Northeastern Maryland Technology Council - General Student Resources

General Student and Computer Resources

A Guide to Teach Coding to Kids

In his famous TED talk titled “Let’s Teach Kids to Code,” Mitch Resnick, Professor of Learning Research at MIT Media Lab, described how learning to code opens doors to more opportunities in education.

“You learn more about how computers work, but that’s where it starts,” said Resnick, who also founded the Scratch coding community and language. “When you learn to code, it opens up for you to learn many other things.”

Resnick listed these benefits from learning to code:

Understanding variables
Creative thinking
Systematic reasoning
Working collaboratively

https://www.mastersindatascience.org/resources/how-to-identify-good-coding-resources-for-children/

Guide to Coding Bootcamp Programs

Maybe you work as an IT administrator and want to make the jump to security. Or perhaps an analyst who wants practical training in pen testing and ethical hacking. Or a self-taught techie ready to break into the industry. Whatever job you perform or aspire to, the perfect cybersecurity bootcamp for you awaits.

But what quality markers should you look for in a cybersecurity bootcamp? What of the cost? To help you make a smart and informed decision, check out this guide to cybersecurity bootcamps. It covers information on ETPs, admissions requirements, curriculum, certification prep, funding options, and much, much more.

https://www.cyberdegrees.org/listings/cyber-security-bootcamps/

The Complete Guide for Learning Code: Tools and Resources

The usage of technology in our society is only rising, and coding professionals are the backbone of the technology industry. Given this growth, learning to code can be a major benefit for those looking for reliable and lucrative career options.

All professionals are finding that their skillset is more marketable if they have some basic programming skills in their toolkit Here are the programming languages covered on this website

10 Resources to Teach Your Kids to Code

Childhood is a great time to learn how to code. Coding can help kids develop problem-solving skills and encourages creativity and imagination. Plus, it's a good foundation for learning more computer science principles later on.

Of course, reading a 500-page textbook full of small black and white text and programming scripts probably isn't the most engaging way for kids to learn to code. Luckily, you can find many resources specifically designed to make coding lessons age-appropriate, easy-to-digest, and, most importantly, fun.

We Answer these questions

https://www.bestcolleges.com/bootcamps/guides/teach-kids-coding-resources/

How to Get Into a Coding Bootcamp

If you're looking to begin a programming career, you may be wondering how to get into a coding bootcamp.

In this guide, we explain how to get into a coding bootcamp and provide tips to increase your admission chances.

Before you start applying to coding bootcamps, there are a number of things you can do to increase your likelihood of admission. If you don't have any experience with programming, you should consider taking free or low-cost online coding classes before applying to a more intensive bootcamp. Udemy, Udacity, edX, and Codecademy are also popular platforms for taking short, introductory coding courses.

You may have the opportunity to begin building a programming portfolio if the course includes a significant student coding project. Courses sometimes offer some kind of certificate of completion, which you can also add to your portfolio. Programmers typically house their portfolio on a personal website, a GitHub profile page, or the professional networking site LinkedIn.

You could also consider taking a bootcamp prep course, which some bootcamp providers offer to prepare prospective students for the demands of their intensive programs.

Flatiron School, a leading coding bootcamp, hosts a free prep course that features on-demand support, more than 75 hours of programming lessons, and an interview prep curriculum. Completing a prep course can significantly enhance your programming portfolio and is one of the most effective ways to get into competitive coding bootcamps.

https://www.bestcolleges.com/bootcamps/guides/getting-into-coding-bootcamps/

Best Coding Bootcamps for Women

Coding bootcamps for women attempt to level the tech playing field by providing more tech education to women. Women hold only 26% of all computing jobs and just 14% of software engineering jobs. Coding bootcamps that cater to women hope to change these statistics by encouraging women to pursue opportunities in software and technology.

