Our Tech Zone at the 12th annual NW Youth Careers Expo will include some of the most vibrant and innovative technology firms in the Northwest.
Our tech exhibitors as of Jan. 26 include Microsoft, Elemental Technologies, CDK Global, Urban Airship, New Relic and Comcast. Students can also learn about technology and STEM programs at Oregon Tech, ITT Technical Institute, Chemeketa Community College and Portland Community College, as well as Portland Public Schools’ IT department.
Keep in mind that technology is a growing part of every major sector: Many exhibitors, such as SolarWorld, Autodesk and Oregon Health & Science University, rely on tech-savvy employees and cutting-edge technology to grow. Students who develop software savvy and technical skills in high school and college will dramatically increase their luck in the job market after graduation.
SEE OUR FULL LIST OF EXHIBITORS
TEACHERS: FIND OUR PRINTABLE EXPO FLYERS ON TECHNOLOGY & OTHER SECTORS
Microsoft is an always popular exhibitor, with its large format touch-screen technology and interactive high-tech dance game. Autodesk drew crowds of students last year with its 3D printer. Below is a sampler of information about some of our other Tech Zone Expo exhibitors:
CDK Global: CDK Global does IT and digital marketing for the automotive industry. They intend to hire 10 high school interns for their Portland office this summer, through a program called Code 2 Career. Students and educators can visit their booth and chat with them directly for more information.
Elemental Technologies: Elemental makes software that allows videos to stream online. (Sam Blackman, its cofounder and CEO, is a former Portland Public Schools student!) Its clients include ESPN, Comcast, HBO, the BBC and many others. It was purchased by Amazon Web Services this fall.
Urban Airship: Urban Airship is a mobile marketing company that specializes in offerings such as push notifications on smart phones. Its clients include Regal Cinemas, adidas, Alaska Airlines, Zillow and many more.
New Relic: New Relic is a San Francisco-based software analytics company with engineering offices in Portland. The company improves the performance of websites and mobile apps. (A company executive once compared them to an “EKG machine” for websites.)
Comcast: Comcast is a mass media company specializing in broadcast and cable services.
Portland Public Schools: Students can learn about careers in information technology by talking with the district’s IT team.
Higher education: Portland Community College will feature its biotechnology and microelectronics technology programs. Chemeketa Community College, ITT Technical Institute and Oregon Tech will also feature their programs.
The nonprofit Portland Workforce Alliance works year-round with businesses in every sector to provide career-learning opportunities for high school students. To learn more, browse our website or check out this printable flyer about Tech Career Days with PWA.
