TechStart and the Technology Association of Oregon (TAO) have formally teamed up. We’ve been partners in the past, but today we’re announcing a new alliance, dedicated to improving and expanding K-12 computer science education in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
“For almost twenty years, TechStart has been a bridge between the tech industry and K-12 education. We haves supported computer science learning through hands-on programs and great partnerships. The need to better connect the area’s thriving tech sector with students and educators hasn’t slowed and, in fact, has grown. Our alliance with the Technology Association of Oregon will help make this critical connection,” said TechStart Board Chair and tech industry veteran John Tortorici.
“I’m excited about our alliance with TechStart,” said TAO President and CEO Skip Newberry. “Our region’s technology industry needs a strong local pipeline of future computer scientists, developers and innovators—and this alliance will help further develop that pipeline. Our members are also eager to support tech education programs, and this alliance will help connect the dots.”
As part of the alliance, TAO and its members will provide operational support to TechStart in the form of volunteers, host company tours and funding. This support will enable TechStart to ensure the ongoing viability of key computer science education programs, including:
Tech Educator of the Year Awards—This annual awards program recognizes three great K-12 tech educators and provides stipends for their classrooms.
SuperQuest—An Oregon Computer Science Teachers Association (OCSTA) program that provides intensive, hands-on workshops to K-12 educators statewide.
The Oregon Game Project Challenge (OGPC)—This statewide game programming competition introduces students to computer programming basics while also educating them in science, art and current events.
George Fox Programming Contest—This annual statewide high school competition requires teams to solve challenging programming problems in a tight time frame.
“The TechStart-TAO alliance will help TechStart with volunteers from the tech industry who will be able to relate firsthand experience and educate young people about careers in technology,” said John Tortorici.
Whether you’re a TAO member or not, you can participate in TechStart-supported programs. Click here to learn more about volunteering and contributing.
TAO forecasts a continuing shortage of workers with advanced computing skills who are needed to drive growth in the region’s tech sector. Addressing this gap begins in K-12 classrooms.