As part of AIM Institute, a not-for- profit organization that grows, connects and inspires tech talent to ensure a world-class tech workforce for the region, Silicon Prairie News has recently released the Silicon Prairie News 2016 State of the Silicon Prairie report. The report provides a snapshot review of the Silicon Prairie and its communities in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and South Dakota.
“This report gives a good road map for cities within the Silicon Prairie as it relates to startups and technology. It allows them to see what other cities are doing well and how they can improve within their own tech ecosystems,” said Brian Lee, Managing Director of Silicon Prairie News. Among the top cities listed, Ames, Iowa, ranked number one because of the multiple companies created there that have allowed the community to carve out an engineering, energy and IT footprint larger than its population and workforce.
The top 10 cities for tech startups as listed in the report are:
1. Ames, Iowa
2. Kansas City, Missouri
3. St. Louis, Missouri
4. Lincoln, Nebraska
5. Des Moines, Iowa
6. Iowa City, Iowa
7. Columbia, Missouri
8. Omaha, Nebraska
9. Sioux City, Iowa
10. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
The report gives recommendations for cities to grow their footprint within the Silicon Prairie, including sister cities working together to build more steam, and working together as a whole to help further strengthen the Silicon Prairie as a hub for technology, entrepreneurship and innovation.
The AIM Institute and Omaha Public Schools have partnered to introduce high school students who speak English as a Second Language (ESL) to more technology over their summer break.
Throughout the month of June, ESL students have gained access to technology they would not normally have a chance to experience. In addition to learning the English language, they are learning the language of technology and benefits of a career in the growing high tech field.
The ESL program in OPS has grown more than 380 percent over the last 18 years. 7,800 current English Language Learners participate in the ESL program in OPS, grades K-12.
On Thursday, June 29, students will wrap up their month-long learning experience at AIM Brain Exchange and finish work on their projects.
When
Thursday, June 29, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where
AIM Brain Exchange
1902 Howard St.
Omaha, NE 68102
The AIM Institute and Council Bluffs Community School District have partnered to host Iowa’s first GenCyber camp. Attendees include female middle school students, as well as middle and elementary school teachers.
The free, weeklong camp will build students’ knowledge of cybersecurity concepts and careers as well as the practice of correct and safe online behaviors. Teachers will gain knowledge and insight to improve teaching methods for delivering cybersecurity lessons within computer science classrooms.
The technology field is growing faster than the average rate for all occupations. The amount of people employed in computer and information technology jobs is expected to grow 12 percent by 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median wage for these jobs is more than twice the median annual wage for all occupations.
GenCyber is a joint National Security Agency/National Science Foundation program that provides summer cybersecurity camp experiences for students and teachers at the K-12 level.
When
Tuesday, June 13
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where
Abraham Lincoln High School
1205 Bonham Avenue
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
WHAT:
Media representatives are invited to join Union Pacific and 60 local students for an innovative Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work experience at the headquarters of the nation’s largest railroad. During the event, 5 th and 6 th graders will participate in three energetic and vibrant working ‘modules’ developed with the AIM Institute that focus on coding, robotics and teamwork. The STEM-focused experience spans three days and will include a diverse group of students –from the Boys and Girls Club, local schools and children of Union Pacific employees – immersed in a creative learning environment at Union Pacific’s Jim Young Employee Development Center.
The event will be held in coordination with the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce’s CAREEROCKIT initiative. The community-wide initiative works to bring together students of all ages, educators and businesses to provide 10,000 career experiences for students to create pathways for future career achievement and excite children about opportunities right here in the Omaha-metro area.
WHEN & WHERE:
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Noon until 4:30 p.m.; modules begin at 1 p.m.
Union Pacific Center, 1400 Douglas St., Omaha, NE
Jim Young Employee Development Center
**All attendees, including media, must provide their photo ID to register with UP security. Please RSVP to Calli Hite via email at callihite@nullup.com to facilitate more efficient admission.**
WHY:
What students learn outside the classroom is often more impactful, giving them a glimpse into their future. Union Pacific is joining dozens of other Omaha-area businesses to host the first annual CAREERROCKIT, designed to bring awareness to career opportunities available to metro students.
Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work
Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work started in 1993 and was originally focused on enhancing girls’ self-esteem and educating them about career opportunities. Over the course of its more than 20-year history, the program has evolved and is now an inclusive initiative for boys and girls. It goes beyond the average practice of “shadowing” an adult. Exposing girls and boys to what a parent or mentor in their lives does during the work day is important, but showing them the value of their education, helping them discover the power and possibilities associated with a balanced work and family life, providing them an opportunity to share how they envision the future, and allowing them to begin steps toward their end goals in a hands-on and interactive environment is key to their achieving success.
Nearly 1,000 people attended the AIM Infotec conference, held at the Embassy Suites La Vista Conference Center on Tuesday. The annual conference brings together business and technology for a day of innovation and inspiration.
“The more people understand about where technology is, how to use it, how to take advantage of that technology the better off they’re going to be in their companies, so that helps the whole area thrive,” said Dave Vankat, director of events for AIM.
The Try It Zone featured the latest and greatest tech on the market with Virtual Reality Headsets, Google Home and Kiewit Construction’s augmented reality HoloLens being some of the most popular gadgets.
This year’s keynote speaker, former Amazon Executive John Rossman explained the significance of the Internet of Things (IoT) and technology innovations for businesses.
The AIM Infotec conference is a venture facilitated by AIM, a nonprofit that reaches thousands of people annually through tech education, events and programming.
“This year is our 25 th anniversary of working to grow the tech talent ecosystem in Omaha. We are looking forward to a celebration in April where we will mark the occasion and announce our plans to impact tech talent in Omaha and beyond,” said AIM President and CEO Kandace Miller.
