Baltimore STEAM orgs want more partnerships with government and businesses

Inside the University of Baltimore’s business school on Wednesday night, students were flying drones and showing off models of the world’s tallest building. All in the name of promoting computer science education.
Leaders and students from Code in the Schools, Digital Harbor Foundation, the Baltimore City Robotics Center, FutureMakers, Open Works and Maryland Out of Schools Time Network were there to show elected officials and the community their work.

Honored to part of this special event with @CodeintheSchool @OpenWorksBmore @futuremakerkids @bmorerobotic & @bmoreSTEM_net pic.twitter.com/vvSsK4DIuZ

— Digital Harbor Foundation (@DHFBaltimore) December 7, 2016

Bilal Ali urged elected officials such as newly-elected City Councilors Zeke Cohen, Kristerfer Burnett, Isaac Schleifer and a representative from Gov. Larry Hogan’s office not only to try the technology that was on display, but also to advocate for it with the new administration.
“These are the things that we need to be passionate about. It shouldn’t even be an option,” he said.
The event was one of the main Baltimore events held in conjunction with Computer Science Education Week. The message was that educating youth is part of ensuring the Baltimore tech community’s future growth. Expanding access to computer science programming involves getting schools, government and industry onboard, said Code in the Schools Communications Director Charlotte James.
“Twenty-first century skills acquisition is so critical for Baltimore city. We’re poised to be a leader in this new innovative economy, and we want to make sure we are including everyone in that effort,” she said.
The week also brought students together for #HourofCode events across the city. UMBC hosted students from Lakeland Elementary on Thursday.

#HourofCode @UMBC with President Hrabowski, CS Ed student leader Gaby Salib, and students from Lakeland Elementary pic.twitter.com/Pu597Y5Pfr

— Marie desJardins (@mariedj17) December 8, 2016