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Welcome to

DUCK UNIVERSITY

Learn the skills of the future with our innovative education program focused on real-world technology solutions!


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Introduction

Rubber Ducky

At Good.Better.Best Solutions, we believe in the power of collaboration and continuous improvement! Our innovative program, Duck University, is inspired by our Rubber Ducky Group initiative. This initiative provides technologists with a supportive group of colleagues to practice "rubber ducking" – a common method of problem-solving, among technologist, where explaining your code or challenge out loud helps clarify thoughts and leads to solutions.


Out of the Rubber Ducking process, Duck University was created by technologist who use Microsoft’s Power Platform to solve business solutions. The resulting program is designed to be a fun and interactive course. Students, or “Ducklings”, will learn to use Microsoft Power Platform which is a set of tools that helps businesses create custom apps, automate tasks, and analyze data. Through hands-on projects, working with a personal mentor, and being supported by the Good.Better.Best Solutions Team, and a team of experienced Mentors, they will find success. 

Our Vision

Our vision is to empower high school students with practical technical skills through immersive education in the Microsoft Power Platform, project management, and technical solutioning. We aim to provide a gateway to advanced technological understanding and equip students with valuable competencies that can be directly applied in the workplace. By fostering a new generation of tech-savvy innovators, we aspire to broaden their horizons and inspire a passion for technology that drives future success. 

Hatching the Program

The Microsoft Power Platform at Duck University is structured into four progressive levels, each designed to build upon the previous one, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. Each level focuses on different aspects of skill development, from foundational knowledge to real-world application, guiding students through a journey of growth and innovation. 


  1. Foundations Level: Guided Build

  • Introduction to the Power Platform through a step-by-step project, building a solution for an ice cream shop.

2. Innovators Level: Personal Build

  • Students design and build their own unique solutions, applying learned skills to personal projects.

3. Community Champions Level: Community Build

  • Developing solutions that address real-world problems for local businesses, emphasizing community impact.

4. Professional Pathways Level: Internship


All Ducklings will start at level 1. The focus of this level is to involve students in finding computer solutions to problems found in the business world. They will be introduced to the Microsoft Power Platform and learn how to use its products and how to design solutions to some common business problems. Once a level is completed, Ducklings will have filled the pre-requisite for the next level. 

Our Ducklings

What They Receive

At Duck University, we ensure our students have the tools and resources they need to succeed. Each duckling will be provided with a Microsoft license that gives full access to the Microsoft O365 suite, including all the essential tools for their projects and learning. Additionally, students will have access to our conference room, The Athenaeum, during business hours. Here, they can schedule time to work on their projects in a quiet, secure environment. For those who need them, laptops are also available for use while at The Athenaeum, ensuring that all students have the technology they need to thrive.

What They Learn

  1. Ducklings will gain a strong understanding of the Microsoft Power Platform, including how to create apps, automate workflows, and analyze data. These skills are highly relevant in today’s technology driven workplace.
  2. Through the course, Ducklings will work on a project where they build a complete business solution. They will use SharePoint for employee management, Power Apps to develop a customer-facing app, Power Automate to create automated alerts, and Power BI to analyze data.
  3. This course encourages Ducklings to think creatively as they design and implement solutions to business challenges. They will learn how to approach problems from multiple angles and develop solutions that are both practical and innovative.
  4. Ducklings will work on their projects both individually and in groups, developing teamwork skills. At the end of the course, they will present their projects, gaining experience in communicating their ideas effectively. 


In today’s digital world, the ability to use technology to solve problems is an essential skill. By the end of this course, with the successes that they will have experienced at Duck University, Ducklings will not only have a foundational understanding of the Microsoft Power Platform but will also be equipped with practical skills that can open doors to future educational and career opportunities in technology!

Mentorship

 At Duck University, we believe that mentorship is a crucial component of the learning journey. Each student will be paired with a dedicated mentor who will guide them throughout the program. Our mentors are experienced professionals in the field, passionate about nurturing the next generation of tech leaders. They will provide personalized support, offer insights from their own experiences, and help students navigate challenges as they progress through the different levels. This mentorship ensures that students not only gain technical skills but also develop the confidence and mindset needed to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Requirements

Acceptance Criteria

To be considered for Duck University, students should be 14 years or older and currently enrolled in at least their freshman year of high school. We kindly ask that both parents and students complete an onboarding form as part of the application process. Due to the limited space in our program, with only five available slots, our team will carefully review all submissions to select the students who will join us.


