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Fetch to Host Mark Cuban Foundation Artificial Intelligence Boot Camp for Madison Area High School Students

Fetch, Madison’s unicorn tech startup and the nation’s leading rewards app, will host a Mark Cuban Foundation Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bootcamp for high school students at No-Cost in the Fall of 2023. The AI Bootcamp in Madison will be targeted at underserved high school students (9th-12th grade) and will introduce these high school students to basic AI concepts and skills. Fetch is one of 28+ host companies selected to host camps across the US in Fall 2023.

The Fetch Bootcamp will be held over four consecutive Saturdays starting on October 14th and ending on November 4th. The bootcamp will run each Saturday from 1-5pm CT and if accepted, high school students must commit to attending all 4 sessions. The student and parent application are now open at markcubanai.org/fetchpr. Students do not need any prior experience with computer science, programming, or robotics to apply and attend.

With AI being a relevant topic on many news sources, students will learn what artificial intelligence is and is not, where they already interact with AI in their own lives, and the ethical implications of AI systems including but not limited to TikTok recommendations, smart home assistants, facial recognition, and self-driving cars to name a few. Participants will also learn how Large Language Models like ChatGPT are changing life as we know it by answering questions, telling original stories, and even writing computer code.

Students will benefit from volunteer corporate mentor instructors who are knowledgeable about AI, ML and data science and able to help students quickly understand material normally taught at a collegiate level. As part of the four-hour curriculum, students will work with open source tools each day to build their own AI applications related to Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing and Generative AI.

The Mark Cuban Foundation provides the bootcamp’s curriculum materials, trains corporate volunteer mentors, and recruits and scores applications for local student selected to attend camp. In addition, the Mark Cuban Foundation and Fetch work together to provide food, transportation, and access to laptops for students at no-cost throughout the duration of Bootcamp.

“It was a lot of fun, I learned things I didn’t even know were possible with A.I. and their real-world applications showed me just how much it will change our world.”
– Brandon B., 10th Grade, 2022 AI Bootcamp Participant

Founded by Mark Cuban in 2019, the AI Bootcamp initiative has hosted no-cost AI bootcamps for students across several US cities, including Dallas, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Atlantic City to name a few. The Mark Cuban Foundation has impacted 900+ students to date and has a goal to increase that number year over year.

Students interested in applying to the Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp should do so before Friday, September 8th, 2023 at markcubanai.org/fetchpr. To see our 2023 camp locations and to learn more about the Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamps, please visit markcubanai.org/faq.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Rebel Scrum: Scrum Day 2023: Madison’s Premier Agile Conference Celebrates the Power of Teamwork

Madison, Wisconsin – May 30, 2023 – Scrum enthusiasts and Agile practitioners from across the region will gather on September 14, 2023, for Madison’s highly anticipated inaugural Scrum Day conference. The one-day event, held at the Alliant Energy Center, promises to be an immersive experience focused on the theme, “Scrum is a team sport.”

Scrum, the most popular Agile framework in use today, has revolutionized how teams approach complex projects, ranging from IT product development to human resources management. Scrum Day provides an invaluable opportunity for professionals and organizations to deepen their understanding of Scrum principles and techniques, fostering continuous improvement and collaborative success.

“Scrum is a team sport,” emphasizes the core message of this year’s event. The framework’s effectiveness lies in its ability to harness the collective intelligence and effort of the team. Scrum Day 2023 aims to remind attendees of the crucial role teamwork plays in implementing Scrum successfully and delivering outstanding results.

“The event’s theme reflects the essence of Scrum,” said Mary Iqbal, the event organizer. “By showcasing the power of collaboration, we aim to inspire participants to embrace the ‘team sport’ mentality, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence within their organizations.”

Scrum Day 2023 will feature an impressive lineup of renowned speakers, industry experts, and experienced Agile practitioners. Attendees can look forward to engaging keynote presentations, enlightening panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities. The conference will provide a platform for knowledge sharing, exchanging best practices, and gaining insights into the latest trends and developments in the Agile and Scrum landscape.

To further enhance the Scrum Day experience, the conference warmly welcomes exhibitors to showcase their businesses and demonstrate support for local businesses while connecting with influential Agile leaders. As an exhibitor, your business will play a vital role in the event, with booth space located right in the main hall. Scheduled time for games and activities that encourage engagement with exhibitors will ensure that your organization remains front and center throughout the conference.

“We believe that exhibitors are a valuable part of Scrum Day, and their presence adds to the overall experience,” said Iqbal. “We invite businesses to join us, connect with our attendees, and showcase their products and services to a highly influential audience.”

Interested exhibitors are encouraged to visit the official conference website at www.ScrumDay.org to sign up and secure their booth space. Early registration is recommended as availability is limited.

Event Details:

Date: September 14, 2023

Venue: Alliant Energy Center

Address: 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713

About Scrum Day

Scrum Day is an annual conference dedicated to the Agile methodology’s Scrum framework. The event brings together Agile practitioners, industry leaders, and enthusiasts to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and promote continuous improvement. With a focus on teamwork and collaboration, Scrum Day serves as a catalyst for personal and professional growth in the Agile community.

