s growing digital economy while developing technologies that have real community impact. All students, teachers, and industry professionals are invited to participate in the Innovation Academy launch event.
The Innovation Academy is a being developed as a collaboration between TechStart, SUN and Ideal Portland, and has support from organizations like the White House Office of Science and Technology’s Inclusion Round Table, Microsoft Research, the America 21 project, Technology Association of Oregon, and the City of Portland and Portland Development Commission. Initial funding for the Tech for Tomorrow initiative is being provided by a $30,000 grant from Jive Software. Innovation Academy teams will work over the summer to create new technology solutions that will be showcased when the school year resumes in the fall. Like the group of Franklin and Wilson students who began working on the Portland Police application, teams will have mentorship from industry experts and work with community organizations.
The area’s technology companies and community-focused organizations are encouraged to attend the launch and contact TechStart to learn more about how to get involved and support the Innovation Academy’s summer team projects. The Innovation Academy is particularly interested in software developers and designers who would be interested in lending their time and expertise to inspire a high school student to enter the field of science, technology, engineering or math. For more information on how to get involved and become a volunteer, please visit techstart.org
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MEDIA CONTACT: Blu Print Public Relations Kristin Whitney, 503-750-7463
Tech Start CONTACT: Randy Macdonald TechStart 503-806-6359 randy@techstart.org