In this guide, we give an overview of three of the best coding bootcamps for women. Read on to learn how much these coding bootcamps cost, what skills and tools they cover, and what makes each program unique.

https://www.bestcolleges.com/bootcamps/find-bootcamps/for-women/

The Ultimate STEM Guide for Kids: 239 Cool Sites About Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, PLUS Exploring a Career With Numbers

95 Manufacturing Terms You Need to Know

95 Manufacturing Terms You Need to Know

Lost in industry-specific jargon like CAPA, composites, and Kaizen? Explore this manufacturing glossary with over 80 manufacturing terms and definitions.

https://www.propelplm.com/articles/95-manufacturing-terms-you-need-to-know

How to Get Into a Coding Bootcamp

How to Get Into a Coding Bootcamp

In this guide, we explain how to get into a coding bootcamp and provide tips to increase your admission chances.

https://www.bestcolleges.com/bootcamps/guides/getting-into-coding-bootcamps/

Extracurricular Programs

STEM Activities at Your Child’s School…

Some of the types of STEM programs offered at local Elementary and Middle schools include:

These activities will greatly improve your child’s enthusiasm in math and science. Please contact your child’s school to see what is available.

Your Local Library Branch…

The Harford County Public Library and Cecil County Public Library offer various STEM programs for kids of all ages.

The Harford County Public Library has designed the LEAP Program, a series of fun, free, educational programming and equipment kits to enhance interest and competence in STEM fields. Program details and contact information regarding the LEAP Program can be found here.

The Cecil County Public Library also offers STEM activities and classes for children and families. To find out upcoming events at the CCPL, click here. (Hint: use keyword “STEM” to narrow your search for related events).

More STEM Programs In the Community…

Clubs such as the Boys and Girls Club, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are not specifically geared towards STEM, but offer STEM activities for kids who are interested.

Harford Community College offers non-credit classes for children in engineering and computers.

The following programs are also available in our area:

Online STEM Activities…

Many national and local organizations have websites for children that provide fun and educational activities, games, videos and more. Check out some of the following sites for STEM activities your child can participate in from home.

Local, Regional, and National Competitions…

Math

Math Olympiads – Your school’s math club meets weekly for an hour. Club members explore a topic or strategy in depth, or they practice for the contests. The highlights for students are the five monthly contests, given from November to March. No traveling is required. These contests provide an incentive for students to intensify their study of math.
Grades: 4-8
Cost: $99 per team

MathCounts Competition Program – A national middle school coaching and competitive mathematics program that promotes mathematics achievement through a series of fun and engaging “bee” style contests.
Grades: 6-8
Cost: $100 per team; $30 per individual

Technology

ExploraVision – A science competition that encourages teachers to make science a part of their curriculum. Groups of 2 – 4 students simulate real research and development. Students study a technology of interest and predict what that technology might be like 20 years from now. Teams will explore what is necessary to make their visions a reality. Past winners have envisioned technologies ranging from a self-cleaning toilet to a new method of treating diabetes.
Grades: K-12
Cost: N/A

eCYBERMISSION – In this web-based STEM competition, students compete for regional and national awards while working to solve problems in the community.
Grades: 6-9
Cost: Free

Engineering

Maryland Engineering Challenge – Hosted by the Baltimore Museum of Industry, the mission of the is challenge is to introduce students in grades 1 to 12 to the role of engineers in today’s society and connect what students learn in school with real-world engineering concepts. There are competitions designed specifically for Elementary, Middle, and High School students.
Grades: K-12
Cost: $5 coaches fee

Six Flags America Roller Coaster Design Contest – Teams build roller coaster models built of materials that include wood, wire, string, or other low cost items.
Grades: 5-8 and 9-12
Cost: N/A

Lexus Eco Challenge – The Lexus Eco Challenge is a life-changing opportunity for teens across the nation to make a difference in the environmental health of our planet, one community at a time.
Grades: 6-12
Cost: Free

FIRST LEGO League (FLL) -This program introduces younger students to real-world engineering challenges by building LEGO-based robots to complete tasks on a thematic playing surface. FLL teams, guided by their imaginations and adult coaches, discover exciting career possibilities and, through the process, learn to make positive contributions to society.
Ages: 9-14
Cost: $700 per a team of up to 10 students

STEM Resources

The NMTC champions STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) throughout the region and at all levels; grades K-12 plus the first year of college. Our resolve is to help the community build a technically competent workforce, ready to compete in the challenging tomorrows of our global economy.

