‘MKE Hour of Tech’ Aims to Inspire Students with Hour of Tech Activities

Milwaukee, Wisc. November 15, 2021 – For its fourth consecutive year, over 100 companies, nonprofit organizations and schools will participate in the Greater Milwaukee Hour of Tech initiative during Computer Science Education Week, December 6–12.  This regional week-long experience supports and expands the national Hour of Code™ movement and will feature a variety of activities that showcase the possibilities of tech – from coding, design and user experience to 3D modeling, data science, and artificial intelligence education.

Building on the success of the last three years, MKE Hour of Code has expanded to become the Greater MKE Hour of Tech to include all tech and tech-adjacent disciplines with activities planned throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.  Sponsored by the MKE Tech Hub Coalition, and powered by Connect Business Consulting, this initiative is designed to demonstrate a regional commitment to developing local tech talent with area professionals coming together to mentor local students on how to achieve success in a digital economy and/or run a tech related activity to inspire them to learn more.

“We believe that every student should have the opportunity to learn about the power and impact of tech on the world around them, the careers they may be preparing for, and the jobs that are being created that never existed before.  Technological Literacy is critical to producing graduates who are truly ready to make an informed decision on their investment in post-secondary education and training in a digital economy.  It doesn’t happen overnight and requires the ongoing intentional engagement of many.  It is truly incredible to see the community come together to inspire students to see themselves as a valuable part of the #MKETech ecosystem.” said Laura Schmidt, Chief Talent Development Officer for the Coalition.

The MKE Tech Hub Coalition and Connect Business Consulting provide backbone support for the regional initiative, providing resources, volunteer matching and event promotion.  This year, the goal is a collective 10,000 hours of tech mentorship during the week with the support of participating organizations, volunteers, schools and community partners. This would exceed last year’s initiative and continue building momentum across the region.

“When the community comes together, we can achieve great things. The goal of Hour of Tech is for ALL students, regardless of background, is to learn that tech can be fun and accessible.  The impact from seeing the community come together to show a commitment to our students from around the region can create an astounding ripple effect in the lives of our future changemakers and tech leaders.” said Kenge Adams, Founder and CEO of Connect Business Consulting.

Participating schools and organizations include: Accenture, Beyond STEM, Boys and Girls Club of Milwaukee, Codeworks, Direct Supply, Discovery World, Gamma Tau Boulé, IST Career Discovery (UW: Milwaukee – School of Information Studies), Kenosha School of Technology Enhanced Curriculum, Marquette University, Milwaukee Academy of Science, Milwaukee Public Schools, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Molson Coors, Northwestern Mutual, Racine Unified School District, Rockwell Automation, School District of New Berlin, SHARP Literacy, Southwest MKE Apprenticeship, St Francis High School, WEC Energy Group, West Bend Mutual

To learn more about the MKE Hour of Tech initiative or for support getting involved, visit https://www.mketechtalent.org/hour-of-tech.  For organizations already planning activities throughout the week, fill out the form on the website to be recognize your efforts in the community.

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The MKE Tech Hub Coalition is a non-profit organization working to inclusively double tech talent in the Milwaukee region, partnering with others to grow a vibrant, inclusive ecosystem where tech and innovation create enduring regional prosperity and life-changing jobs. Formed in late 2019, over 100 member organizations collaborate to grow tech jobs matched with the right supply of skilled talent through K-20, reskilling and attraction/retention initiatives. To learn more, visit www.mketech.org.

Connect Business Consulting is the relationship bridge between corporations and community organizations, partnering to work efficiently on lasting change and a stronger community. To learn more, visit https://www.connectbusinessconsulting.com/