2022 Eastern Washington Computer Science Fair

On November 9, the first Eastern Washington Computer Science Fair was held at the Town Toyota Center in Wenatchee. Over 800 high school students with an interest in computer science attended from 26 school districts across Washington State.

Computing occupations are the #1 source of all new wages in the U.S. and make up over half of all projected new jobs in STEM fields (Code.org) and computer science is one of the most in-demand college degrees here in Washington, and across the nation. Computer science drives job growth and innovation throughout our economy and society. And computing is used all around us and in virtually every field.

For this reason, the Washington Legislature passed SHB 5088 in 2019, to require all comprehensive high schools to offer an elective computer science course for high school students by the fall of 2022. That makes this school year the first time many schools across the state are seeing computer science on their high school schedules.  

To help rural students and educators connect this new school requirement to the growing industry needs, the Apple STEM Network recruited 87 exhibitors and partners from across the state to organize an event that would create a memorable experience for students. The Eastern Washington CS Fair had a conference feel for students with a special keynote welcome from Dr. Bish Paul, of Snap, followed by the national anthem led by musician and engineer Michael “Wanz” Wansley and breakout sessions, interactive experiences, and hands-on learning opportunities with more than 50 exhibitors made up of local and statewide technology companies, training programs, community-based organizations, and colleges.

Local Executive Leaders Kirk Hudson of the Chelan County PUD, Drew Zabrocki of Semios, and Jenny Rojanasthien of the NCW Tech Alliance took the main stage early in the day to speak directly with students about the need for technology and computing skills in the North Central Washington economy. Other sessions included discussions on cybersecurity careers, robotics and engineering, personal career journeys from tech professionals, how to bring high school classes and college credits to your Computer Science degree, women in STEM, data center jobs, and more.

Over 50 exhibitor booths from local and statewide technology companies, training programs, and colleges were onsite for students to visit and explore. Exhibitors spoke directly with students about the countless educational and career opportunities that result from studying computer science. Students also had the opportunity to discuss internships and job opportunities with local organizations.

Dozens of organizations and individuals leaned in to support the event as speakers, workshop leaders, booth exhibitors and volunteers. Representatives from the following organizations took part:

Albion Ventures Inc, Amazon, Apple STEM Network, Avista, Big Bend Community College, Central Washington University, Chelan County PUD, Clean Tech Alliance, Code.org, Columbia Valley Community Health, Computing for All, Confluence Health, Concentrix, CSTA, Dataiku, DigiPen Institute of Technology, Distrokid, Eastern Washington University, Epoch, Firefly, FIRST Washington, Gonzaga University, Grant County PUD, Ignite Worldwide, innov8.ag, Microsoft, Microsoft Data Centers, NCW Tech Alliance, NCW Libraries, North Central Educational Services District, Nothing But Net, Pacific Lutheran University, Pacific Northwest National Labs, RecaptureIT, Sabey, Seattle University, Semios, Snapchat, St. Martin’s University. TEALS, Tableau, University of Washington Foster School of Business, UW Paul G. Allen School Computer Science & Engineering, VMWare, Walla Walla University, Washington State University, Washington State University – Everett, Washington State Board of Education, Wenatchee Valley College, Western Washington University, Whitman College, Whitworth University, Xbox, and Yahoo.

Students had the opportunity to participate in five interactive workshops that were run throughout the day to experience hands-on-learning opportunities in coding, cyber security, UX design and 3D creation.

The 360 Photo Booth hosted by CitySoundWave and Virtual Reality Stations hosted by Epoch captured memories and provided entertainment for everyone on the day.

The Computer Science Fair was organized to inform and inspire students about the countless educational and career opportunities that result from studying computer science. The event is also an opportunity for organizations to network and connect with other professionals in computing and technology education and industry roles.

The students in attendance responded with enthusiasm and appreciation for the opportunity:

“I never really had the chance to put into perspective the number of opportunities there was for me before I came to this event. After attending the main speech and going booth to booth, I got to put my potential futures into perspective. I honestly wish I could have come to one of these events sooner so that my abilities and interest in tech could have grown more exponentially… I honestly hope to come back to one of these in the future, but not as a student looking for opportunities, rather a man that can give others the same, or better, opportunities.” -Eastmont High School Senior

“The 2022 CS Fair made a huge impact on the vision I see for my future in computer science. At first, I didn't know what career to choose, but after this fair, it inspired me to choose computer science. My future is now more open, and I see how much it can help me.” -Chelan High School Freshman

“As a high school senior who struggles with the thought of my future, I took great pleasure in getting to explore possible career paths and opportunities. The 2022 CS Fair is filled with a multitude of career paths and college degree pathways in computer science fields. I can confidently say that I feel more secure in not just my future, but in myself.” -Tonasket High School Senior

“It was so fun and interesting…I wish I could go again.” -Eastmont High School Junior

“I’ve seen new possible colleges to apply to with strong computer science programs. Learned about opportunities and internships and job positions that interested not only me but my friend group. It was a great experience, and I had a lot of fun.” -Wenatchee High School Junior

“The 2022 CS Fair was an eye-opening experience for me. I have always wanted to go into computer science, but I didn't have a clue as to what I wanted to do or achieve in the field. I had heard about different careers in computer science, but never truly understood what people in those positions did.” -Walla Walla High School Senior

“The 2022 CS Fair has impacted me into knowing the possible opportunities I can go with my future. Even coming from a small town, I still have every opportunity as someone who lives in a bigger city.” -Tonasket High School Senior

“It helped open my eyes to all the options that are available and all the schools that I’m able to attend. It was very interesting talking to all the different people and hearing about the guest speakers' experiences. It has definitely encouraged me to keep pursuing my dream of a career in computer science and being a first gen student.” -Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center Senior

The event was sponsored by the Apple STEM Network, NCW Tech Alliance, the North Central Educational Services District, Microsoft Philanthropies, and Microsoft TEALS, Code.org + AVID, and the Chelan County PUD. The organizers will consider hosting the Eastern Washington Computer Science Fair at a future date.

About NCW Tech Alliance: Since 1999, NCW Tech Alliance has served as the region’s tech alliance, championing growth and development in North Central Washington. As a 501(c)3, NCW Tech Alliance’s mission is to bring together people and resources in technology, entrepreneurship, and STEM education. For more information visit www.ncwtech.org

About Apple STEM Network: The Apple STEM Network is a regional alliance of K-12, Higher Ed, and community partners in North Central Washington. We represent a diverse region with tremendous potential for STEM industry in agriculture, energy, and innovation. With our collective effort we intend to provide a constructive support system for educators who aim to meet the rising challenge for all students to develop 21st century skills and STEM literacy, to integrate community mentorship and promote authentic project-based learning and field experiences for all levels of education and engage students in exploring the world of opportunities on the horizon through STEM. For more information visit www.applestemnetwork.org

About North Central Educational Service District: The North Central Educational Service District provides a wide array of programs, services, and support to the 29 public school districts in the North Central Washington region of Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan counties. The service district provides professional and timely service to meet the needs of individual schools and districts, and a reliable point of education-related information for the communities served. The NCESD is one of nine respected educational service districts in Washington state. For more information visit www.ncesd.org