NMTC accomplishments include financially supporting teachers so they may learn new skills to remain current in their field, coordinating science workshops for talented students to accelerate their learning and providing pathways where NMTC members may mentor senior science students at the Science & Math Academy and other regional schools.

A major part of our mission (through our STEM Summits) is the nurturing of partnerships between businesses and the region’s schools, bringing new ideas to educators and classrooms, as well as encouraging and fostering communication between education and business.

Behind the scenes, the NMTC board strives to make STEM education a priority through its STEM Education sub-committee where we actively seek out others to enlist their support.

Strategic areas of additional focus for the NMTC are:

Honor regional, key contributors at our annual Visionary Awards Gala.
Organize, facilitate and fund STEM Night & Beyond activities at regional middle schools each year, attracting 1,000’s of students.
Plan, coordinate and partner with APG to host STEM Summits, galvanizing community leadership to solve the challenges in building our STEM educated workforce.
Plan, coordinate and facilitate over 20 Science Cafes during the school year in Cecil, Harford and Baltimore Counties, in conjunction with each county’s library and school system.
Support and advise the University Center in creating a long-term strategies and plans for meaningful expansion.
Fund library LEAP (and Little Leaper) Kits (Learn, Explore & Play) that teach STEM subjects at home and in STEM Clubs
Help coordinate internships between member companies, APG and area colleges.
Coordinate learning opportunities for talented teachers in member organizations.
Encourage and facilitate donation or lending of science equipment.
Sponsors science and math teachers at educational events.
Sponsorship of students summer science camps.
Offer student membership in NMTC at no cost.
Participate in education symposiums in and around the state.
Partner with Maryland Business Roundtable’s, Maryland Scholars program.
Help organize middle-school student science seminars at our local community colleges.
Endow yearly scholarships for STEM oriented High School students, at both our region’s community colleges.
Support Science & Math Academy (Harford County) senior capstone
project.

Summer Stem Programs

Check out the following STEM Summer Camps:

Mad Science – This company offers a variety of science themed camps throughout Howard, Carroll, Harford and Baltimore Counties.
Ages: 6-11
Cost: varies with program
Contact Number: (410) 998-9855

Maryland Summer Centers – These are a variety of residential and nonresidential camps with topics such as computer science, engineering, robotics, physics, space science, and environmental science.
Grades: 3-12
Cost: varies with program
Contact Number: (410) 767-0821

Maryland Science Center – They offer a variety of science themed full day and half day camps.
Ages: 6-13
Cost: $140+, varies
Contact Number: (410) 545-2982

Cecil Science Institute – Cecil Science Institute (C.S.I) is a premier camp with hands-on fun and innovative activities for kids ages 8-12. Students explore many exciting pathways of science and technology. Half day camps available.
Ages: 8-12
Cost: $135 per 1/2 day weekly section
Contact Number: (410) 392-3366, ext. 628

Harford Community College – HCC offers summer programs with topics covering subjects such as robotics, engineering, space, electronics, and flight. Half day and full day weekly programs are available.
Grades: 1-6; varies with program
Cost: $175-$234; varies with program
Contact Number: (443) 412-2376

Camp Invention – The Camp Invention program instills vital 21st century life skills such as problem-solving and teamwork through hands-on fun. There are many locations throughout central Maryland, and each camp follows a curriculum that covers a variety of science topics.
Grades: 1-6
Cost: Approx. $220; varies with location
Contact Number: (800) 968-4332

iD Tech Camps – Offered at Towson University. Curriculum areas include programming, engineering, animation, and robotics. Week long, over-night and day camps available.
Ages: 7-17
Cost: $829-$879; varies by program
Contact Number: 1-888-709-TECH(8324)

Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS) – A program where military labs run a 1-4 week in-depth hands-on STEM experience for middle and high school students. The purpose of GEMS is to provide introductory experiences in STEM and spark interest among students.
Grades: 7-11
Cost: Student participants receive a small stipend to offset the costs of participating in GEMS.

