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The Shenandoah Valley Connection top 
January 12 , 2018
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CIT Issues Request for Innovators for Smart City Innovation Lab
SVTC January luncheon | Cryptocurrency and Bitcoins: What is that? Should I care? (1/25)
Spark Tank Competition LIVE SHOW! | Free Admission | RSVP Required (1/13)
Saturday Morning Physics | For High Schoolers (1/13 - 2/10)
College for Kids | Grades 1st - 8th (1/13 - 2/17)
SCCF 8-Week Business Planning Class (1/17-3/17)
EngineerGirl Writing Contest | Open to all students grades 3rd - 12th (deadline 2/1)
STEM Takes Flight NASA Research Experiences | For Community College Students (deadline 2/26)
NVTC Capital Data Summit & University Data Challenge (2/28)
FIRST Tech Challenge Team, Tech Busters, Seeks Mentors and Sponsors
BRCC Seeks STEM Mentors
Job Opening | Software Engineer, Jenzabar in Harrisonburg
Job Opening | Assistant or Associate Professor of Data Science, JMU
Job Opening | Director of Information Technology, Lexington City Schools
Article Headline
CIT Issues Request for Innovators for Smart City
Innovation Lab

January 9, 2018 (Herndon, VA)

Today, the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) announced a Request for Innovators (RFI) for the Smart Cities Internet of Things Innovation (SCITI) Labs. CIT, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), TechNexus , and Smart City Works are seeking to prototype new internet of things (IoT) and smart city technologies for emergency response and management.
 
The SCITI Labs effort focuses on extensive validation and go-to-market support through its network of industry partners.  SCITI creates an accelerated pathway to market through prototype funding and access to first responders (end users) across the United States. Selected performers will be funded at $50,000 for an initial first cut prototype. Some performers will be identified for a second funded validation prototype (at $100,000) over a total period of 18 months. The goal at the end of the second round is to have commercially-relevant capabilities that will be available for first responders by 2020.
 
The team is seeking new capabilities to support first responders in three specific areas of interest:
  • Navigation and Sensors. Autonomous navigation for indoor drones in support of search and rescue missions in difficult environments such as fire or earthquake damaged structures. Separate prototypes are also sought for two sensors either hand-carried or mounted on the drones: a WiFinder sensor for smart phone signals, and a thermal sensor for detecting the heat signatures of people or other living creatures. 
  • Indoor building sensor suite. Prototypes are sought for sensors such as digital image, video, thermal or WiFinder to be mounted on fixed indoor building features such as smoke detectors or EXIT signs. Sensor processing will be able to establish baseline layout of indoor space throughout a building, and perform change detection in case of events that impact interiors and/or occupants.
  • Smart Hub. Prototypes are sought for a body worn responder interoperability platform that integrates personal area network communications with third-party sensor packages (e.g. integrated voice/coms, indoor building sensor suites). Additionally, the Smart Hub will be required to communicate with non-body worn sensors such as smart building or smart city technologies. Use cases include, First Responder situational awareness and enhanced support of mission-critical operations.
CIT invites parties to express initial interest by January 18, with invited final responses due by February 15, 2018. Final selection will be announced in March 2018. More details about funding, evaluation criteria and the application process are available at www.cit.org/sciti/. Please direct inquiries to [email protected] for general questions or additional information.

About the Center for Innovative Technology, www.cit.org 
Since 1985, CIT, a nonprofit corporation, has been Virginia's primary driver of innovation and entrepreneurship. CIT accelerates the next generation of technology and technology companies through commercialization, capital formation, market development and revenue generation services. To facilitate national innovation leadership and accelerate the rate of technology adoption, CIT creates partnerships between innovative technology start-up companies and advanced technology consumers. CIT's CAGE Code is 1UP71. To learn more, please visit www.cit.org.  Follow CIT on Twitter @CITorg and add the Center for Innovative Technology on LinkedIn and Facebook.


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SVTC January luncheon | Cryptocurrency and Bitcoins: What is that? Should I care? (1/25)



January 25, 2018 | 11:45 am - 1:00 pm
Woodgrill Buffet, Harrisonburg
Morgan Benton

Bitcoin turned  eight years old this month, but many people are only just now learning about the cryptocurrency. At our Jan. 25, 2018 luncheon Dr. Benton helps us break down bitcoin, cryptocurrency, blockchain and how we think about the global economy, currencies, and the underlying technologies. Key issues he will discuss are trust, control, consensus, and value.

