Tech Solutions
Fall 2022
Becoming a professional
Introducing the world of tech work
The program has welcomed speakers from around the US, in fields ranging from Cybersecurity to 3D Animation, from leaders in geospatial research to CEOs of startup companies. We've visited professional environments like Sketch Development Services, Cortex 4240, and Lindenwood University; and we've participated in professional workshops in team building and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Associates also ...
discovered how their personality influences their work with others
developed questions that connect and engage professionals in conversation
wrote LinkedIn connection requests that opened opportunities
created a professional toolkit, including a resume, LinkedIn profile, and a 30-second elevator pitch explaining their desired career path and how others could help
Working for a business
Working in collaborative teams, Tech Solutions associates completed a diverse set of projects for our business partners this semester. See links below for student reflections on each project.
Spark! associates ...
Developed marketing and media assets for Spark! while receiving mentorship from communications professionals from Leidos
Mapped local and remote locations with the Maxar Geospatial Information Systems team
Completed a JavaScript bootcamp coached by software developers from Sketch Development Services
Developed a unique app design through applying the design process with the xLab team, Maxar’s research and development arm
Created a new brand design guide for Bloom, a subsidiary of Vidzu Media that targets the Gen Z demographic
Participated in two national cyber security competitions with help from a regional "Capture the Flag" champion who also develops international CTFs
Moved through the tech product design process, working with mentors from WWT to develop a prototype that helps better connect students to after school activities
Learned IT systems and support procedures by shadowing Parkway Technology professionals, assisting them on a number of projects within the district
Crafted websites for local entrepreneurs who receive coaching from the SCORE organization, providing a digital "front door" for local small businesses
Transformed a board game created by a local entrepreneur into a mobile experience, creating a prototype of how players could engage the game in a new way
Pursuing personal interests
In Tech Solutions, associates get to choose what content they want to learn by creating a personal passion project, or PPP for short. This year, associates have pursued a variety of learning paths, including:
Developed a variety of video game prototypes using engines as diverse as RPG Maker, Lua, Unity3D, and Unreal Engine
Pursued learning new coding languages, including ..
Python
JavaScript
HTML / CSS
Created electronic music using tools like Audacity, FL Studio, and Bandlab
Began work on professional certificates, including:
Google's Data Analytics Certification
Cisco's Cybersecurity Career Pathway
CompTIA's Security + Certification
Captured and produced short-form films
Designed and tested AI models
Tested business models that leverage resources like YouTube and ChatGPT
Transformed 2D illustrations into 3D characters using Blender
Learned advanced features of multimedia tools like Adobe Photoshop and Adobe After Effects
Writing our own professional stories
Whether talking with speakers, visiting with mentors, or working for clients, Spark! Tech Associates are well on their way to producing as young technology professionals.