University of Maryland Young Scholars Discovery – For two extraordinary weeks, Discovery scholars meet, live, and study with other talented middle school students in many of the same world-class facilities used by Maryland’s full-time college students. Scholars attend class, enjoy field trips and guest speakers, participate in coursework and projects, and engage with other students during seminars and social activities. Students choose a course from topics such as architecture and forensics.
Grades: 7-8
Cost: TBA

Anita C. Leight Estuary Center – Paddle the watery world of Otter Point Creek, explore the forest habitat, track down the wild and green things that live around us, and investigate the mysteries of nature in their science lab. Dare to adventure the out of doors and see what fun nature exploration can be!
Ages: 5-17; varies with program
Cost: $90-110; varies with program

EcoTech Camps – EchoTech Camps offers a STEM week which is designed as a contest for inventive young people who can think creatively and analytically in order to design and build a fast crash-worthy car. They’ll use cutting-edge Vernier equipment to measure variables in their independent investigations.
Ages: 8-14
Cost: $220

Hereford Robotics Summer Camp – At this camp, kids will explore lifting, driving, walking and sensor guiding robots, design robots to complete specified tasks, build robots to participate in robotics competition, program robots to operate autonomously and remote control, and compete in the end of camp tournament.
Grades: 5-7
Cost: $250

Science Camp @ Stevenson – An opportunity for middle school students to engage in laboratory-based, hands-on activities that are designed to motivate and excite interest in science and mathematics.
Grades: 6-8
Cost: $225

Math and Science Camp – An intensive one-week academic program providing students with hands-on learning in the areas of engineering, robotics, and flight & rocketry.
Grades: 5-11
Cost: TBA

University of Maryland Materials Research Science and Engineering Center– The camps provide a venue to share cutting-edge science and technology, and to generate interest among budding young scientists. The camps also strive to build confidence in students’ abilities in and perception of science and engineering. The camps are designed with teachers to meet STEM curriculum needs and standards, and to build appreciation for science and engineering. High school camps include specific curriculum goals that are incorporated into students’ fall semester learning and final semester evaluation.
Grades: 4-12
Cost: Free

Internships and Co-Ops

www.internships.com/science

www.internships.com/engineering

www.internships.com/technology
You Can Be an Intern!
Click on the above link for additional internship listings and advice on finding the right internship for your interests and career goals.

The SMART Scholarship – The Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program is an opportunity for students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in STEM disciplines to receive a full scholarship and be gainfully employed upon degree completion.

CMHSEA – The Central Maryland Homeland Security Educational Alliance offers a variety of internships and scholarships. Check out their website for a complete listing.

Northeastern Maryland Technology Council – NMTC’s website provides a list of Maryland federal agencies and useful links to help students find STEM internships in Maryland.

Eden Mill Nature Center – High School Summer Interns are expected to actively participate alongside our naturalist in the development, planning, and teaching of summer camp programs. High School Summer Interns will also be expected to greet visitors and answer questions, help care for our resident critters, create one nature center display, and various other duties throughout the summer.

Science and Engineering Apprentice Program, College Qualified Leaders (SEAP-CQL) – This program, sponsored by George Washington University and the Department of Defense, offers interested undergraduates and graduates the opportunity for a research internship in a DoD lab. Internships are available year round or for the summer only. There is no deadline for applying and applications are accepted all year.

Research Internship in Science and Engineering (RISE) – This program will excite and prepare entering freshmen women, who then move on to an extended research internship involving close contact with successful women scientists and engineers. Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Applied Predictive Technologies (APT)- – In this program, the marketing co-op/intern will play a substantial role across APT’s marketing and sales efforts. You will learn how APT develops its marketing strategy, optimizing investments in advertising, event marketing, and targeted outreach efforts. Working closely with APT’s sales team, you will gain experience and build knowledge of how to market and sell products to business executives at some of the world’s most successful companies.

