Highlights from Internet Librarian 2024 will be shared on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, November 27 at 10am CT.
Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.
Just in case you missed it, this Pretty Sweet Tech will offer some highlights from Internet Librarian 2024 that ran virtually from October 22-24. It’s where all the cool kids go to learn about library technology topics. Here are the themes I’ll be covering in the recap:
Training for an Unknown Future: Explore new ways to learn new skills, train staff, and brainstorm some skills you might want to focus on in the near future.
Libraries Solving Community Problems: Learn how some awesome libraries have built partnerships to tackle big community problems.
Hybrid Presence: Uncover new ways to update your web presence to engage with communities who need to come together in new ways to prepare for the same unknown future.
Just Plain Cool: Some projects are just plan cool. I want to share a few of my favorite highlights.
I’ll include my usual disclaimer that I couldn’t make it to every session, but I did my best to dig around and catch the cool, helpful, or off the beaten path sessions that caught my eye.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
Dec. 4 – To Librarianship and Beyond: What’s It Like Being a Corporate Librarian?
Dec. 11 – Best New Children’s Books of 2024
Dec. 25 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE THIS WEEK – HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Jan. 1, 2025 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE THIS WEEK
Jan. 8, 2025 – Best New Teen Reads of 2024
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
Microsoft released Office 2024 in October! If your library is purchasing Office licenses, make sure you’re getting Office 2024.
For library computers, I recommend Office 2024 Standard. The best price I can currently find for it is $125 at Techsoup. Amazon has it for $150. Techsoup’s $40 license for Computer Lab (for Patron/Public, not Staff) computers is currently out of stock. I’m hoping Techsoup’s $40 Computer Lab license will be available again in 2025. I don’t recommend purchasing Microsoft’s Software Assurance for Office.
Do not purchase Office 365 for use on Patron/Public computers since it requires a Microsoft login for use. Office 365 is an option for computers used by library staff. I recommend Office Standard for all library computers since it can be installed locally on the computers, doesn’t require a Microsoft login to use it once it’s activated, and there are no ongoing annual subscription fees.
If your library can’t or doesn’t want to pay for Microsoft Office, you may want to consider installing the free and open source LibreOffice (formally OpenOffice) software suite.
If you need any assistance with purchasing and/or installing Office, please contact me.
Andrew “Sherm” Sherman Library Technology Support Specialist Nebraska Library Commission
Learn about Digital Navigation and Nebraska’s Digital Equity Plan on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, October 2 at 10am CT.
Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.
Digital Navigators have grown increasingly popular over the years. The National Digital Inclusion Alliance calls these Navigators “trusted guides who assist community members with ongoing, individualized support for accessing affordable and appropriate connectivity, devices, and digital skills”.
Some states have built out entire statewide platforms and training platforms for Digital Navigators. Nebraska has several smaller initiatives, and some missing gaps. This session will discuss Digital Navigation in Nebraska, including:
Quick overview of Nebraska’s Digital Equity Plan
Current digital skill-related programs
Digital Navigation resources, nationwide
Ideas for what your library can do
It’s time to work together to tackle that massive digital skill problem in all of our communities!
Oct. 16 – Dragons at the Library: An Exciting New Reading Program
Oct. 23 – Letters About Literature 2024
Oct. 30 – Pretty Sweet Tech
Nov. 6 – Summer Reading Program 2025: Color Our World
Nov. 13 – Nebraska Open Meetings Act: 2024 Overview and Update
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
You know I’m always on the look-out for new and interesting AI conferences. On September 16-17, Brian Pichman with Bywater Solutions will be hosting the free Unlocking the Future: AI Innovations in Libraries conference. I’ve worked with Brian on a whole mess of projects, so I can confirm he knows his stuff about all things AI, education, and libraries. Bywater also brought in a bunch of speakers with their own expertise and awesomeness.
Feel free to spread the word to all your library folks. We need more libraries talking proactively about all things AI! This conference is a good start. We might need a new library interest group soon…
Learn ‘How to Make a Magic Butterfly Wand’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, August 28 at 10am CT.
Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.
I’ve been having some fun using my butterfly wand to display lights in pop-up cards, so I’m going to show you how it works using Micro:bit radio control. Sort of like how you use a controller to make an RC car move, the butterfly wand controls a fun LED light display. It’s not too bad once you see it in action. By the end of this session you will have:
Customizable material listing
Code snippet you can download & re-use
Activity ideas using micro:bit for elementary to middle school
This session will having you flying home to make your own wands!
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
Sept. 4 – Board Games & Computer Science in Libraries
Sept. 11 – Memory Care Initiative
Sept. 25 – Pretty Sweet Tech
Oct. 9 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE _ ENJOY NLA!
Oct. 16 – Dragons at the Library: An Exciting New Reading Program
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
Learn how to use Screaming Frog SEO to keep your library website neat and up to date on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, July 31 at 10am CT.
Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.
Many years ago I stumbled across a tool called Screaming Frog SEO. It’s a free/ low-cost tool to keep your website and resource documents up to date, Google keyword-friendly, and just all-around awesome. It is code-free and easy to learn with plenty of tutorials. In this session you will see how Screaming Frog can help you:
Check for broken links on your web pages for easy repair.
Make sure all images on your website are accessible.
Spell check and grammar check your whole website.
Find out when pages were last updated.
Other helpful tips and tricks.
As a fun fact, I found this tool because frogs are my favorite animal and I just wanted to see which website tools were frog-friendly. Now this is one of my most-used tools to update website and resource listings!
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
Aug. 7 – Learning New Technologies On-the-Fly: Vendorbrarian to Public Librarian
Aug. 14 – Operating a Culture of Belonging: Personal Librarian 2.0
Sept. 4 – Board Games & Computer Science in Libraries
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
If you’re going to ALA in San Diego this week, visit our Tech Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet at the Tech Test Pilot Playground in the Exhibit area. Get some hands-on exploration to test out robots, AI, and all that techy goodness. This is a collaboration between Amanda and Brian Pichman from the Evolve Project. It’s time to play!
Dig into the wonderful world of geocaching to send kids, teens and adults on treasure hunts on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, June 26 at 10am CT.
Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.
This session will help you dig into the wonderful world of geocaching to send kids, teens and adults on treasure hunts! You don’t even have to hide the things yourself because the Geocaching community has already hidden little trinkets and treasures all over the world. Though you can add more stuff to the shared treasure map if you’re so inclined.
Learn how to leverage existing resources to get a geocaching adventure up and running for free or low cost using geocaching.com and the associated app on your smartphone, with the option to go all out and build a custom, themed geocaching adventure for your community. By the end of this session you will have:
Guide to set up geocaching adventures for all ages
Complementary summer reading, STEM & STEAM activities for kids
Complementary material displays, STEM & STEAM activities for teens & adults
Known geocaching trails across Nebraska & beyond
While the examples are from Nebraska, geocaching adventures are for everyone, everywhere!
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
July 3 – Helping Students Be Google Aware
July 17 – Think Outside the Box: Transformative Training with Breakout Challenges
Aug. 14 – Operating a Culture of Belonging: Personal Librarian 2.0
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
Do you have some WordPress layouts that work really well on desktop but squish into unrecognizable chaos on smaller screens? Learn how to set up responsive layouts using Elementor on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, May 29 at 10am CT.
Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.
In this session I will show you how to set up responsive layouts that display one way on larger screens and another way on smaller screens. This can be difficult with the built-in Gutenberg editor, so we’re going to use Elementor. Here’s what I’ll cover:
Responsive website best practices
Elementor settings for responsive layouts
Layout examples:
Displaying or hiding different images based on screen size
Gallery views on different screen sizes
Tips for saving images that display well on all screen sizes
Displaying calendar view vs. list view based on screen size
I will also open it up to requests if there are specific things you’re running into. It’s time to get responsive!
