Googler for a Day Competition 2008

Googler for a Day

As part of Google's participation in Informatica08 and our ongoing commitment to furthering excellence in Computer Science, we have created a unique opportunity for young students to explore the world of Computer Science. Through Googler for a Day, we aim to encourage young women and men to pursue computing and technology fields for their University studies.

In November and December 2008, 4 classes of finalists will be invited to visit Google’s European Engineering Centre in Zurich. The day will start at 10am and end at 3pm and will include a scavenger hunt, interactive coding projects, a legendary Google lunch and more. The activities will be run in a mixture of both German and English. This day will provide an opportunity for all finalists to learn more about what a career in computer science really means and have lots of fun!

Googler for a Day winners will be awarded based on the strength of their class entries. 4 classes of up to 26 students will be chosen from the applications. The top 4 classes selected will be Googler for a Day recipients, and will win a day’s experience at Google’s European Engineering Centre in Zürich. These top classes will participate in activities that stimulate and engage young people through exploring technology. In addition, one or more runner-up classes may receive a class gift from Google.

Eligibility

Classes/Students must:

• be between the ages of 14-16 years old.
• be enrolled in a Swiss school class that is in a "(Langzeit-)Gymnasium" or in "Sekundarschule A" OR be enrolled in a class in (or preparing for) a "Gymnasium" or "Kantonsschule".
• be a class of no more than 26 students.
• be interested in learning more about Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Informatics, or a closely related technical field.
• maintain an excellent behaviour and school performance record.
• be accompanied by your teacher and the relevant number of teacher's assistants.

How to Apply

Please fill out the application form for Googler for a Day. The application includes two essay questions as follows:

1. Each student should contribute (up to one paragraph each) to an essay about the way technology can make a good impact on the world.
2. The teacher and students should think together about this scenario: Suppose your class was given 2,000 CHF to plan an event or project that should encourage youth to enter Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Informatics, or a closely related technical field. Describe your motivation for choosing the event or project, what you would do, and what impact it would have.

Applications are due by 8 October 2008. All applications will be acknowledged by email. The last step in the Googler for a Day class selection process will be phone discussions with the teachers of the 4 finalist classes. Finalists will be notified by 25 October 2008.

Please note, if your class is chosen, we will require documentation showing parental authorization for all students to spend a day at Google, and photo release (or indication of which students do not authorize photos to be taken).

For specific questions not answered on this page please e-mail europe-events@google.com. Please include "Googler for a Day Question" in the subject of your email.