Hive Minneapolis/ Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

[simonaramkisson]

Decision Maker - @chrislarry33 Driver/Owner - @simonaramkisson Consulted - @ldecoursy Informed- @mcdermott415

Main Contact: rganders@smumn.edu.

[simonaramkisson]

Hive Interest Form:

"Responses from my friends and associates about starting a Hive in MSP has been exciting. All have expressed sincere interest and wish to learn more. However, at this time I have not asked anyone to 'sign-up'. I didn't want to use the Mozilla name without some buy-in or approval to move forward with a Hive Event.

Current Team Members:

• Dr Yvette Pye; Professor, Founder of Dream Big Institute & The Pye Institute for Literacy & Education, Author: Going From the Projects to PhD: Transcending My Geography • Saint Mary's University; in particular the School of Education and the Learning, Design and Technology graduate program. Dean Rebecca Hopkins; Dr Nancy Van Erp, program director • Dr Suzanne Moore; St Paul Urban League

Mission Statement: "In an increasingly technology-mediated society, digital literacy is a 21st century survival skill. Adults need to be digitally literate in order to be employable, acquire good and services and interact with government agencies. Even our tech-savvy children and teens, who may be able to type rapidly on a small keyboard and play visually complex video games, need to develop essential digital literacies in order to be safe, smart and effective online.

Differences in access and digital literacies may become a new division in our society separating the 1% and the 99%.

The Minneapolis-St Paul Hive will strive to improve the digital literacies of underserved children and adults using a connected learning, constructivist, maker approach. "

Stakeholders/Connected Community Members: • "Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Northside Achievement Zone Best Buy Geek Squad Academy Twin Cities Maker Hack Factory Don Samuels (Minneapolis School Board) Minnesota High Tech Association.
Higher Ground Academy in St. Paul Cristo-Rey High School Five local high schools in the Lasallian network

In my 30 year career in information technology and education, I have a rich network of friends and associates to draw upon."

Potential Funding Opportunities: I plan to submit a grant to the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership to fund a local Hive event. At this time I have no further plans for fund raising, but would approach a number of the entities listed previously and would vigorously explore funding sources in the Twin Cities with the guidance of our Universities development personnel.

Follow Up: •We have a meeting scheduled on June 11. I can be reached anytime at 612-310-3400 or rganders@smumn.edu.

[simonaramkisson]

Invited Bob to Hive Global community call

[simonaramkisson]

Connected Bob with Sam, Leah and Lindsey. Bob wanted to get personal conversations started with current Hives to get a grasp on some of their challenges.

Note from Bob about current meetings and discussions with other community/university organizations:

The Minneapolis - St Paul metro area is the 16th largest in the U.S. and unemployment is very low in this prosperous region. However, our achievement gap metrics are among the worst in the nation. We need improvement in MSP and a Hive will help!

Since we last spoke, I have spoken to Don Samuels on the Minneapolis School Board and Sondra Samuels, the CEO of the Northside Achievement Zone. Followup meetings have been planned. Next week, I will reach out to contacts at the Science Museum, the Bakken Museum and our University's Vice President. I will also be submitting a grant proposal to Saint Mary's University's Hendrickson Institute for the Hive startup process and first event.

[simonaramkisson]

Follow up office hours: Friday July 24, 2:00 pm

[simonaramkisson]

Bob has been connected to Leah and Sam about his current efforts and he has requested that we connect in early September. I let him know about facilitating a SWOT activity with current relationships i.e the Minneapolis School Board and Saint Mary's.