Contact:
Mary Iqbal
Event Organizer, Scrum Day 2023
Phone: 414-687-6279
Email: mary@scrumday.org

Photo by Richard Hurd

Wisco Barbell Club’s Summer Kickoff Challenge

Our Summer Kickoff Challenge is the perfect way to jumpstart your fitness routine! Join us for 3 HIIT classes a week for 6 weeks and pay HALF OFF the standard price. Better yet, if you attend all 18 classes, you will win 1-month of a Silver Membership. That’s a $350 value for only $99!

Wisco Barbell Club’s HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) classes are strength-based sessions that incorporate pre-set work times followed by shorter rest periods with a different primary focus on a daily basis. You will be building strength and improving your conditioning with these classes.

Co-Owner and Lead Trainer, Dakota Selje, tailors each class to your current fitness level (adapting for any physical limitations) making it an unique experience for everyone training in the same hour-long session. Whether you’re just starting out, or have been training all your life, Dakota adjusts the weight and reps for each person to challenge themselves equally.

“Dakota as a coach helped tremendously to achieve where I wanted to be with my first bodybuilding experience; Not only was he informative, he was straight forward, focused, and honest. He covered dieting and training yet when it came down to a week out he even helped with all the prep.” – Elijah, Current Member

Challenge: $99 for 3 HIIT classes a week for 6 weeks. Get a perfect attendance and win 1 month free of Silver Membership for unlimited HIIT classes.

Rules: Must take HIIT classes 3x a week for 6 weeks (or 18 classes total) to win the free month.

Restrictions: Only 5 spots available per month. Can start the consecutive 6-weeks anytime between June 1st – August 31st. For new Silver Members only. 

How to sign up: Go to wiscobarbell.club/challenge to sign up right away or schedule a tour to view the space.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Wisconsin Union: Free Outdoor Movies, Including Surprise Sunday Selection, to Bring the Cinema to Memorial Union Terrace

MADISON – This summer is bringing a beloved tradition back to the Memorial Union Terrace but with an exciting new addition. The Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Film Committee’s 2023 Lakeside Cinema series will bring free outdoor movies of many genres to the Terrace each Monday, with a select group of Sunday titles to be announced just before each screening to make for some summer surprises.

The Sunday series, titled Secret Sunday Scaries, features an array of spooky-themed films whose titles will be hinted at and then announced on the WUD Film Committee’s Instagram and Facebook accounts on the Thursday afternoons before each screening. Each screening begins at 9 p.m. Secret Sunday Scaries dates and film ratings are as follows:

Along with these select Sunday screenings, from May 29-Sept. 4, patrons can enjoy free Lakeside Cinema films every Monday evening at 9 p.m. on the UW Credit Union Terrace Stage. The scheduled dates, titles and film ratings are as follows:

  • May 29: “Good Burger,” PG
  • June 5: “Booksmart,” R
  • June 12: “But I’m a Cheerleader,” R
  • June 19: “Black Panther,” PG-13
  • June 26: “Men in Black,” PG-13
  • July 3: “High School Musical 2,” G
  • July 10: “Grown Ups,” PG-13
  • July 17: “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” PG-13
  • July 24: “The Big Lebowski,” R
  • July 31: “The Princess and the Frog,” G
  • Aug. 7: “Cars,” G
  • Aug. 14: “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” PG-13
  • Aug. 21: “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” PG
  • Aug. 28: “Muppet Treasure Island,” G
  • Sept. 4: “Pitch Perfect 2,” PG-13

“Our Terrace screenings celebrate Madison as a city and as a community,” said Heewone Lim, WUD summer film coordinator and University of Wisconsin–Madison student. “In a regular theater viewing experience, you wouldn’t be able to sit in our iconic sunburst Terrace chairs or split a cup of ice cream from the Daily Scoop with friends and family. With Lakeside Cinema, we’re able to provide a space where our audience can make and share memories, creating something that the entire Madison community and visitors can enjoy.”

Filmgoers can enjoy the many dining options found at Memorial Union and the Terrace, including hot dogs, chips, and sodas for $1 each – a special deal exclusively offered on Lakeside Cinema Sunday and Monday screening evenings at the on-site Brat Stand starting at 8 p.m.

Terrace seating at film showings is available on a first come, first served basis. In the event of inclement weather, the Wisconsin Union team will aim to host the screening in der Rathskeller in Memorial Union. 

In addition to the summer screenings on the Terrace, the WUD Film Committee presents free film showings in the Marquee at Union South each fall and spring and is one of the 11 student-run committees and six clubs that make up WUD. These WUD student leaders create more than 1,000 free or low-cost events each year while cultivating real-world leadership skills. Many of them receive academic stipends funded by Wisconsin Union operating revenue and donations for their work. 

The Union’s free and low-cost events, as well as student leadership opportunities, are made possible through donations to the Wisconsin Union, purchases at the Union’s dining options and online store, as well as Wisconsin Union membership purchases. For a full lineup of Terrace season events, visit terracesummer.com.

Photo by Richard Hurd

StartingBlock Madison: Deadline Tomorrow (May 26) to Apply for Madworks Mission Based Accelerator

The Madworks Mission Based Accelerator, Summer 2023, runs every Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from June 14 through August 17. (Taking a break the week of July 4).

In order to learn more about you and your company, we’d like you to complete the Mission Based Accelerator application. Once we receive your application, we will be in touch to discuss next steps.

Learn more information here.

Apply here.

If you have questions, contact Leslie Weissburg at leslie@startingblockmadison.org.