Pathways at the Microsoft workshop

Last year, Pathways embarked on a partnership with Microsoft that led to professional development and computer technology training for staff and students.  It enhanced Pathways' effort to incorporate computer technology in the classroom.  This year, the program is growing with further opportunities for our students.  Every Pathways site will send a selected group of students to the Microsoft store in Bethesda where they will learn a variety of computer and IT skills.  The young people were thrilled to discover that one area of instruction is computer coding and video game and app design.  Development of these skills by our students also boosts knowledge of art, mathematics, and science and opens doors to a range of career possibilities.

  

The Microsoft program has a clear affinity with Pathways' Young Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) in which students learn how to envision, market, and operate a business.  Throughout the year, students in the YEP will have sessions with the personnel at the Microsoft store.  The year will culminate with a career day at the Microsoft corporate office in Chevy Chase when students will shadow employees and participate in a panel discussing careers in computer technology.  The day will include the YEP award luncheon, attended by business supporters of YEP and sponsored this year by Microsoft.