AIM, a not-for- profit organization dedicated to changing lives through technology, announced today that it has formed a pilot partnership with Liberty Elementary School to bring students to AIM’s Brain Exchange once a week for classes on robotics.
The Brain Exchange is home to free science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) learning experiences for youth ages 7-17. With advanced technology knowledge at their fingertips, Liberty students will have a place outside of the classroom to learn and grow, in addition to learning in school.
“As a former music and technology teacher, I’m so excited to see Liberty partner with The Brain Exchange to give our students this amazing off-campus opportunity. The outlook is positive and experiences are almost endless,” said Liberty Elementary assistant principal, Jeff Rotherham.
“The partnership shows the dedication and passion of the community to create technology leaders of the future. We are delighted to be working with the students at Liberty on a regular basis,” said Victoria Novak, vice president of Strategic Partnerships at AIM.
AIM is working to expand the program in 2017 to offer more classes to additional organizations.
Aside from the partnership with Liberty Elementary, AIM Brain Exchange holds free classes on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. Classes are open to children and teens ages 7-17. Pre-registration is required.
AIM Brain Exchange is a tech learning space located at 1902 Howard Street in Omaha, NE. The facility is home to free, STEAM learning experiences for youth, ages 7-17. Its programming includes codeCraft Explorers, bi-weekly workshops that introduce youth to technology, and codeCraft Masters, bi-weekly “deep dive” sessions in coding and robotics for more advanced learners. For more information, visit careerlink.com/brainexchange/.
Omaha has been designated as a TechHire community by Opportunity@Work, a nonprofit leading the charge to expand Americans’ access to career opportunities. As part of the TechHire designation, Omaha has recently joined a national network of 71 communities with a goal to help individuals enter the technology workforce through education and help with job placement. TechHire Omaha invites job seekers, employers and community partners to attend a kick-off party to learn more.
WHAT: TechHire Omaha Kick-Off Party; sponsored by Cox Business
WHEN: Thursday, February 9, 2017; 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
WHERE: The Exchange, 7 th Floor, 1905 Harney Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68102
Technology jobs represent the largest economic development opportunity in our region. If all the open IT positions in Greater Omaha were immediately filled, it would be an immediate $102 million dollar economic boost for the local economy.
ABOUT TECHHIRE OMAHA
TechHire is a nationwide, community-based movement that helps underrepresented job seekers start careers in the technology industry. TechHire partners with education providers from across the tech community to teach in-demand skills to people who want to take part in the modern economy—from overlooked youth, to veterans, to the long-term unemployed; and helps them find jobs by connecting them to a network of employers looking for tech talent. Omaha’s designation as a national TechHire Community was made possible due to the collaborative efforts of AIM and its Interface Web School, Omaha Code School and the Greater Omaha Chamber. To learn more, visit omatechhire.org.
AIM, a not-for- profit organization that grows, connects and inspires tech talent to ensure a world-class tech workforce for the region, has acquired the assets of Interface Web School. Co-founder of Interface Web School, Shonna Dorsey, has joined AIM as Vice President of Fundraising and Community Development.
“Interface Web School creates for AIM another strong link in our tech talent pipeline to help establish Omaha as a leading tech hub,” said AIM President and CEO Dr. Kandace Miller. “The school brings to AIM another educational component that helps attract and train people to connect them with technology jobs.”
Interface Web School has established itself as a go-to for individuals seeking a tech education. Through practical training to meet the demands of job seekers and employers in today’s job market, Interface Web School offers students an immersive learning program led by industry experts and a professional network that connects students and businesses throughout the Midwest.
“AIM and Interface Web School will continue to strengthen Omaha as a tech hub. The synergy between these two organizations will provide even more opportunities for students and employers in the metro area,” said Chris Russell, AIM board member and Operations Director for Google in Council Bluffs.
“The curriculum that Interface Web School has built to train our next tech leaders is top-notch. I am looking forward to the endless possibilities the future holds with AIM,” said Brad Masterson, AIM board member and Vice President of Technology at First Data Corporation.
Shonna Dorsey will further her work and passion towards building a robust tech community in her new role at AIM.
“Shonna brings to AIM a strong emphasis on collaboration and the innovative thinking that maintaining a world-class tech talent ecosystem demands,” said Dr. Miller. “Shonna is an ambitious entrepreneur, passionate about inspiring the tech workforce and, most importantly, dedicated to changing lives through technology. We look forward to her influential presence in furthering the AIM mission of building thriving communities.”
“I am honored to be joining AIM,” said Dorsey. “I am wholeheartedly committed to AIM’s mission and to providing more opportunities to grow, connect, and inspire tech talent. I look forward to continuing the excellence and innovation that AIM represents.”
AIM Institute, an innovative not-for- profit whose mission is to build thriving communities through technology, will host a series of free and fun technology experiences Dec. 5-8 for youth ages 7-17 at its Brain Exchange Building, located at 1902 Howard Street.
The following sessions run 60-90 minutes, are introductory in nature and are based on interest and ability, not grade or age:
AIM is hosting the workshops as part of its involvement in Hour of Code™, a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries. AIM believes that every student should have the opportunity to learn computer science to help nurture problem-solving skills, logic and creativity.
Limited seating is available, so families are encouraged to register early and have a ticket. Parents are welcome to participate as well, and will need their own ticket.
To register, visit careerlink.com/brainexchange. For questions, parents can email brainexchange@nullaimsite1.wpenginepowered.com or call (402) 591-5315.
