NWTC Service-Learning and Civic Engagement 2018-2019 | Page 25

said Julie Ebben-Matzke, Associate
Dean for Information Technology
at Northeast Wisconsin Technical
College in Green Bay.
Thanks to a partnership between
NWTC and Microsoft, countless
volunteers, and a simple, fun
curriculum over three hundred
people around northern and eastern
Wisconsin were given a hands-
on introduction to the in-demand
career possibilities in information.
NWTC has hosted the Hour of Code
for four years. It’s a nationwide
program from Code.org aimed at
introducing kids and adults to the
basics and possibilities of software
development. The event was free and
open to the public at all 9 of NWTC’s
campuses and regional learning
centers throughout Northeast
Wisconsin, with free t-shirts and
drawings for prizes throughout.
Over 300 people attended events
across all NWTC campuses, up from
12 participants at the inaugural event.
Serving those living in rural areas is
a source of pride for the program.
“Those kids deserve the same
opportunities that you do living in
Green Bay,” Ebben-Matzke said.
“Unfortunately, those smaller school
districts may not offer IT classes
because they don’t have the money
or don’t have the teachers.”
24