NEWS RELEASE :
Ripley County, Indiana – Genesis: Pathways to Success (GPS) partnered with Nextech to host a counselor and administrator seminar on computer science October 23 for counselors, administrators and computer science educators from around the region.
Nextech, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit dedicated to developing the next generation of technology pioneers, presented information on Indiana’s tech workforce demands, the importance of critical thinking skills and how computer science impacts both.
“The seminar brought educators together to explore the pathways to success for our Ripley County students,” said Cheryll Obendorf, executive director of GPS. “The partnership between GPS and Nextech was successful because of our corresponding goals: to inspire K-12 students, to provide them with access to technology and to help them realize that such career opportunities are within reach.”
Attendees included the team of computer science educators involved in the Education Workforce Innovation Network (EWIN) grant that GPS received, including Allyssa Moorman from South Ripley, Amelia Comer from Jac-Cen-Del, Brandy Hicks from Milan School Corp., Jonathon Maple from Oldenburg Academy, Jessica Imel from St. Louis School, Jackie Huber from Batesville High School.
“Meeting the everyday needs of individuals and businesses at both the local and global levels is increasingly dependent on universal access to technology of all kinds,” said Karen Jung, Nextech president. “It is imperative we give our students and educators access to information and opportunities that can create interest and develop skillsets necessary to meet employer needs.”
About Genesis: Pathways to Success
Genesis: Pathways to Success (GPS) is an initiative of the Ripley County Community Foundation dedicated to empowering students to succeed in STEM by developing programs in areas such as engineering, agriculture, health science and technology as well as by supporting events that encourage students to apply curious minds and critical thinking skills to real-world opportunities. GPS generates ongoing and meaningful dialogue and collaboration to prepare a talent pipeline for a globally dynamic marketplace. For additional information, please visit www.genesisp2s.org.