After competing in the State Farm Coding Competition, the Yale University sophomore realizes State Farm is nothing like what he envisioned.

"Before the coding competition, I really hadn’t thought of State Farm as a potential destination for me,” the computer science major said.

Like many of his peers, Harshal saw insurance as a necessity to drive their car, or protect the stuff in their apartment or dorm room.

That opinion changed when Harshal got turned on to the State Farm Coding Competition by friend and 2016 State Farm Coding Competition winner and three-time finalist Ankur Sundara.

“Ankur had competed in the competition three other times and told me about it,” Harshal said.

The annual State Farm Coding Competition is a two-stage Java competition for college undergraduate students. Students register online individually or as teams. On the day of the competition, they download the problem statement and upload their solution. The top five submissions were invited, expenses paid, to the Marina Heights Hub for the final.

"Ankur and I competed in the qualifying round together,” Harshal said. “It seemed like an interesting opportunity to try something new and work on a real-world problem, not something out of a textbook.”

The competition also identifies programmers for State Farm.

"The Coding Competition gives students some real-world situations, but for State Farm it serves the purpose of advertising State Farm as a tech company and that we have jobs in the tech field,” said Software Developer Josh Storrs, who directs the competition for State Farm. “We are able to spread that word and make young programmers aware of the opportunities here.”

Josh said the goal for the students in the first round is to implement a solution that will make the test cases pass in the most efficient manner possible. The competitors have four hours to finish and State Farm judges use a script to verify how many tests each team passed along with looking at any bonus completed to choose the finalists. The finalists earn $800 per team and receive an expenses-paid trip to State Farm for an on-site final.

The final is more insurance related. The finalists are graded on the cleanliness of their code and how maintainable it is. The finalists also explain how they came to their solution and what benefit it would give the company.

Finalists are graded on both the code and presentation. The winning team earns $1,500.

"They are pretty good at thinking outside of the box and being creative in their solutions,” Josh said. “We don’t give them a whole lot of time so it is impressive how much they are able to do in a small window. Coming up with a nifty solution and being able to present that solution before a panel of judges, it’s impressive.”

"The competition was incredibly well-run and provided me an opportunity to tackle an interesting problem and present my solution to State Farm executives,” Harshal said. “It's definitely put State Farm on the radar for me, and opened my eyes to the technical sophistication required to make the company operate effectively.”

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State Farm^® will be highlighted in a nationally televised program that focuses on the military and veteran community.

“Operation Career” is a special edition of “Military Makeover,” with 30-minute episodes profiling various industries and career opportunities with companies that help veterans assimilate into the civilian workplace.

Transitioning out of the military back to civilian life brings a variety of challenges.

State Farm was invited to participate in a segment, titled “Operation Career: Employment Opportunities for Our Military Spouses & Veterans – Helping Our Heroes Transition from Military Life to The Civilian Workplace.”

Three State Farm veterans – Information Security Consultant Tony Tran, Claim Specialist Roger Perez and St. Petersburg, Fla., Agent Mimi Lange – are profiled in a segment that will air on the Lifetime Network Feb. 7 and 13 at 7:30 a.m. EST. State Farm has been recognized as one of the leading military-friendly employers supporting veterans and military employees, since 2009. Human Resources Talent Brand Specialist Jennifer Sneen shares company philosophy behind hiring the unique skill-sets and core-values of those who served, and her own story as a military spouse.

Inspired by the events of 9/11, Tony Tran joined the Marines out of high school in 2004. As a Staff Sergeant, he supported Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq in 2008 and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in 2011. Tony began his State Farm career in 2016 as an Information Security Specialist.

Lieutenant Colonel Roger Perez was commissioned through the Army ROTC program. Roger completed two one-year deployments to Kuwait, in 2003-2004 with the 336^th Finance Command and in 2010-2011 with the 335^th Signal Command. He retired after more than 20 years of service in 2012. Roger began his State Farm career in 2001 in Claims.

Mimi Lange joined the Army Reserves in high school before attending Delaware State University. The Civil Affairs Specialist spent her senior year of college in Iraq in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon returning, she attended the Defense Language Institute, learning to read, write and speak Arabic. Mimi began her State Farm career in 2009 as an agent in Atlanta and transitioned to work at Corporate for two years before returning to agency in Saint Petersburg, Fla.

Jennifer Sneen is a 24-year Army spouse who served as a Family Readiness Group (FRG) leader for the 209^th Military Intelligence Company while her husband was deployed in 2011. Jennifer also worked for the Department of Defense in the Retirements Office helping soldiers transition from active service. Jennifer began her career with State Farm as an Auto Claim Rep in 2013, accepted a Recruiter role in 2017, ascending to her current role.

The segment was filmed onsite at our Marina Heights campus in Phoenix.

“Operation Career” is a special edition of “Military Makeover,” with 30-minute episodes profiling various industries and career opportunities with companies that help veterans assimilate into the civilian workplace.

Transitioning out of the military back to civilian life brings a variety of challenges.

