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iUrban Teen Summit engages, teaches and inspires at С��è��ý

Photos and story by James Hill

Tomorrow’s tech leaders will be just fine if the iUrban Teen Summit is any indication.

The summit, which was hosted at С��è��ý’s Cascade Campus on Saturday, May 5, attracted 80 teenagers from local middle and high schools and about 30 parents, who all took part in workshops in virtual reality, “Internet of things,” 3D printing, chemistry experiments by С��è��ý faculty, music and the sonic arts, and cybersecurity. The event was sponsored by the college Foundation’s Robotics Fund.

In addition, there was a welcome address by Cascade President Karin Edwards, a parent roundtable, and a С��è��ý STEM student/graduate panel to inspire the future leaders. These activities were designed to spark interest by the teens in STEM and the arts, as well as meet industry professionals to plot their futures. Partners that made the summit a huge success included the iUrban Teen team and tech industry representatives, as well as the С��è��ý Foundation, faculty, student leaders, student services practitioners, and instructional and student affairs leadership.

“It was a very inspiring event that highlighted the power of collaboration across multiple community and college stakeholders with the aim of equitable student opportunity and success,” said Heather Lang, interim dean of Student Success. “We are also eager to continue and expand our partnership with iUrban Teen moving forward.”

is a nationally recognized program focused on bringing career-focused education to underrepresented teens ages 13 to 18. Youth receive hands-on exposure to a variety of careers and civic engagement that step them outside of their current boundaries.