About Dr. Benton:
Morgan C. Benton is Co-Founder of the  Burning Mind Project and an Associate Professor in the Department of Integrated Science and Technology (ISAT) at JMU. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Information Systems from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. His research focuses on innovation in learning, higher education, and transformation. He  blogs at Morphatic.

An excellent and very informative interview from NPR's The1A.org gives many insights as they examine bitcoin, cryptocurrency, and blockchain:  Tales From The Crypto: Bitcoin, Blockchain And The Future Of Money.

Register for Jan. 25, 2018 luncheon (Note:  Please take a minute and get to know our new calendar and sign-up forms. If you used our previous (Google) form, there is *no need* to register again.)

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   Spark Tank Competition LIVE SHOW! | Free Admission | RSVP Required (1/13)


January 13, 2018 |  11:30 am  -  4:30 pm | Grafton-Stovall Theatre

Watch 8 Central Virginia businesses battle it out Shark Tank style for a chance to win a $20,000 marketing package! Contestants will showcase their best creative pitch to a panel of 5 judges (including the first lady of James Madison University!) and a live audience. Who knows what could happen! 

Come support local business with an afternoon of live entertainment that's sure to be fun for all!

FREE admission and parking. Stay for all or part of the event! Concessions and lunch options available.

Please register for Jan. 13, 2018 Spark Tank Live Show at:  http://bit.ly/2CtqJOx.

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January 13 - February 10, 2018
9 am - 12 pm | JMU Physics/Chem Building

Check out Saturday Morning Physics, a fun and informative way to start a weekend!

Come and explore the fascinating properties of waves as scientists use them in music, nanotechnology, astronomy, and nuclear physics. JMU Physics and Astronomy presents this educational event series designed for high school students and teachers! Juniors and seniors who participate are eligible for one JMU Physics credit. Held over the Saturdays on the JMU campus, we invite everyone to explore, learn, and have fun!

Note that only 50 seats are available! For more information, contact Melissa Heatwole at [email protected] or (540) 568-4226.

Also see  http://www.jmu.edu/outreach/programs/all/saturday-morning-physics


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   | Grades 1st - 8th (1/13 - 2/17)



January 13 - February 17, 2018 | 9 am - 12 pm
$135.00 covers all 6 Saturdays

College for Kids is an enrichment program for children in grades 1-8. Children will work with James Madison University faculty and graduate students, as well as experts from the community and surrounding area, to try new things, explore and discover talents they never knew they had! College for Kids is being held this year on Saturday, January 13 - February 17, 2018 from 9-12pm. 

Registration fee of $135.00 covers all 6 Saturdays
 
For more information, please contact Melissa Heatwole at [email protected] or (540) 568-4226


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January 17 - March 7, 2018 | 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
   $200 covers all 8 Wednesdays

Join us for 8 weeks of training, support, and inspiration! Bring your business idea and energy - and SCCF will provide the rest! Special topics include Legal Structure, Market Research and Marketing Plan, Financials and Pricing, Cash Flow, and Taxes. By the end of the course you will have a solid business plan written, plus all the resources you need to get your business started! The next session start January 17, 2018!


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EngineerGirl Writing Contest
| Open to all students grades 3rd - 12th  (deadline 2/1)



Deadline February 1st at 11:59 pm| Online submission

Every year, the EngineerGirl website sponsors a contest dealing with engineering and its impact on our world. This year's contest asks students to investigate an infrastructure system in their own community and suggest an improvement in the form of a persuasive letter, essay or summary report (based on grade level) for their city or county council. 

The contest is open to individual girls and boys enrolled in grades 3 - 12. 

