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Computer science matters in schools. Here’s why.

We really can’t stress this enough: Computer science matters. That’s certainly not a secret here in Iowa. Code.org has ranked our state 7th in the nation for providing computer science education in schools. In the past six years, the number of states that have dedicated funding to computer science programs

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Episode 51: Van Meter (ft. Danielle Monthei and Gavin Palma)

How does innovation keep a company going for nearly a century? In the finale of Season 4, hosts Anthony Betters Jr. and Rob Merritt sit down with Danielle Monthei and Gavin Palma of Van Meter in Cedar Rapids. They dig into being an employee-owned company, how Van Meter gives back to

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Episode 49: Education For The Future (ft. Samantha Dahlby and Andy Fiedler)

Anthony Betters and Rob Merritt are once again joined by Samantha Dahlby, Director of K-12 Education at NewBoCo, and Andy Fielder, K-12 Student Program Coordinator. This time, the group discusses NewBoCo’s work in K-12 education and how they’re leading the charge in new education initiatives. Welcome to Iowa Innovation, the

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Jill Wilkins

Jill Wilkins named Executive Director of NewBoCo 

Chief Operating Officer had held position on interim basis in 2023 CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Dec. 5, 2023) – NewBoCo has announced that Jill Wilkins – who has been serving as interim Executive Director since April –  has now been named to the position on a permanent basis. “Jill is an

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Episode 48: An Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (ft. Mike Heaton and Alex Taylor)

How is NewBoCo partnering with other communities in Iowa? On today’s episode of Iowa Innovation, Anthony Betters Jr and Rob Merritt are joined in the studio by Mike Heaton Heaton, Director of Development with NewBoCo, and Alex Taylor, Managing Director of the Iowa Startup Accelerator, to discuss that very question

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A Tiny Techies student places pegs into a wooden imitation circuit board while another student looks out of frame

Google awards $10,000 grant to NewBoCo’s Tiny Techies 

Funds will allow creation of video library, case study for training program CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (November 28, 2023) – As computer science becomes a greater focus in Iowa classrooms, educators want young students to get as much of a head start as possible.  With the help of a newly-announced grant

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Episode 46: Future Cities (ft. Samantha Dahlby and Andy Fiedler)

Today Anthony and Rob are joined by Samantha Dahlby, Director of K-12 Education at NewBoCo, and Andy Fielder, K-12 Student Program Coordinator, to discuss the Future City Competition and some of the innovation they’re seeing from the leaders of tomorrow. Learn more about the Future City Competition at futurecity.org. Season

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Episode 45: Changing Your Life (ft. Melissa Silver and Craig Barkley of DeltaV Code School)

Anthony and Rob are joined by Melissa Silver and Craig Barkley of DeltaV Code School, Iowa’s premier tech boot camp. Learn more about DeltaV at deltavcodeschool.com. Season 4 of Iowa Innovation is sponsored by Van Meter, a wholesale electrical supply distributor of automation, electrical, data communications, lighting, power transmission, solar

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