New York City is known as a center for achievers and innovators, so it would only make sense that this spirit can be found in even the youngest of residents. Just because the school year is coming to an end doesn’t mean the learning has to take a break (or that kids have to give up their summer fun!).
With the demand for technology and STEM education growing, Microsoft Stores are offering free workshops for students to get ahead and avoid the infamous summer brain drain. The objective of the workshops are not to teach kids to become programmers or software engineers, but rather to build a foundation through a fun, hands-on experience with the latest technology and guidance from industry experts. The workshops provide a place for students to build “the next great idea”, see it come to life and even learn the entrepreneurship skills to take their passions to the next level. Early development of creative thinking and problem-solving skills will help with success in the new school year and no one is better positioned to help than Microsoft.
This summer, the Microsoft Flagship Store in New York will offer three free, new camps including:
- Kodu Makerspace – Kids age 8 to 11 can create rich and exciting games with Kodu Game Lab in this beginner-level camp. Kids learn coding fundamentals and how to build games in a fun, hands-on environment that fosters creativity, curiosity, and collaboration.
- Learn to Code Flatverse – Recommended for kids 12 and older, students can build a Flatverse game using TouchDevelop in this intermediate-level camp. Kids learn coding fundamentals, then get hands-on instruction on how to read and write basic code themselves.
- Start Your Own Business – Offers entrepreneurial kids the knowledge, tools and support to make their business idea a reality. Kids will learn key concepts from testing their product or idea to protecting it, and receive training on how to create their own business pitch. All graduates will leave with a basic business plan and polished pitch, and the opportunity to present their idea to local entrepreneurs. This camp is for students 13 and older.
Registration for these classes just opened and they fill up fast. Traveling this summer? Not a problem! Microsoft has stores across the country that will offer the same classes. Get more details on each camp and register at microsoftstore.com/summercamps or microsoftstore.com/locations.