A two-day gaming, hacking and coding event is underway in Boise this weekend. One Stone, a student-run organization, and the Idaho PTECH Network, an organization that bridges the gap between education and industry, are hosting PTECH high school students from across the state to learn about the tech industry.

The first-ever PlayTech event will feature speakers from the high tech and start-up industries, as well as peer-to-peer coaching opportunities for students.

“We know how important career exploration and experiential learning opportunities are for high school students as they make critical decisions about their future educational and training needs,” said Alan Millar, executive director of the Idaho PTECH Network.

Boise-based start-up Klowd.com is providing the coding instruction. The group will guide students through coding basics with the goal of demonstrating what is possible through coding knowledge.

“This is a beta version of the event, but it’s the kind of thing we want to put all of our students through,” Millar said. “We are using this event to showcase students by having industry come in and show them what job opportunities are available.”

Other activities of the weekend include a tech skills round table with technology professionals and a life-size game simulation. One Stone student organizer Matt Wiggins wants to be part of the future of technology.

“I’m excited to participate in this event and learn about technology. I don’t plan to go to college for technology, but everyone in my generation needs to be aware of what is out there.”

Tech professionals and the public are invited to watch the students in action at the following times:

Friday at 4 p.m. – Design Your Life

Friday at 5 p.m. – Coding Skills

Saturday at noon – Tech Round Table

The event is located at Trailhead, 500 S Eighth St. Boise, ID 83702.

Note: One Stone, Idaho PTECH Network and Idaho Education News are supported by the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation.