2024 Eastern Washington CS and Tech Fair: Cultivating tomorrow’s innovators

On October 17, 2024, hundreds of community leaders and volunteers joined educators, staff and students at Big Bend Community College to transform the college campus into a vibrant hub of innovation and inspiration. The second annual Eastern Washington CS and Tech Fair, hosted by the Apple STEM Network, welcomed over 400 high school students from across Eastern Washington. This event was more than just another career fair; it was a beacon of opportunity, illuminating the pathways to a future brimming with technological possibilities.

The day began with an official welcome from College President Dr. Sara Thompson Tweedy, whose words set the tone for a day of exploration and discovery. Alongside her, Computer Science Professor Michell Valdivia, and Nikki Medved of the North Central Educational Services District shared their insights, igniting a spark of curiosity in the young minds present. Dr. James Stanger of CompTIA traveled over from Olympia to share a message with the students about the transformative power of technology skills. CompTIA is the worlds largest trade association, and their certifications are the industry recognized credential that opens local employment doors to technology careers across the region including local energy, healthcare and data center jobs. 

Students navigated from the opening session to breakout workshop sessions and a bustling industry expo, featuring representatives from technology professionals from Microsoft, Sabey, Firefly and others. Each booth was a gateway to a world of possibilities, offering students a glimpse into the dynamic careers that await them. The expo was not just about showcasing technology; it was about connecting students with the real-world applications of their studies and the local opportunities that could shape their futures.

One of the student favorite breakout sessions titled “Building the Future of 911: Technology and Teamwork at MACC 911,” introduced cutting-edge public safety technologies revolutionizing emergency services in Grant County. This workshop highlighted the critical role of AI, cloud technology, and secure systems in ensuring public safety.

Another session, “Digital Defense: The Importance of Cybersecurity,” led by Charlie, delved into the current cybersecurity landscape. Through engaging activities and discussions, students learned about the dangers and defenses in the digital world, gaining practical tips to stay safe online.

The IGNITE Worldwide Panel was a beacon of inspiration, featuring stories from women and gender-diverse STEM professionals. This interactive session encouraged students to ask questions and learn from the experiences of these trailblazers, reinforcing the message that diverse perspectives are invaluable in STEM fields.

Group14’s session on electricity and batteries sparked students’ interest in renewable energy technologies. Hands-on activities allowed students to explore the transformative potential of rechargeable batteries, igniting a passion for sustainable innovation.

The Museum of Flight brought aerospace manufacturing to life with a hands-on workshop that challenged students to create parts with minimal waste. This activity underscored the importance of precision and planning in manufacturing, providing a fun and interactive learning experience.

Moses Lake Public Libraries’ “Clues Gone Bad!” workshop promoted critical thinking and teamwork through challenging riddles and puzzles, while the Clean Energy Panel offered insights into the growing impact of clean energy technologies and career opportunities in this evolving sector.

The Computer Science & IT Panel provided valuable career advice from industry professionals, helping students understand the pathways available in the fast-growing tech world. Students also had the chance to code music with EarSketch, a fun and creative way to learn coding basics.

In the “Software Engineer: What’s That?” session, students engaged in coding exercises and heard success stories from local engineers, boosting their confidence and skills. The Virtual Reality session by Transfr and Boys and Girls Club of Columbia Basin showcased how VR creates career pathways and emphasized the importance of accessibility in tech education.

Microsoft’s workshops on MakeCode and Visual Studio Code offered students the opportunity to build games and explore text-based adventure coding, making learning fun and accessible. CWU-Northwest Earth and Space Sciences Pathways’ session on Artemis ROADS III Lotería provided a space-themed game to inspire and educate students about NASA missions.

The Importance of Investing in Local Youth

Investing in local youth through events like the Eastern Washington CS and Tech Fair is not just an educational endeavor; it is a strategic investment in our community’s future. By equipping students with the skills needed for high-demand tech jobs, we are fostering a future workforce that can drive economic growth and innovation in our region. This investment ensures that local businesses have access to a pool of talented individuals who can contribute to their success.

Moreover, such initiatives help bridge the digital divide, particularly in rural and remote communities. By providing students with exposure to cutting-edge technologies and career opportunities, we are ensuring that no student is left behind in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

The fair also plays a crucial role in encouraging diversity in STEM. By highlighting the achievements of women and gender-diverse professionals, we are promoting an inclusive environment where all students feel inspired to pursue careers in STEM fields. Through hands-on workshops and interactive sessions, students build confidence in their abilities and develop practical skills essential for success in the tech industry. These experiences ignite a passion for learning and innovation that lasts a lifetime.

The 2024 Eastern Washington CS and Tech Fair was a resounding success, providing students with invaluable experiences and insights into the world of technology and computer science. The event not only highlighted the importance of STEM education but also showcased the exciting career opportunities available in this ever-evolving field, but it's noteworthy that these kinds of transformative experiences for young people take the dedication and commitment of hundreds of community leaders. The culmination of their investment in minutes of the day will pay a return on investment in the years ahead. We never really know the impact of a moment invested in the development of a young person through the transfer of ideas, connection, and mentorship, but we do get a glimpse of what might be possible in the experience of days like this one.