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In the foreground, 2 Code.org workshop participants stare exasperatedly at a computer screen; in the background, 4 more around a table look at their laptops in front of them

Registration is now open for Computer Science Professional Development Week

Rob Merritt April 17, 2023

Attention, all PreK-12 Educators, Counselors, Instructional Coaches, and Administrators in Iowa: Join us for Iowa’s Computer Science Professional Development Week happening from June 12-16, 2023, on the University of Northern Iowa campus in Cedar Falls, IA. This FREE professional development program aims to support the state and K-12 district CS plans and provide equitable access to high-quality CS education throughout

A note from our Executive Director

Aaron Horn April 3, 2023

I wanted to share some personal news with you all that I will be stepping down as Executive Director on April 30th, 2023 to take a new position as Chief Information Officer with Benchmark, Inc, a national roof and pavement consulting firm based in Cedar Rapids.

Spring Break STEM Activities for Kids

Jessica Abdoney March 10, 2023

Spring break is around the corner, and many families are opting for a staycation this year. If you’re looking for fun and educational activities to do at home, consider trying out some STEM-based activities with your kids. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math, and these activities can be both educational and entertaining. Create a Nature Journal Wickiup Hill

Two CoderDojo students marvel at a "robot arm" they build with consumer building blocks.

STEM Gift Guide for Kids

Jessica Abdoney December 15, 2022

The holidays are here! And as we all know, all of that jolly spirit comes with the dreaded “gift shopping,” too. But have no fear; NewBoCo is here! We have curated a list of STEM toys and games suitable for elementary and middle school-aged kids that encourage open-ended play and support cognitive development, problem solving, and critical thinking. These gifts

PODCAST SUMMARY: Ecosystems and Rural Entrepreneurship

Jennifer Murphy April 20, 2022

Episode 2 of the Iowa innovation podcast is here! This is where I, Dr. Jennifer Murphy, and Not-A-Doctor, Rob Merritt talk to leaders in innovation, education, and entrepreneurship. Our guest was Mo Collins, and it was tough, not fangirling all over her! Thank goodness I had Rob there to keep me cool. Mo is currently a nationally recognized speaker she

PODCAST SUMMARY: Diversity and Inclusion in Technology

Jennifer Murphy April 13, 2022

Listen to the very first episode of Iowa Innovation! Find it at iowainnovation.org or on all your favorite podcast platforms. The very first episode of the Iowa Innovation Podcast premiered to all local Innovators, educators, entrepreneurs, ecosystem builders, and those who are inspired to go against the grain of the mundane. On April 13, Keith Dahlby, a Software Architect from