Background: For this challenge, we have partnered with
Kama’aina Tech Solutions,
a local IT company which specializes in providing IT and Cybersecurity
solutions to Hawaii businesses. Both KTS and STEMworks are partners on a
statewide IT sector partnership, which has determined that we need more
local IT/Cybersecurity talent to fill the current and projected IT
& Cybersecurity jobs across the state.
Challenge: Students
will have the unique opportunity to learn more about the state of the
IT workforce in Hawaii, and using entrepreneurship strategies, develop a
solution in the form of a business proposal. Students will consider the
following questions: "What can you do to inspire young people to seek
IT careers here in Hawaii?" "How can we create a more supportive culture
for IT/Cybersecurity talent in Hawaii?"
Eligibility: This challenge is open to individuals or teams of up to four, currently enrolled in high school from a participating STEMworks school.
Important Dates:
- Team registrations are due on Wednesday, Oct 5th.
- On Thursday, Oct. 6th,
I'll send out the challenge information packet and professional
development schedule. The information packet will provide additional
background information, a suggested timeline for completing the
challenge, and details regarding what to submit.
- The Kickoff Event will be held virtually on Monday, Oct. 10th after school. We'll send all the meeting details to the registered participants along with the challenge information packet.
- The challenge will run from Oct. 10th - Nov. 4th
- Proposed solutions will be due on Friday, Nov. 4th at 5:00PM
Prizes: The STEMworks Solution winner(s) will be invited to participate in a paid, 6-week internship with KTS to prototype and further develop their solution and will also receive an additional prize (to be revealed later)!