By 1812Blockhouse
The Richland Community Development Group (RCDG) has been named a continuing fellow in Microsoft’s TechSpark program, a nationwide initiative focused on building digital skills and boosting economic development in local communities. This recognition solidifies RCDG’s role as a leader in leveraging technology for regional growth and innovation.
Angie Cirone, director of the Mansfield-Richland Area Educational Foundation, will continue to serve as the TechSpark Community Engagement Fellow. Her efforts will focus on advancing computer science education and enhancing digital skills throughout the region.
The first year of RCDG’s partnership with TechSpark brought together diverse stakeholders, including businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions, to create a robust digital education ecosystem.
Key initiatives spearheaded by RCDG during its first year include:
- Girls Who Code Clubs: Empowering young women to explore technology careers.
- Technology Camps: Providing hands-on learning experiences for students.
- Stellar Robotic Shawshank Showdown: Sponsorship of a robotics competition.
- Teacher Technology Boot Camp: Offering educators tours of tech-driven businesses and resources to incorporate technology into their curriculum.
- Cybersecurity Speaker Series: Helping small businesses navigate digital threats and raising awareness of the 179th Cyberspace Wing’s new mission.
TechSpark, launched in 2017 by Microsoft, aims to address digital inclusion through four focus areas: digital access, digital skills, computer science education, and digital transformation. Last year, Microsoft expanded TechSpark to address the growing need for digital inclusion across the U.S. Read more about Microsoft TechSpark here.
The Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development, RCDG, and the Mansfield-Richland Area Educational Foundation are working together to ensure the community thrives through innovative programming and workforce development initiatives. Together, these organizations are committed to:
- Championing community excellence
- Cultivating quality talent
- Fostering economic strength
For more information about the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development’s workforce initiatives, visit their website.
Image by Iatya Prunkova from Pixabay