URS Corporation Intern Architect – This is a summer intern position for students currently enrolled in a college level architectural program in their second or third year. The intern will be responsible for producing drawings using computer aided drafting software (CAD) and preparing graphical drawing and rendering displays for presentations.

SAIC Internship Program – For this program, you can participate as an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral candidate. Gain valuable experience while working on a variety of initiatives, from engineering, scientific, and technical programs to commercial projects around the world.

Rockwell Collins, Control Technologies, Inc. (RCCT) – Rockwell Collins offers students several options including internships and co-ops. The co-op program gives students hands-on experience in the work environment and culture of an innovative company while taking a temporary break from ongoing university courses. These opportunities enable students to participate in meaningful and developmental work assignments while pursuing an A.S., B.S., M.S. or PhD degree. Additionally, Rockwell Collins welcomes numerous interns throughout their company and geographic locations. A summer engineering project is also available for college students.

Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS) -A program where military labs run a 1-4 week in-depth hands-on STEM experience for middle and high school students. The purpose of GEMS is to provide introductory experiences in STEM and spark interest among students. Student participants receive a small stipend to offset the costs of participating in GEMS. Open to students grades 7 to 11.

High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAP)/Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP) – A commuter program for high school juniors and seniors and undergraduate students who demonstrate an interest in STEM to work as an apprentice in an Army funded university research laboratory.

Science and Engineering Apprentice Program (SEAP) – A program where military labs can recruit, select, and hire high school students to spend the summer (and breaks during the school year, if desired) doing research under the guidance of a military scientist or engineer. The purpose of SEAP is to provide a foundational research experience for students that will encourage them to continue doing research when they go into college. Students are paid a stipend for participation in the program.

REAP – An 8 week summer internship made available to 120 high school apprentices each in university research laboratories. Available to students aged 16 and older. Selected students are awarded a stipend.

UNITE – A four-to -six week, pre-collegiate summer program for talented high school students from groups historically under-represented and under-served in STEM.

STEM Scholarships

USEFUL LINKS AND STEM ORIENTED SCHOLARSHIPS

The U.S. Department of Education has forecast that STEM-related occupations will grow as much as 60% by 2020. While the field has long been underrepresented by women and minorities, now is an excellent time to help change that. Here is a newly created guide: The Best Colleges for STEM Students It’s comprehensive and easy search.

STEM pages covering licenses and professional certifications, can be found at http://www.collegeaffordabilityguide.org/subjects/engineering/, http://www.collegeaffordabilityguide.org/subjects/math/, http://www.collegeaffordabilityguide.org/subjects/computer-science/, http://www.collegeaffordabilityguide.org/subjects/life-sciences/, and http://www.collegeaffordabilityguide.org/subjects/physical-sciences/.

Here we have compiled a comprehensive and inclusive list of scholarships that aims to provide information about opportunities for students at all educational levels.

Throughout this list, however, are several external databases that we suggest you search. These sites are populated with thousands of scholarships with combined values of millions of dollars.

Often, these sites allow for you to customize your search and determine which scholarships you are eligible for. Other helpful information regarding the scholarship application process is typically provided by these sites.

These databases exist within some of the more specific categories in this list so you can maximize your opportunities. Keep in mind that the scholarships in this list are dedicated to offering opportunities to students with all backgrounds and interests.

This does not only include STEM scholarships. As you explore this list, please pay attention to all categories that may apply to your needs!

As another note, if you have not filled out your FAFSA yet, please do! For many scholarships this will demonstrate your financial need. This also opens-up opportunities for you to receive federal grants. Here is the link:

FAFSA On The Web (Your Key Aid Form & Info)
Prefer a mobile app? The 2020–21 and 2019–20 FAFSA forms are on the myStudentAid app, available on the App Store (iOS) or on Google Play (Android).

