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Oregon Computer Science Teachers Association > Blog > SuperQuest > Nominations for NWAPW and High School Autonomous Vehicle Project are Now Open

Nominations for NWAPW and High School Autonomous Vehicle Project are Now Open

  • December 17, 2018
  • Posted by: Pete Steinfeld
  • Category: SuperQuest
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Nominations are open for both the 2019 NWAPW and the High School Autonomous Vehicle Project summer programs!

This past summer saw another crop of great first year projects which the kids presented in the atrium of the engineering building at PSU.  This was followed by the second and third year students giving a live demonstration of their autonomous car.  Watch this video of the Autonomous Vehicle Project.

About the workshop

Next summer’s workshops will keep the same format with first year students working in teams of three to conceive, design, program, debug and ship a program of their own choosing.  What is different, and where we need your help, is that we are trying to encourage more students to attend for whom computer science is not necessarily going to be their career choice.

Who to nominate

The program is open to incoming freshmen through outgoing seniors.  About a quarter of those who attend our first year workshop tell us they chose simply because they enjoy programming.  We’re asking you to be on the lookout for more of these students.  Being nominated is a positive experience even if they decide not to attend because it not only encourages the student to think about what appeals to them but is a powerful vote of confidence by you in their abilities.

When is it?  

The first year workshop will run from July 15 to August 2, 2019.  The second and third year workshop meets from July 8 through August 2, 2019.  Nominations can be made at http://nwapw.org/educator-join/.  The password is NWAPW2019.

How much does it cost?

Both workshops are given without charge of any kind.  We fund the program via contributions from families with the means to donate.  That money plus what we receive from other supportive individuals (you know who you are) plus a gift from Flir Corporation allow us to keep the program free and open to any student who would like to attend.  We will also provide housing for students outside the Portland area with host families who will provide food and housing free of charge.

Please try to have your nominations in by January 6.

Which program to choose

Students are generally nominated into the first year program.  However, we firmly believe you know your kids best so please note those who you feel should be given the option to go directly to the autonomous car project.

Nominating is important!

We want to give kids a place to do something they really enjoy.  Whether they choose to attend is up to them but nominating them is how we tell them they are ready.

Questions?

If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback regarding the workshop or if your students have shared anything regarding their experience, contact Steve Edelman —
503-297-9608

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