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Students Use Technology to Tackle Disabilities at UNO IT Innovation Cup

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Skutt Catholic's team with their top-place award at last year's IT Innovation Cup

Omaha – Omaha-area high school students will compete on Tuesday, April 15, to discover who can create the most innovative technological assistance for people with disabilities as part of the second annual IT Innovation Cup from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) College of Information Science and Technology (IS&T).

Presented by FirstData, the IT Innovation Cup brings together teams of up to 10 high school students to create the most innovative, creative and overall best IT-based solution to a key world issue; this year’s topic is to address physical and mental disabilities.

"Encouraging the information technology leaders of tomorrow is a priority for our college,” said Hesham Ali, dean of the College of IS&T. “The IT Innovation Cup gives high school students an opportunity to approach problem solving in innovative ways while exposing them to future careers in IT. We’re excited to involve the entire Omaha community in this event.”

The April 15 event, held at the Scott Conference Center, 6450 Pine St., will feature final presentations and awards as the culmination of a seven-month-long contest that required student groups to submit proposals and continually refine their presentations.

This year’s winning team will receive a $2,000 cash prize for their school. Second place will be awarded $750 and third place $250.

Final presentations and public voting will take place from 3 to 5:30 p.m. with the awards program beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Last year’s IT Innovation Cup was won by Omaha’s V.J. and Angela Skutt Catholic High School.

The following schools are participating in this year’s competition:

Bellevue East High School
 Omaha Central High School
 Creighton Preparatory School
 Gross Catholic High School
 Skutt Catholic High School

Sponsors include First Data, the Greater Omaha Chamber, Dundee Venture Capital, Vetter Health Services and the ISC2 Omaha-Lincoln Chapter.

For media inquiries, please contact Charley Reed, UNO media relations coordinator, at unonews@unomaha.edu or by phone at 402.554.2129.

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

 Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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