State Farm was invited to participate in a segment, titled “Operation Career: Employment Opportunities for Our Military Spouses & Veterans – Helping Our Heroes Transition from Military Life to The Civilian Workplace.”

Three State Farm veterans – Information Security Consultant Tony Tran, Claim Specialist Roger Perez and St. Petersburg, Fla., Agent Mimi Lange – are profiled in a segment that will air on the Lifetime Network Feb. 7 and 13 at 7:30 a.m. EST. State Farm has been recognized as one of the leading military-friendly employers supporting veterans and military employees, since 2009. Human Resources Talent Brand Specialist Jennifer Sneen shares company philosophy behind hiring the unique skill-sets and core-values of those who served, and her own story as a military spouse.

Inspired by the events of 9/11, Tony Tran joined the Marines out of high school in 2004. As a Staff Sergeant, he supported Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq in 2008 and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in 2011. Tony began his State Farm career in 2016 as an Information Security Specialist.

Lieutenant Colonel Roger Perez was commissioned through the Army ROTC program. Roger completed two one-year deployments to Kuwait, in 2003-2004 with the 336^th Finance Command and in 2010-2011 with the 335^th Signal Command. He retired after more than 20 years of service in 2012. Roger began his State Farm career in 2001 in Claims.

Mimi Lange joined the Army Reserves in high school before attending Delaware State University. The Civil Affairs Specialist spent her senior year of college in Iraq in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon returning, she attended the Defense Language Institute, learning to read, write and speak Arabic. Mimi began her State Farm career in 2009 as an agent in Atlanta and transitioned to work at Corporate for two years before returning to agency in Saint Petersburg, Fla.

Jennifer Sneen is a 24-year Army spouse who served as a Family Readiness Group (FRG) leader for the 209^th Military Intelligence Company while her husband was deployed in 2011. Jennifer also worked for the Department of Defense in the Retirements Office helping soldiers transition from active service. Jennifer began her career with State Farm as an Auto Claim Rep in 2013, accepted a Recruiter role in 2017, ascending to her current role.

The segment was filmed onsite at our Marina Heights campus in Phoenix.

Rodgers (Green Bay Packers quarterback) remains the target of the one-sided rivalry between his on-screen sports agent Gabe Gabriel and real-life State Farm Agent Patrick Minnis. This season, Gabe introduces his new client Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs quarterback) in an attempt to one-up his rival agent.

“I’ve been involved in a few different campaigns over the years with State Farm, but this latest is one of my favorites," Rodgers said. "It’s been fun to see how these agents of mine try and out do each other. And, having Patrick (Mahomes) making a few cameos will be a nice surprise for the fans.”

Gabe's attempt to make Aaron jealous by bringing on last year’s MVP is futile. Throughout the various ads, Gabe tries to show his value. Instead, he sets up the State Farm agent who demonstrates how helpful and understanding State Farm can be.

“I’m pumped to be working with State Farm and Aaron," Mahomes said. "I’ve been a big fan of their ads for years, so it’s really exciting to be joining the team.”

The ads will run on broadcast, social media, radio, and elsewhere until the conference championship games which start Jan. 19, 2020.

DDB Chicago created the “Agent vs. Agent” campaign. It shows how State Farm is Here to help life go right®. It offers the care of an agent who knows you, matched with technology that makes doing business easier.

In the News:

• Forbes - Exclusive: Aaron Rodgers has new MVP 'Mahomie' in State Farm ads (09/05/19)

The team in Tempe, Ariz., collected items to donate to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital for families who have to stay at the hospital for an extended period of time. Donated toys, books and hygiene products help make that stay a little more comfortable.

“I understood where the parents and children were coming from on an emotional level,” Cari says of the patients and their families at the hospital. “We stayed in the hospital the entire time our daughter had the procedure. It’s a lonely experience. We benefitted from a cart that had toothpaste and deodorant and other hygiene products.

“All those things are so welcoming when you don’t want to go home.”

The team was looking for a way to connect to each other.

“We were looking at different team building activities to help boost team morale. We discussed several charities, but decided on Phoenix Children’s Hospital because it was local and we had interest in helping kids and their families,” says Katie Erickson, State Farm employee.

The team sits close to each other in Tempe but felt there was still room to get to know each other better. They made signs and alerted others about the volunteer donations collection. They took the donations to the hospital together.

“Going off campus, being with each other and not talking work was positive,” Cari says. “I feel closer to everybody after that. We were all helping one cause.”

Trying to provide donations that would be most-welcomed, some asked family members for suggestions.

“I got some ideas from my sister, who is a teacher,” says Desirae Gonder, State Farm employee. “I donated coloring books, markers, crosswords for adults and learning activity books for kids.”

As the team entered the hospital, they were struck by all the smiling faces.

“I had never been to the Children’s Hospital, but it was a very positive environment,” says Teresa Ridlon, State Farm employee. “The coordinator was appreciative of our donation because it’s important to have those hygiene products.”

“There were a lot of stuffed animals donated. For a child, that’s going to give great comfort to have something snuggly to hold onto when they’re scared and uncertain of what’s happening,” Teresa adds.