When your student is chosen for the program, they will officially be a Duckling. Each Duckling will be assigned a mentor with whom they will receive one-on-one training and feedback from and be required to do a weekly check in with to ensure Ducklings remain on track and complete the required 60 hours of work to earn their ½ credit. Ducklings will not be on their own! All Ducklings will become familiar with the whole Mentor team who will be leading the lessons within the program and offering continuous support.

Materials

Ducklings will need access to a personal computer, such as a desktop or laptop, along with a reliable internet connection to participate in the program. Unfortunately, phones or tablets like iPads won’t be suitable for the work involved. If you don't have access to a PC or the internet at home, don’t worry! We offer the option to schedule time in our secure conference room, which we call The Athenaeum, where you can use a computer with internet access to complete your projects. We’re here to support you every step of the way, whether at home or in our dedicated space.

What do Parents Need to do

Parents of Ducklings will be required to fill out and return all on-boarding paperwork. They need to help keep their Ducklings accountable to their projects. Ducklings need time to do their work and sometimes they will need rides to the Atheneum for work or meetings. Ducklings will also require support and encouragement from their family and friends as they work through their assignments. Parental attendance at their end of level presentation is the capstone of their success.

Meet the Program Team

Maggie Rogers

Zephaniah Hailey

Zephaniah Hailey

 Maggie Rogers is the CEO and Principal Consultant for Good.Better.Best Solutions LLC, a Continuous Improvement firm located in Alaska. With a Master's degree in Management and Leadership and almost two decades of leadership experience, Maggie has developed a deep understanding of the intricacies of leading successful organizational trans

 Maggie Rogers is the CEO and Principal Consultant for Good.Better.Best Solutions LLC, a Continuous Improvement firm located in Alaska. With a Master's degree in Management and Leadership and almost two decades of leadership experience, Maggie has developed a deep understanding of the intricacies of leading successful organizational transformations. As a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Maggie has consistently driven process improvements, leveraging technology as a solution through her company. Committed to giving back, Maggie actively supports community engagement initiatives, fostering connections and providing opportunities for growth and development within the community. 

Zephaniah Hailey

Zephaniah Hailey

Zephaniah Hailey

     Zephaniah Hailey is the Senior Solutions   Architect for Good.Better.Best Solutions LLC. In her role, she helps clients   build creative solutions using the Microsoft Power Platform and is deeply   involved in implementation and optimization efforts. Currently attending   Western Governors University for her cybersecurity degree, she

     Zephaniah Hailey is the Senior Solutions   Architect for Good.Better.Best Solutions LLC. In her role, she helps clients   build creative solutions using the Microsoft Power Platform and is deeply   involved in implementation and optimization efforts. Currently attending   Western Governors University for her cybersecurity degree, she holds A+, Network+,   and Security+ certifications, showcasing her commitment to continuous   learning and professional development. As a lead coordinator for Duck   University, Zephaniah Hailey plays a crucial role in guiding and mentoring   students, fostering their growth and development in the field of technology.

Totiana Roberts

Zephaniah Hailey

Totiana Roberts

Totiana Roberts is the Project Controller at Good.Better.Best Solutions LLC. She ensures the seamless execution of projects by leveraging her Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Change Management Professional certification. She focuses on aligning timelines, budgets, and resource allocation while fostering collaboration and facilitating product

Totiana Roberts is the Project Controller at Good.Better.Best Solutions LLC. She ensures the seamless execution of projects by leveraging her Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Change Management Professional certification. She focuses on aligning timelines, budgets, and resource allocation while fostering collaboration and facilitating productive meetings. Beyond her expertise in change management, she finds joy in exploring and leveraging the Microsoft Power Platform to enhance efficiency and innovation in her daily work.  

Joy Boitnott

Zephaniah Hailey

Totiana Roberts

 Joy Boitnott is the Educational Coordinator at Good.Better.Best Solutions LLC. She began her career in the US Air Force, working with computer hardware and coding. After raising her family of six children and settling in Alaska, she pursued her dream of becoming an educator. She holds two Master's degrees, one in Teaching, and the other 

 Joy Boitnott is the Educational Coordinator at Good.Better.Best Solutions LLC. She began her career in the US Air Force, working with computer hardware and coding. After raising her family of six children and settling in Alaska, she pursued her dream of becoming an educator. She holds two Master's degrees, one in Teaching, and the other in Teaching Special Education. She earned her degrees from the University of Alaska Southeast. With a rich background as a Homeschool Contact teacher and a “homeschooling mom” herself, she offers a unique insight to the program development. As an experienced classroom teacher, she has spent multiple years in special education classrooms within the public school system. In her role as Educational Coordinator, she ensures that Duck University meets the highest level of educational standards, bringing her extensive expertise and commitment to quality education to the program. 

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