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
June 19 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE
June 26 – Pretty Sweet Tech
July 3 – Helping Students Be Google Aware
July 17 – Think Outside the Box: Transformative Training with Breakout Challenges
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
Highlights and Trends from Computers in Libraries 2024 will be shared on next week’s ‘Pretty Sweet Tech’ NCompass Live webinar, on Wednesday, April 24 at 10am 1:30pm CT.
Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.
Computers in Libraries is the world’s leading technology and innovation conference for librarians! In this session I will cover come of the awesome ideas, tools, tips and tricks of the trade I picked up while in D.C. this year.
I hope to see you there! As a side note, if you’re looking for more emerging tech trends in the library, check out Computers in Libraries magazine.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
May 1 – One Book for Nebraska Kids & Teens 2024
May 8 – The 2024 Public Library Accreditation Process
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
This week’s NCompass Live will be held from 1:30pm-2:30pm Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
I know summer reading is taking the world by storm right now, but kids still want some circuit goodness even during the summer! If you’re looking for some quick and easy projects you can do right out of the box, try the circuit kits from Brown Dog Gadgets!
Their Sewing Circuits, Micro:bit rover kits, Solar kits, Origami Circuits, and a lot more are a level above the other kits I’ve tried. Here’s why:
Excellent instructions
Well packaged for individual or large group use, depending on the kind you buy
Crazy Circuits system is better for little fingers
Nylon Conductive Tape: For those who have used circuit kits before, I want to clarify those last two items. Traditionally conductive tape is metal and can be pretty sharp. I’ve walked away with far too many cuts on my fingertips after the old paper circuits. Brown Dog uses nylon conductive tape that feels like fabric. It’s durable, but can be repositioned on your project without losing stickiness. They sell their tape separately, so even if you have a bunch of paper circuit supplies already, it’s worth it just to gleefully throw out your old, metal, finger-hating, conductive tape.
Crazy Circuits: Their Crazy Circuits components make it easier to grip and work with LED lights and other small components. Traditionally, LED lights have two small wires and you have to figure out which side is the positive side, and which is the negative side, then make sure the tape makes contact with the right side. Crazy Circuits components are connected to a little circuit board and are easy to grip. So you can tape directly to the board, or use their conductive thread to build a circuit. The large holes also work with Lego bricks so you can make more cool creations.
Pre-packaged kits or individual components: Brown Dog’s pre-packaged kits are great for Code Clubs, make ‘n’ take kits to send home, makerspace activities, or anything your librarian heart desires. Some of their kits use their custom Crazy Circuits system, others use regular LEDs and traditional components. So you have your choice.
Check out Brown Dog Gadgets for quick and easy projects you can order online. They’re geared more towards K-8, but who doesn’t love to sew felt creations that can actually light up with joy? Stock up and pull them out on a rainy day.
Highlights and Trends from Computers in Libraries 2024 will be shared on next week’s ‘Pretty Sweet Tech’ NCompass Live webinar, on Wednesday, March 27 at 10am CT.
Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.
Computers in Libraries is the world’s leading technology and innovation conference for librarians! In this session I will cover come of the awesome ideas, tools, tips and tricks of the trade I picked up while in D.C. this year.
I hope to see you there! As a side note, if you’re looking for more emerging tech trends in the library, check out Computers in Libraries magazine.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
April 3 – Improving the Quality of Childcare Through STREAM
April 10 – Program Planning with a Marketing Mindset
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
Brian Pichman of the Evolve Project will be Amanda’s guest on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, February 28, at 10am CT.
Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.
Brian Pichman of the Evolve Project is the man behind the scenes, transforming how libraries engage with technology. Here at the Commission, he helped a lot with the Tech Kits Through the Mail. If you’ve gotten a kit from us, it’s because he tracks tech trends, works with tech gadget startups, and helps build solid strategies to connect communities with transformative technology.
Honestly, he’s helped me a lot over the years. But I can’t be selfish. I decided to share his expertise with you all! Turns out Brian does way more than I ever knew possible.
