SIM raises funds to support kids’ coding programs expansion across South Florida
Read Time 3 MinutesSIM South Florida, local chapter of the national Society for Information Management, helped raise funds to help expand kids’ programming classes in South Florida.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the shortage of software developers and engineers in the United States will increase to 1.2 million by 2026. By 2030, software engineering jobs will be growing at 22% vs. 8% for all other jobs. The South Florida region, spanning from Miami-Dade to Palm Beach County, holds the highest number of technology workforce numbers in the state with Miami leading the pack a over 73,000 workers.
On Thursday, September 1st, SIM South Florida and SIM National came together during a “Back-To-School Bowling Tournament” at Bowlero in Davie, Florida to raise funds in support of both Code Palm Beach and SIM Foundation.
Code Palm Beach, an initiative of the Tech Hub Foundation, is on a mission to provide a launchpad to success in computer programming. The organization aims to increase the number of k-12 students in computer science programs and ultimately entering local bootcamps or high education institutions after graduation.
Code Palm Beach is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization introducing K-12 Students to computer coding technology through monthly classes. The nonprofit creates a positive environment that promotes tech, coding, engineering, and robotics education for school age children leveraging readily available curriculum from Code.org, freeCodeCamp and others.
With technology leaders from across the region in attendance, the SIM bowling tournament raised almost $5000 and SIM National has agreed to match an additional $1000! These funds will benefit both Code Palm Beach’s rebrand, to hire staff, and expansion into Broward and Miami-Dade counties, as well as SIM’s ELD program and leadership development initiatives.
“We are so greatly to the SIM organization for recognizing our efforts in the South Florida community and the importance of tackling the talent shortage and it’s lack of diversity head on with a long-term view in mind. It has to start with our youngsters and introducing them to STEAM-related activities early on to nurture a genuine interest that leads into middle school, high school and beyond. That’s how the talent pipeline is truly going to be built,” says Tech Hub CEO Nikki Cabus.
“The lack of technology talent is not a city or county issue, but a national issue faced by many tech focused regions across the country. With South Florida being one of the top tech hub’s in the country and the rapid growth we are seeing, it only makes sense to expand this program regionally,” she continued.
The event was financially supported by generous sponsors, TierPoint, Chelsea Technologies, and INSPYR Solutions (formerly TekPartners) to cover costs for venue, bowling, food and drink, and a fun 7 10 split contest.
“SIM South Florida is very excited with the results of our inaugural bowling tournament fundraiser. We set a goal to raise $5000 to support Code Palm Beach and our local leadership development initiatives and I am proud to say that we met that goal. We are grateful to our sponsors and all of the SIM members and supporters who donated and participated in the event,” said SIM South Florida Chair, Elizabeth Decker.
SIM South Florida will continue to promote donating to the SIM Foundation in support of Code Palm Beach. Any donations made to SIM Foundation from the South Florida chapter this year will go directly to Code Palm Beach. Those donations can be made at https://chapter.simnet.
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