The FAFSA Process graphic—Walks through the process of preparing for, completing, and submitting a FAFSA form. Includes info on what happens after the form is submitted.

General External Scholarship Databases:

Scholarships.com
CollegeXpress
College Board
ScholarshipExperts.com
Scholarship America Scholarships
http://www.smartscholar.com/
Scholarship and Fellowship Opportunities
FinAid: The Smart Students Guide to Financial Aid scholarships

STEM Scholarship Opportunities:

Sabre STEM Scholarship Program – The Sabre Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Scholarship is designed to support graduating high school seniors planning to further their education in one of the STEM disciplines.

SMART Scholarships – Given out by the Department of Defense, this scholarship covers full tuition for students pursuing STEM degrees. Each Summer, students will be given paid summer internships in DoD labs, and will be given a job after graduation. No military service is required.

AFCEA Scholarships List – Available to any student currently in college, majoring in a STEM field.

CyberCorps Scholarship for Service – A unique program designed to increase and strengthen the cadre of federal information assurance professionals that protect the government’s critical information infrastructure. This program provides scholarships that fully fund the typical costs that students pay for books, tuition, and room and board while attending an approved institution of higher learning. Additionally, participants receive stipends of up to $8,000 for undergraduate and $12,000 for graduate students.

Microsoft Scholarship Program
Student Inventors Scholarships

Harford County Scholarship Opportunities:

Harford County Chamber of Commerce
Harford County Public Schools – HCPS provides a list of local scholarships on their website. The scholarships vary in award amount, and they are open to high school students studying a variety of subjects.

General Minority Scholarship Resources:
https://edubirdie.com/blog/african-american-scholarship

Thanks to 6th grader, Alyssa, and her encouraging grandmother, for alerting us to this website.
Financial Aid, Minority Students, comprehensive scholarship list includes financial aid opportunities exclusively reserved for African-Americans, Hispanics, women, and other specific minority groups, as well as more generalized awards that are made available to applicants belonging to any underrepresented demographic.

http://www.onlineschools.org/financial-aid/minority/
http://www.onlineschools.org/financial-aid/minority/#General-Awards-for-Minority-Students
Graduate Fellowships For Minorities Nationwide
Minority Scholarships Specially designed resource for minorities that includes comprehensive content and multiple in-depth guides on scholarships, grants and financial aid for minorities, veterans and students with disabilities.
UNCF Scholarships – Offers three scholarships for African American students majoring in engineering.
Actuarial Scholarships for Minority Students
Gates Millennium Scholarships (major)

African American/Black:
Federal Scholarships & Aid Gateways 25 Scholarship Gateways from Black Excel
http://www.onlineschools.org/financial-aid/minority/#Scholarships-and-Grants-for-African-Americans
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Visual Arts Scholarship
United Negro College Fund Scholarships
National Assoc. of Black Journalists Scholarships (NABJ)
Hispanic/Latino:
League of United Latin American Citizens Scholarships
http://www.onlineschools.org/financial-aid/minority/#Scholarships-and-Grants-for-Hispanic-and-Latino-Students

Native American:
http://www.onlineschools.org/financial-aid/minority/#Scholarships-and-Grants-for-Native-American-Students

Asian American/Pacific Islander:
http://www.onlineschools.org/financial-aid/minority/#Scholarships-and-Grants-for-Asian-American-and-Pacific-Islander-Students

International Students:
A Guide to Scholarships for International Students
International Students Scholarships & Aid Help

LGBTQ:
LGBTQ Oriented Scholarships List
Sports:
NCAA Scholarships and Grants
Military:
ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) – Each branch of the military (Navy, Army, and Air Force) offers scholarships in exchange for becoming an officer in that branch after graduation.

Unique Opportunities:
Ayn Rand Essay Scholarships
Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship
Green Home Improvement Scholarship
Burger King
RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS AT OXFORD
“No Essay” College Scholarship
Student Video Scholarships

Additional helpful links

Internships

These links below have been created to help students to locate internships in Federal agencies as well as the military units and defense contractors relocating to Maryland.