Our Tech Zone at the 14th annual NW Youth Careers Expo will once again feature some of the most vibrant and innovative technology firms in the Northwest.
Our tech exhibitors at the March 13 event will include AWS Elemental, Intel, Microsoft and Free Geek, Zapproved and Autodesk. Students can also learn about technology and STEM programs at Oregon Tech and Portland Community College, as well as from Portland Public Schools’ IT department.
See our full list of Exhibitors | Printable Technology Sector Flyer
AWS Elemental: The Portland-based company, a Platinum sponsor, makes software that allows videos to stream online. (The late Sam Blackman, its cofounder and CEO, was a former Portland Public Schools student.) AWS clients include ESPN, Comcast, HBO, the BBC and many others. The Portland firm was purchased by Amazon Web Services in 2015.
Intel: The giant computer chipmaker is an Expo Silver sponsor and Oregon’s largest private employer with nearly 20,000 workers. It’s a major driver of the state’s economy from its base in Washington County. Intel ended the year with a surging stock price and strong sales in the company’s data center and memory businesses, two areas the firm hopes to grow.
Microsoft: The Redmond, Wash., software giant is an always popular exhibitor with hands-on demonstrations and information about tech careers.
Free Geek: The Portland nonprofit operates a thrift store offering used and refurbished computers, electronics, computer parts, gadgets and peripherals. The organization offers an array of internship programs ranging from testing, repairing and sales to office support.
Below is a sampler of information about some of our other tech exhibitors, as well as a photo gallery from last year’s Tech Zone.
Zapproved: Portland-based Zapproved is a leading cloud-based software provider that helps corporate clients deal with their data. It helps corporations (and their legal departments) respond to litigation so they can mitigate risk and reduce costs.
Autodesk: California-based Autodesk makes software used by engineers, architects and manufacturers to design products ranging from buildings to consumer electronics to entertainment. The company recently moved its local office from Lake Oswego to Southeast Portland.
Oregon Tech: Oregon Tech has campuses in Wilsonville and Klamath Falls. It offers bachelor and master’s degree programs in programs including engineering, health technology, information technology, management, communications and applied sciences.
Portland Community College: PCC, a Platinum sponsor, will feature its programs in computer information systems.
Portland Public Schools: Students can learn about careers in information technology by talking with the district’s IT team.
TEACHERS: CLICK HERE FOR EXPO RESOURCES & STUDENT HANDOUTS
Students and their parents should keep in mind that technology is a growing part of every major sector: Many exhibitors, such as Wieden+Kennedy and Oregon Health & Science University, rely on tech-savvy employees and cutting-edge technology to grow. Students who develop software savvy and technical skills in high school and college will dramatically increase their luck in the job market after graduation.
The nonprofit Portland Workforce Alliance works year-round with businesses in every sector to provide career-learning opportunities for high school students. To learn more, browse our website.