For more information, view the contest rules and requirements

The essay will be submitted online via an online registration form

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STEM Takes Flight NASA Research Experiences | For Community College Students 
(deadline 2/26)
 
Deadline February 26, 2018

Virginia Space Grant Consortium is partnering with NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton and NASA Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia's Eastern Shore to provide hands-on research experience opportunities for at least 23 Virginia Community College students during summer 2018. These paid opportunities will be identified by both NASA Centers with current Center missions and projects that are at a point which would maximize hands-on engagement of the students at project critical stages, while inspiring students, teaching them the nature of project work, communications and teamwork, and providing strong exposure to a wide range of technical and scientific career paths. Student researchers will work with NASA research advisors on the designated research project over the course of a 10 week, 40-hour- per-week, summer research experience. Students will receive a $5,000 stipend. Application packages are due February 26, 2018.

Deadlines
  • Summer 2018 Application Due: FEBRUARY 26, 2018
  • Electronic Recommendations Due: MARCH 2, 2018
  • Selection Notification Deadline: On or about APRIL 16, 2018
Contact 
Debbie Murray, Program Manager, Virginia Space Grant Consortium, [email protected]; 757-766-5210 or Nicole Shaw, Program Assistant,  [email protected]

More information, eligibility requirements, and registration for summer research program

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NVTC Capital Data Summit & University Data Challenge 
(2/28)



February 28, 2018 | 7:45 am - 4:00 pm
The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner |  See Prices Below

Join Northern VA's leading big data and analytics companies and prominent thought leaders at the second annual Capital Data Summit on Feb. 28, 2018 at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner.

Featuring keynote speakers and panels offering unique insights on how big data and analytics are transforming industries and producing results for organizations and their customers, a technology showcase of the region's leading big data and analytics companies, and unmatched networking opportunities, the Capital Data Summit will provide exceptional business development and educational value for NVTC members and the entire Greater Washington technology community.

Keynote Speakers
William Ruh, CEO, GE Digital, and Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer, GE
Mark Ryland, Chief Solutions Architect, Amazon Web Services Public Sector

NEW IN 2018!
The 2018 Capital Data Summit will include a new University Data Challenge, in which teams of students representing the region's universities and community colleges will be challenged to analyze and respond to a topic/question using any combination of data sources and statistical, mathematical modeling, big data, and related techniques available to them.

Cost
Member: $395.00
Additional Member Attendee: $345.00
General Audience: $550.00
Student: $50.00
Government Employee: $25.0


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FIRST Tech Challenge Team, Tech Busters
Seeks 
Mentors and Sponsors

Local robotics team Tech Busters is looking for sponsors and mentors to help their group. Tech folks, please consider becoming a mentor or sponsor for this team, or spread the word. 

 

"Hello, w e are the Tech Busters, a local FIRST Tech Challenge team from Waynesboro, Staunton, and Augusta County.  Each year we design, build, program, and operate a robot to meet the new challenge released by FIRST the first weekend in September  (The competitions begin in mid November!). We also fundraise and outreach to our community to bring awareness about FIRST programs and have inspired the creation of a FIRST LEGO League team (The Bomb Squad! Many of our alumni mentor this team.).  

Currently we are a team of 6 (2 girls and 4 boys) teenagers ages 13-17 and meet at the Augusta County Library in Fishersville and at various other locations around the area. We are still looking for a permanent location so currently the robot, parts, tools, and field live in our parents cars, living rooms, and bedrooms.  This is a challenge because we spend a lot of our precious work time setting up and tearing down.  We meet once a week beginning in late summer and twice a week (Tues. 2-4 in Fishersville and Sat. TBD each week) after the game release.  We have one mentor, a retired engineer who is the grandpa to two of our team members, but would love to have more mentors (last year between travel and surgery he couldn't be there)! Experience not necessary, just a passion for helping kids succeed and a willingness to look at our crude designs and point us in the right direction or teach us a new skill like how to use PTC Creo more effectively!   Our coaches are two of our moms but all of our parents work just as hard to make sure we succeed.  None of them have a background in engineering or anything close. 

We are also looking for sponsors.  Any amount gets your company on our tri-fold and in our engineering notebook, $75 or more gets you on the backs of our team shirt, and $200 or more gets you on our hipster robot named Brobot 4.0.  Please contact our coaches Jennifer Armstrong,  [email protected]or Wendy Snider,  [email protected]or check out our Facebook page at  https://www.facebook.com/techbusters8275/ for more information."