In this session we will get Brian talking about all the cool things he has going on:
Explore how his pilot programs of new games & gadgets are shaping the future of libraries through makerspaces, innovation spaces, and leading edge programming
Learn how Brian helps libraries embrace AI, VR and AR to revolutionize library services and enhance accessibility and engagement for all.
Discover his passion for open-source solutions to drive positive change, and his recent endeavors with ByWater Solutions, a leading provider of open-source library software.
Dig into his work with libchalk, a web hosting platform designed specifically to help libraries host digital content, websites, courses, and online resource libraries.
The real question is, what doesn’t he do? He can help your library too. Find out how.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
March 13 – Winning Grants for Your Library Programming
March 27 – Pretty Sweet Tech
April 3 – Improving the Quality of Childcare Through STREAM
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
I do an overview session of the Computers in Libraries (CIL) conference every year on NCompass Live sharing all the latest trends, tools, and techy tips. This year I remembered to tell you about the conference ahead of time! If you’re wondering, CIL is a magical time of year where libraries come together to talk about all things technology.
This year (March 12-14) there are tons of sessions on AI in the library, website re-design, next-level makerspaces, building knowledge hubs, cybersecurity, creative partnerships, tech for marketing, innovation spaces, and everything your techy little heart desires. It’s my happy place. I’ll also be doing two sessions and a workshop if you’re interested.
The Nebraska Library Commission offers discounted rates for CIL registration. If it’s not in the cards for you this year, tune into my NCompass overview session on April 24, 2024. Or do both, it’s hard to catch everything.
Learn more about the Computers in Libraries Conference, or register on their website. It’s always in Crystal City, VA, a short train ride from the Smithsonian museums and all the attractions in D.C. if you want to multitask. Remember to grab the Commission’s discount code first!
That’s right, you heard it here first, the Tech Kits Through the Mail service has some new tech kits available! Learn all about them on next week’s ‘Pretty Sweet Tech’ NCompass Live webinar, on Wednesday, December 27 at 10am CT.
Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.
For anyone new to the Tech Kits, the Nebraska Library Commission circulates drones, robotics, circuit kits, virtual reality headsets, and more! The kits are designed to introduce communities to the Industry 4.0 technologies that are changing the way we all live, work and interact with one another. Attend this session to:
Learn about the newly added kits.
Explore updated resources & activities.
Learn how the service works.
Explore practical ways Industry 4.0 tech is being used to solve real problems.
I hope to see you there as you follow the tech kit saga! If you’re not in Nebraska, you can still access the supplementary resources, and gather ideas for which tech kits you want in your own library!
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
Jan. 3, 2024 – Meet the NLC, Part 1
Jan. 10, 2024 – Meet the NLC, Part 2
Jan. 17, 2024 – Auditing Library Websites
Jan. 24, 2024 – Best New Teen Reads of 2023
Jan. 31, 2024 – Pretty Sweet Tech
Feb. 14, 2024 – ConnectEd Nebraska: Bridging the Digital Divide through Innovative eduroam Expansion
Feb. 21, 2024 – Using Creativity to Grow & Develop
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
Most of you probably know we offer Tech Kits Through the Mail to school and public libraries in Nebraska. But did you know that many of those kits have really fun holiday and winter themed activities? Check out a kit and try one one or all of these activity ideas this winter:
Dash & Dot Winter Activities (age 6+): Design your own winter parade floats and program them around a parade obstacle, record your own winter theme song, challenge your friends to a snowball fight, and more!
Finch 2.0 Robot Winter (age 6+): Turn your robot into a snowplow, build a holiday parade and add a green screen backdrop if you’re feeling fancy, or create a fun winter window display.
Hummingbird Bit Premium (age 8+): Take your winter window display up a notch, craft and program an interactive winter story scene, or add a moving background to your winter parade video!
Ozobot Evo Robot (age 4+): Design a Winter Wonderland and challenge others to navigate your creation, create a fun snow maze, use the plow attachment to clean the streets, or use your imagination to visit Narnia!
Highlights from Internet Librarian 2023 will be shared on next week’s Pretty Sweet TechNCompass Live webinar, on Wednesday, November 29 at 10am CT.
Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.
Just in case you missed it, this Pretty Sweet Tech will offer some highlights from Internet Librarian 2023 that ran from October 17-19. Internet Librarian is a great big tech conference for librarians. If you’ve attended one of these recaps before, you know that I love to choose some major themes and pluck out the sessions that really stood out to me for various reasons. Here are this year’s themes, as chosen by me, not the conference coordinators:
AI, XR & Emerging Tech: Explore how emerging tech is shaping our world, and how the library can not only keep up, but set the stage for the future of tech in our communities
Digital Presence: Tips and tricks for improving digital materials, going all digital, or connecting with your community online. This trend is here to stay.
Handling Change: The world is just going to keep moving faster, so these sessions covered some tips and techniques to help both individuals and libraries adapt and thrive.
Tech Tools, Resources & Gadgets: As always there were a motley assortment of helpful tools, services, resources & gadgets. I will share my highlights here.
As always, I couldn’t make it to every session, but these are the ones I caught or heard about after the fact. There’s only so much time in the day, so I did my best!
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
Dec. 6 – Using Creativity to Grow & Develop
Dec. 13 – Canvaholic
Dec. 20 – Summer Reading Program 2024: Adventure Begins at Your Library
Jan. 17, 2024 – Auditing Library Websites
Jan. 24, 2024 – Best New Teen Reads of 2023
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
The Nebraska Library Commission partnered with Prairie STEM to raffle off 42 STEM Library Packs! Each Library Pack comes with 12 individual kits that have instructions, career exploration information, and all the materials you need for assembly. Some of the design-related activities can be enhanced by items you have laying around the library.
About Prairie STEM
Prairie STEM is an Omaha-based nonprofit that offers STEM kits, educator training, and outreach programs in the Omaha area and beyond. They’ve partnered with various schools, libraries and educational institutions across the state, including virtual reality, drone, and smart garden programs.
Need Kits Right Away?
Through this partnership, you also have the option to purchase kits directly from Prairie STEM. You can get Classroom Packs of 12 or 24 of any or all of these types of kits:
Cybersecurity is one of the top growing tech careers in the nation. The Air Force Association started their CyberPatriot’s National Youth Cyber Defense Competition to help middle and high school students explore cybersecurity careers by taking on the role of a cybersecurity systems administrator, working to prevent and address cyber threats to a small business. CyberPatriots is now the world’s largest cybersecurity competition!
Eligibility: The competition is open to all schools and approved youth organizations, including Boys & Girl Scout troops, STEM groups, libraries, and homeschool groups. School and public libraries are encouraged to apply!
Learn moreabout the competition structure, team member requirements, costs, and tech requirements on the CyberPatriot website.
Registration is due by October 3, 2023 so start planning now!
While you’re on the site, check out the Air Force’s other cybersecurity resources for senior citizens:
CyberGenerations: This pre-packaged program is designed to introduce senior citizens to cybersecurity basics, password management, common internet threats, scams and fraud, and social media safety. CyberGenerations offers a Self-Paced Guide, and Workshop Resources to help facilitate virtual or in-person workshops.
Tech Caregiver: This training course with resources and guides certifies trainers to assist senior citizens to safely operate online. This is a good course to get comfortable facilitating CyberGenerations workshops in your community.
The FAA is awarding up to $500,000 to multiple applicants for a total of $4,500,000 in an effort to attract future aircraft pilots, aerospace engineers, or unmanned aircraft systems operators (drone operators) in the U.S. Starting a drone pilot training program in your school or library is a great way to attract future aviation professionals!
The grant application is due August 16, 2023, so think fast! Feel free to check out these drone training resources for high school age students as inspiration for your grant writing:
Skyop:Drone Training Programs for High Schools. Reach out to them for a consultation and customized program. This program can actually result in pilot certification.
You can also reach out to local community colleges and universities to get the most up to date drone-related curriculum, or more local resource and program referrals. I’ll stop droning on now. Happy applying!
