A comprehensive program for expanding pathways to IT careers

Abstract

The Expanding Pathways for Educational Development and Information Technology Experiences (ExPEDITE) Project is creating a smooth transition to an information technology (IT) career for students in West Virginia. This National Science Foundation funded project brought together a secondary school system, community and technical college, university and companies in the technology industry to create a model for addressing the growing need for IT professionals.The ExPEDITE project was designed to meet the growing workforce demand for IT professionals, and improve the technology education of students and the educators who prepare them. Based on comprehensive research and an evaluation of career skills and workforce needs, the project partners are enhancing current secondary and higher education IT related programs. They are developing and approving articulation agreements between secondary school, community college, and university. The project team has developed and implemented a comprehensive IT internship/mentoring program for students, secondary teachers and college professors. They have also developed and are using IT awareness materials to attract and retain students to IT career paths. The team has created an IT career continuing education course for online dissemination to secondary school counselors and teachers. The ExPEDITE project processes are reproducible and effectively provide pathways for secondary and post-secondary students to learn IT skills while exposing them to expanding IT career opportunities.