Southhwest Incoming Freshmen Off to the Computer World

Silicon North Stars I want to be chosen for this program because I want to have a lot more knowledge about the internet and technology around my house so I could be able to help my peers and friends and show them new things I learned. I also want an inside look on what happens in the big networking companies so in the future I will be able to have my own big website. I want to have a career in technology and be a professional and create my own opportunity's in my future. I want to learn to work in big pairs coming up with big ideas having group discussions and making dreams into a reality. I want to join this program because I want to benefit my future and have a better chance at moving up in the world to see and do better things I never thought of I want to move my family into better places and I'm hoping the Silicon North Star program can help me achieve those dreams. Southwest Class of 2018 Mar'tnua Bunton Have you ever wondered if the Googleplex in California really has ping-pong tables and arcade games for employees or if Facebook would be a fun place to work? This summer, a group of MPS middle school students will get an inside look at some of the world’s top tech companies including Apple, Indiegogo, TaskRabbit and more. Michael Hopewell I am interested in traveling to Silicon Valley to participate in this opportunity for three reasons. The first reason is because of the experience it will give me around technology for future careers. The second reason is because technology and building things using technology is my main hobby. I love to see what I can build or create using old and modern technology. My final reason is because of my future goals. I would like to go to M.I.T. University or Stanford University and graduate with a master’s in Architecture, Graphic Design, or Computer Science. In conclusion, I believe me traveling to Silicon Valley will help me gain experience around technology and help me achieve my future goals. The eight students from five middle schools were selected to participate in the first Silicon North Stars Youth Program, a one-week program that gives a select group of high-potential eighth and ninth graders from Minnesota the opportunity to spend a week in California's Silicon Valley. Students will learn about technology and the internet directly from internet and technology leaders from top companies, startups and venture capital funds. Students will start the week with a series of lectures, tours, discussions and group activities at companies throughout the area. The program will culminate in a final project in which students will work in pairs and pitch their own tech startup. It won’t be all work for students - evening activities will give participants the chance to explore and learn about the Bay Area. The Silicon North Star program also includes a paid STEP-UP Discover internship with Reve Academy that includes courses in Work Readiness and Web Design with the MPS Fast Track Scholars Program and two leadership development sessions prior to the trip. The trip is from July 13-19.