Hour of Code tutorials are developed by Code.org with partners, like Disney's Star Wars tutorial. (Hour of Code Image)
Hour of Code tutorials are developed by Code.org with partners, like Disney’s Star Wars tutorial. (Hour of Code Image)

Computer Science Education week is just around the corner, taking place from Dec. 5 -11. This annual event is a push to encourage computer science education for K-12 students, and takes place at thousands of schools across the globe.

The pace of computer science education is lagging behind industry, where tens of thousands of new jobs each year are often left empty for want of talent. Basic computer science skills are also becoming increasingly essential for jobs in a variety of industries.

One way to encourage students to learn computer science is starting early. Code.org’s Hour of Code, a central part of Computer Science Education Week, brings together hundreds of free online coding tutorials for a variety of ages. The tutorials can be used by educators or parents to help their kids learn the basic skills of coding.

Organizations around the globe will also host their own workshops and educational events — for those in the Seattle area, Microsoft is hosting Hour of Code events in Microsoft Store in Bellevue Square mall every day between Dec. 7 and 11.

This week is a great time to get yourself — or your kids — excited about learning how to code. Check out the Computer Science Education Week’s website to find out how to get involved.

That’s one of the selections from the GeekWire Calendar, our curated list of the Pacific Northwest’s top tech events. Keep reading and visit the full calendar for more.

startup-grindStartup Grind hosts Scott Svenson, CEO and co-founder of MOD Pizza

What: If you can stand to think about food after the holiday, Scott Svenson’s talk at Startup Grind is sure to be interesting. He is a food-focused serial entrepreneur, with experience founding and running companies like Seattle Coffee Company and MOD Pizza, and has also spent time in leadership positions with Starbucks. He speaks at Startup Grind, a monthly gathering of Seattle’s startup community on Nov. 29.

Where: Galvanize, Seattle

When: Nov. 29, 6 p.m.8 p.m.

Register: Tickets available for purchase here.

starburst-seattleStarburst Accelerator Selection Committee

What: The Starburst Accelerator is the first aerospace accelerator, with offices in LA, Paris, Munich, and Singapore. So far 98 successful startups have made it through the program, and Starburst is hosting its next accelerator at Seattle’s Museum of Flight, giving local startups a chance to compete for funds and mentoring from local experts.

When: Nov. 30, 9 a.m.3 p.m.

Where: Museum of Flight, Seattle

Register: Register for the event here.

gala-2016-logo-with-wells-fargoGeekWire Gala 2016, presented by Wells Fargo

What: The GeekWire Gala is the Seattle tech community’s holiday tradition, with more than 1,000 geeks in attendance. In conjunction with MOHAI, we’ll unveil the Seattle 10— 10 of the most promising up-and-coming startups in the region. Exhibits will be open, and drinks and appetizers will be flowing. Join us to boogie down with leaders from all walks of Seattle’s tech community.

When: Dec. 7, 6 p.m.10 p.m.

Where: MOHAI: Museum of History & Industry, Seattle

Register: Tickets and more information available here.

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