NewBoCo blog

Help get Tone over the finish line

This local musician and entrepreneur is less than $1000 away from his Kiva goal, but the clock is ticking. Kiva Iowa is for real. But don’t take our word for it. Just ask Antonio “Tone Da Boss” Chalmers. As a musician, Tone didn’t think there were enough opportunities in Iowa for his colleagues to get recognized. So as a promoter

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A room is spread with Code.org workshop project groups of four, sitting at tables and working together at their laptops

AI can be a huge help to teachers

Artificial Intelligence programs have arrived in our schools in a big way. And while we can debate all day about the pros and cons of students using AI in school, one thing that ISN’T up for debate is this: AI will continue to have a huge impact on our lives. Students should understand how it works and its implications.. Seriously.

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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 has gone from nine to 31. Every state in the

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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

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

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A note from our Executive Director

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.

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Spring Break STEM Activities for Kids

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

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

STEM Gift Guide for Kids

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

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