Minnesota State I.T. Center of Excellence

The Minnesota State IT Center of Excellence joined teachers, tech leaders, and advocates for computer science education at Dunwoody College of Technology for MN+CS 2026 to expand knowledge of K–12 computer science education across the Midwest.

As we know, expanding access to computer science education statewide takes a village. By connecting local teachers with hands-on tools and curricula from global leaders like the Raspberry Pi Foundation, we are helping:

- Lower tech and cost barriers for underfunded classrooms

- Empower K–12 educators with practical, ready-to-use CS and AI resources

- Build a strong, seamless pipeline from middle/high school computing into college tech programs & regional workforce careers

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to visit with Kristi Dundore Zakariasen from the IT Center team.

MnITCOE Executive Director, Janice Aanrnson is in collaboration mode!

What a wonderful confence.learning how AI is helping students, faculty and industry work together to improve the workforce skills moving forward.
Big winners, Google, Cisco Network Academy and Minnesota State System!!

Kristi Dundore Zakariasen from the IT Center attended the STEM & Trades Career Fair today at the International Institute of Minnesota. This free event connects new Americans, refugees, and immigrants with employers offering jobs and training paths in science, technology, engineering, math, and trade industries. Technology companies in Minnesota frequently face representation gaps. Attending this fair directly connects IT programs with diverse talent pools actively seeking upskilling and career opportunities.

Last Friday, July 24th, the IT Center of Excellence was thrilled to partner with the MN Technology Network and the Minnesota STEM Ecosystem at Ignite MN in Red Wing, MN, to host an inspiring group of AI leaders visiting from Brazil! 🇧🇷

Kristi Zakariasen from the IT Center had the honor of sharing how the Minnesota State college system is driving AI and Computer Science education forward across the state. It was a fantastic exchange of ideas and a testament to Minnesota’s growing role in global AI innovation and educational progress.
Thank you, Emily and Val, for including us in the discussion!

Cybersecurity Camp in Alex Tech and Com College. Always great talking cyber with students.

Congrats to the winners of the Minnesota State Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) who were recently honored at the Secure 360 Security Conference.

The winners of the 2026 Minnesota CCDC competition:

1st Place: St. Cloud State University
2nd Place: Dunwoody College of Technology
3rd Place: Metro State University

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Registration is now open for EmpowerMN CS+AI 2026!

EmpowerMN CS+AI 2026 is a unique three-day computing education professional development event that offers a chance to explore a workshop topic of your choice led by experienced facilitators. At EmpowerMN participants will:

• Choose one of seven three-day computer science or artificial intelligence workshops that best aligns to your professional learning goals and experience
• Join whole group events including guest speakers and networking opportunities
• Workshops include:
o Introduction to Computer Science and Computational Thinking
o Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
o CS Integration with Physical Computing
o Experience CS
o AI in CS Education
o Telling Stories with Data: CS Thinking Through Human Data
o Cybersecurity Standards & Curricula

Dates: August 4th - August 6th, 2026
Cost: $100 (includes 1 year of CSTA membership)
Stipend: $630 stipend for teachers who attend all three days (eligibility details)
Location: University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus
Travel Reimbursement: Up to $600 reimbursement available for those who qualify (eligibility details)
Who: Educators of all experience levels interested in computer science and AI education

Register today!

EmpowerMN CS+AI 2026 | University of Minnesota Create a new Guest account. If you do not have an account, you can create a guest account to complete the registration process. Note: parents/guardians of youth participants must be users in the system (either with a University account or a University guest account) before the youth participant can....