Summer program aims to keep tech students in WNY

As Western New York grows its technology sector, it needs workers to fill the jobs that become available.

TechBuffalo is trying to contribute to this effort by not only supporting the current tech ecosystem in the Buffalo area, but also helping fuel the next generation tech workforce.

For a second year, TechBuffalo is hosting a summer program aimed at developing professional skills, building a network, and showcasing the opportunities Buffalo has to offer to area college tech talent and students interested in technology-focused positions. technology.

Thousands of students in technology or technology-aligned majors are trained each year through local internships and at around 20 local universities and colleges in the region. But about 70% of those college graduates end up leaving the region for opportunities elsewhere, according to TechBuffalo.

“We’re trying to show that there’s a growing tech industry here. It doesn’t sound like Silicon Valley, but all of our industries here rely heavily on technology to operate and grow,” said TechBuffalo Higher Education Program Manager Mary Ruelle, who leads the PowerUpTech program.

“There is a significant network in Buffalo. We want to help build these networks so that people stay,” she added. “And we’re really trying to elevate the opportunities for students here.” They don’t necessarily see Buffalo as a tech hub, so we’re trying to figure out how can we help them change their minds.

PowerUpTech is part of TechBuffalo’s efforts to retain local tech talent by connecting students to career opportunities and employers in Western New York’s tech community.

A big part of the program is the two-day Community Tech Design Challenge. It’s where more than 170 university interns, divided into 30 interdisciplinary teams, were able to apply their technology and business acumen to solve real-world problems presented by three local community organizations.

The design challenge was showcased at an expo last week at the Seneca One Tower, where these college interns from 35 Buffalo companies were able to show off and present a three-minute pitch on the technology solutions they have proposed for Journey’s End Refugee. Services, the Good Neighbor Fund and the Buffalo History Museum.

“I’m from Buffalo, so I know a lot about these organizations, and it’s nice to know that you’re making an impact on the community you grew up in,” said Meredith Stamm, Nardin Academy graduate and intern at M&T Tech, who will be a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

One goal is to ensure that students understand that they do not need to be able to code to take on a technology-focused role and become meaningfully involved in the technology industry.

“Technology is widespread and students need this type of exposure to see what the future holds,” Stamm added.

The Design Challenge allows these community organizations to tap into students’ creativity to help them solve problems with real-world implications.

The History Museum asked students to find ways to make its exhibit on the 1901 Pan American Exposition more immersive and engaging for the public; Journey’s End needed help so its refugee clients could better use the public transportation system; and Good Neighbor Fund sought to use technology to determine the long-term economic impact of the $1,000 microgrants it awards.

“The students are so creative. In a period of learning and absorption in their lives, they are able to see things with that outside perspective,” Ruelle said. “There is such value in this fresh perspective and their different skills. »

The groups were tasked with delegating responsibilities so that each student, many of whom have varied backgrounds and majors, could bring something different to the table and step out of their comfort zone, if necessary, said Stamm, whose group chose to work on a solution for the Good Neighbor Fund.

“It was really cool to tackle that and then walk around the room to see what others thought about their challenge and see what other Good Neighbor Fund groups were coming up with,” Stamm said. “Everyone’s imagination came to life in a three-minute pitch.”

Stamm worked with students majoring in engineering, mathematics, nursing and history.

“I would have never met a lot of these people, so it’s nice to get together and meet new people and also network even more with the mentors and businesses,” Stamm said.

Being aligned with employers and university partners was equally important in organizing last week’s event.

In one year, TechBuffalo grew from 12 employer partners to 35. A big boost came from a partnership with the University at Buffalo’s Sophomore Experience externship program. Professionals and mentors, along with participating organizations, chose the competition winners.

“This program doesn’t exist without these entities, and we’re just helping to bring them together,” Ruelle said.

Welcome to Buffalo Next. This newsletter from The Buffalo News will bring you the latest on developments in Buffalo Niagara’s economy – from real estate to health care to startups. Learn more at BuffaloNext.com.

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The Buffalo Next team gives you insight into the region’s economic revitalization. Email tips to [email protected] or contact Buffalo Next editor David Robinson at 716-849-4435.

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