Sierra College to Host Operation Innovate Youth Hackathon on April 29 - May 1 in Rocklin
Rocklin CA (PRWEB) April 18, 2016 -- Sierra College is hosting Operation Innovate’s weekend-long youth Hackathon in partnership with the City of Rocklin. The event will be held at the Sierra College Rocklin campus, 5000 Rocklin Rd, Rocklin CA from April 29 to May 1. The fee to attend is $50 and includes supplies and meals. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lap top computers. Sign up for Operation Innovate Hackathon early as space is limited.
According to Gina Lujan, Operation Innovate Co-Founder and CEO and Founder of Sacramento’s Hacker Lab, the objective of the hands-on program is to educate students in the areas of science, technology, engineering, art, math, entrepreneurship and design (STEAMED). “Kids who get access to technology as well as the design and startup process immediately apply their creativity,” said Lujan. “They quickly discover that they can work together, solve problems and build projects that make a difference. The intensive experience transforms them and inspires the participants to continue innovating and creating after the event. These are our future entrepreneurs.”
From design thinking to startup exercises, students can select a project to work on for the weekend. Through creativity exercises, participants can develop and present ideas for a weekend project. Others can join their team for the duration of the event. They receive training in 3D design and printing, app development, electronics, programming and other areas from industry experts who volunteer their time. On the final afternoon, they present what they’ve developed.
According to Carol Pepper-Kittredge, Director, [CACT, Sierra College, hackathons have proven to be an excellent way to introduce young people to maker and entrepreneurial skills as well as Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) careers. “Working on teams, they get a taste of the real world design process,” said Pepper-Kittredge. “Hackathons are game changers, and often inspire students to explore technology with such a passion that it helps them discover their future education and career path. Most importantly, everyone has fun learning and doing.”
Sign up now for the Operation Innovate Hackathon.
About Sierra College CACT
Sierra College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT) is focused on Advanced Manufacturing training and development, and is funded through the Workforce and Economic Development program of the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Since 1992, the Sierra College CACT has provided customized training for organizations, manufacturers and technology companies throughout Northern California. Through the Sierra STEM Collaborative, Sierra College works with college faculty as well as middle and high schools to promote STEM Education and careers. Additional information is available by contacting Carol Pepper-Kittredge at 916-660-7801 or cpepper-kittredge (at)sierracollege(dot)edu.
About Operation Innovate
Operation Innovate, established in 2015, is a Sacramento-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to educate and enrich the lives of youth in the areas of science, technology, engineering, art, math, entrepreneurship and design (STEAMED). Operation Innovate partners with government organizations, schools and other nonprofit organizations to help foster skills and career pathways for youth by bringing training directly to the students in their own neighborhoods using immersive project-based learning, innovative curriculum and hands-on activities. Their programs include hackathons, workshops, classes and boot camps.
Sue Michaels, Sierra College, http://www.sierracollege.edu, (916) 660-7272, [email protected]
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