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Blue Ridge Community College is looking for STEM professionals to be mentors to STEM students, by providing encouragement and moral support, and being a positive role model.  For more information please  email Jamie, BRCC's Mentoring Coordinator, at [email protected]If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the form in the link below. 


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Job Opening: Software Engineer

Jenzabar is looking for a talented and experienced Software Engineer to join our team of passionate people in designing and developing a high quality, end user focused administrative web application for higher education. This individual should be highly proficient with HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript/jQuery and have a passion for web development as well as a keen eye for well-designed UX and UI. The Software Engineer should have solid experience with Responsive Web Design techniques to build interfaces which will adapt to the many devices in which our end users will use to access our application. Solid experience with developing .Net MVC web applications and the .Net framework is highly preferred. If you enjoy working in a team environment to develop an application that will not just let users do their work but help them do their work, then please consider joining the Jenzabar team.

 
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Job Opening: Assistant or Associate Professor of Data Science
JMU Co llege of Integrated Science and Engineering| Harrisonburg

The Department of Integrated Science and Technology ( ISAT ) at James
Madison University ( JMU ) invites applications for a tenure-track position
at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor beginning August, 2018. The Department of Integrated Science and Technology (soon to become the School of Integrated Sciences) is a dynamic, highly interdisciplinary academic unit of 50 faculty with terminal degrees in 39 different fields. Our graduates are innovative problem solvers with strong analytical and teaming skills that enable them to work on complex socio-technical problems facing organizations, communities, and society. Additional information on the department and its individual programs can be found at http://www.isat.jmu.edu.


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Job Opening: 
Director of Information Technology 

Lexington City Schools | Lexington

The Director of Information Technology is responsible for the design, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of all server, network, and computing technology for Lexington City Schools and the City of Lexington. This position also assists with networking and server support at the Rockbridge ECC. The position reports to the Superintendent of Lexington City Schools and the City Manager. Given oversight of the city's varied technology infrastructure, the Director of Information Technology must be self - driven, organized, and possess a keen attention to detail. As primary support for faculty, staff, and students, the Director of Information Technology must also be collaborative and committed to customer service. 


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Job Opening: 
IT Manager
Massanutten Resort| McGaheysville

Massanutten Resort is currently seeking an experienced IT Manager to oversee network administration and day-to-day Help Desk operations. Must have extensive IT, supervisory, and budgeting experience. Degree in the IT field and/or relevant certifications and commensurate experience are a must. 

Responsible for designing, organizing, modifying, and supporting computer systems, databases, firewalls, and networks. Manage the functions of the Network Admins and Help Desk to ensure security and availability of network resources. Drive improvement in networked systems efficiency and standardization. Supervise projects.


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Job Opening: 
IT Technician
Dynamic Aviation | Bridgewater

The IT Technician will provide maintenance of the computer desktop environment by analyzing requirements, resolving problems, installing and removing hardware and software from computer systems, and supporting the internal IT Help Desk. The IT Technician will be responsible for administration and internal support of the company's PC's, printers, scanners, and related equipment. Tasks include end user support, license tracking, ticket generation and completion, and performing PC maintenance, upgrades, and configurations. The qualified applicant will also work closely with the network group to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.


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Job Opening: 
Information Technology Systems Analyst
Western State Hospital | Staunton

Western State Hospital is seeking an individual to provide system administration and technical support for specialized network infrastructure applications and systems. These include, but are not limited to, the Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON), wireless network (Aruba), staff and patient access and tracking systems (AMAG, Centrak, SARA), patient internet access (DSL), and the segregated Building Automation System network infrastructure.

More information at Jobs.Virginia.gov

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Job Opening: Programmer
/Information Technology Specialist
Western State Hospital | Staunton

Western State Hospital is seeking an individual to create, modify, and test the code, forms, and scripts that allow computer applications to run. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

More information at Jobs.Virginia.gov

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Participate in the local tech conversation: Rocktown Tech (Slack)

Currently there are 18 channels and over 250 members. Please join in! 
Sign-up link:  https://rocktowntech.herokuapp.com/

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Membership Badge Available 
 
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Let us know when you incorporate this graphic and we'll mention your site in return!


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See how our Level I Members  grep Innovation, LLC displayed our membership badge on their  website!

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