Tech Tour to focus on next generation technology leaders

The 2016 Tech Tour, a local event to introduce area middle and high school students to the dynamic high technology world that exists in the Charlottesville/Albemarle County metro region, will kick off at 9:00 this morning at Piedmont Virginia Community College’s Earl Dickinson Center.

Sponsored by the Charlottesville Business Innovation Council (CBIC), this day-long technology tour is aimed at exposing students to the challenging and diverse career possibilities offered by our regional technology community. It is designed to help them envision themselves as technology employees, professionals, and entrepreneurs in the next wave of tech advancements in our area.

“For 13 years running, the Tech Tour has been the only program of its kind and a signature CBIC event,” said executive director, Tracey Greene. “The Tech Tour advances our mission of education in support of Charlottesville’s technology community, and helps to accelerate technology innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.”

“We are especially appreciative of our Tech Tour sponsors, representing organizations that understand the importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education to building the technology workforce,” said CBIC chairman, Anthony Wenzel. “This year’s sponsors include Afton Scientific, Blue Ridge Bank, BrightSpec, the City of Charlottesville, Coshx Labs, LexisNexis, National Optronics, Neoventus Design group, PVCC, Virga Ventures, Woods Rogers Attorneys at Law, and Willowtree.

More than 400 students representing 22 regional schools will spend the day traveling to 72 selected companies for hands-on visits to meet employees and experience the use of technology in unique and specialized operations. Students traveling in groups of 10 – 15 will visit two or more different technology companies. This year’s tour features 12 companies that have never before participated in the Tech Tour and represent technologies ranging from customized web and mobile apps for restaurants, to global investment management, to low-power wireless sensors.

Participating organizations include many past participants such as Scitent, OESH Shoes, and BrightSpec, as well as newcomers like PsiKick, CFA Institute, and Foodio, among others. A complete list of companies can be found on the interactive Tech Tour Map created by Alleyway Consulting, LLC. http://techtour.cvilleinnovation.org.

All participating students will be eligible to apply for two $2,500 scholarships for the purpose of continuing education. CBIC’s Tech Tour Scholarship Program continues the non-profit organization’s ongoing commitment to growing the future technology-based workforce. Since 2003, CBIC has granted $35,000 in scholarships to local students.