Her grandson was born a micro-preemie and was in the newborn intensive care unit for five months. “To be able to give back in a small way is wonderful.

“We’re all dedicated employees and we give a lot in our day-to-day job, but to go outside of that and give back was very rewarding.”

“For me, to focus on something positive and collect everything, leave work as a team and help a greater cause was very fulfilling,” Katie says.

April is National Volunteer Month, and this week is National Volunteer Week. April became National Volunteer Month as part of President George H. W. Bush’s 1000 Points of Light campaign in 1991.

Join the Neighborhood of Good^® and make a difference in your community. To find volunteer opportunities, visit NeighborhoodofGood.com^®.

“I used to take my toys apart. While I did put the pieces back together…it still freaked my parents out,” she said.

Behind this innocent destruction was destiny. With each doll, truck, and train    Dominque disassembled, she built something else…her engineering skills.

“I’m fascinated by this profession,” she said. “At a young age, I decided I wanted to learn about engineering and nothing was going to stop me.”

In high school, Dominique joined the Arizona Chief Science Officer (CSO) Program. The organization, supported by State Farm, gets students involved in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities, while teaching them about careers in these fields.

“STEM is all around us,” said State Farm Senior IT Architect Ines Halloran. “Our mission is to engage with universities and high schools to build a pipeline of future IT talent.”

So, how does peanut butter and jelly fit in?

During a CSO institute, State Farm volunteers used a childhood favorite – the PB&J, to demonstrate the importance of algorithms.

“It’s a step by step process,” said Dominique. “This was an awesome way to explain programming basics. It made us think about a simple process in a thorough, innovative way.”

Students plotted the steps needed to build the perfect PB&J, then shared their algorithms with volunteers – who played the role of a computer. If the algorithm made sense, then the computer (a.k.a., the volunteers), would be able to create this end result:

Students like Clay Hauser and Calvin Rowell say the peanut butter and jelly challenge proves STEM is rooted in everyday life, no matter who you are or where you work.

“It’s not just for scientists with doctorate degrees or highly trained medical professionals,” said Calvin. “Sometimes the most influential workers are those with technical degrees, teaching degrees, musicians, actors. If you want to make something even better, STEM can help.”

From Peanut Butter to Brain Power

The CSO program spans beyond peanut butter and jelly – from classroom to community success. Its unique learning opportunities  inspired CSO students to start after-school STEM clubs, take part in  science festivals, host innovative workshops, and network with State Farm IT employees.

This work has been recognized throughout the country, including the nation’s capital.

By exposing students to new ways of thinking, the CSO program hopes   to develop a diverse talent pool of future STEM leaders.

“I have worked with hundreds, maybe thousands of IT professionals over my 26 year career, and the differentiator is passion and determination to succeed.” said Halloran.

And as for Dominique? The CSO program has inspired her to pursue her passion of becoming a mechanical engineer.

“Right now, it’s a male dominated field, but this program proves gender doesn’t matter when it comes to success,” she said. “If your heart wants to experiment with science, robots or video games – do it. The CSO program taught me anything is possible when you put your mind to it.”

Just like learning to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich...it’s a   simple lesson, with a satisfying result.

Shari inspires students to develop critical thinking skills through art. She is one of six Studio Artists, who provide art instruction to third through fifth grade students in the Tempe Elementary School District in AZ.

“When kids solve an artistic problem, they think about how to do something and then they try it out to see if it works. This is actually the scientific process”, says Shari.

It’s true, some people are born with artistic talent, but many more learn creativity by being in the process.

Young students are great examples of how easy it is to learn to be creative. Most don’t have a fear of art assignments, because they don’t know if “it’s the right way to do it”. They just jump right in, which develops the building blocks to critical thinking.

“There is a part of my brain that shines when I do art,” says Alex Rojas, student.

Studies show art in schools strengthen student achievement in all academic areas. The U.S. Department of Education and the National Endowment for the Arts followed academic achievement at public schools for 10 years. They found math, reading, science, communication and critical thinking skills increased after students received art instruction.

The Studio Artists Program provides intense three-to-four-hour art workshops for every third, fourth and fifth grade student in the Tempe Elementary School District.

Fortunately, this year, State Farm, the City of Tempe and the Tempe Elementary School District joined forces to provide arts programs in the district, helping all students learn through this successful art program that connects working artists with elementary students.

The art projects and encouragement are doing more than building confidence—they are helping to close the achievement gap.

Curry Elementary and Curry Cougar - George Heslop, Studio Artist. Photo by Amy Garza, TESD Photographer

Designing a Curry Cougar label with George Heslop, Studio Artist. Curry Elementary School. Photo by Amy Garza, TESD Photographer

Street Art Fonts taught by Such Styles, Studio Artist at Aguilar Elementary. Photo by Pat Burdette, TESD Fine Arts Coordinator.

Texture Wall at Frank Elementary. Taught by Sue Norton-Scott, Studio Artist and photographer.

*videographer credit: Tempe Elementary School District