Local Agreement Strengthens Minority Student Participation in STEM
A world-class provider of Information Technology (IT) and data management services and the nation’s first, private Historically Black College and University (HBCU) have strengthened a strategic partnership. CompTech Computer Technologies and Wilberforce University (Greene County, Ohio) will now collaborate to increase the presence of underserved youth participation in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
In a recently signed document, the university and the company agreed that CompTech will provide a total of $50,000 in educational programs and professionally crafted internships to Wilberforce University STEM instructors and students enrolled in STEM curriculum. This joint venture is designed to move both parties to improve the minority presence in IT and provide financial support for the university. “We are going to be able to offer some courses that are available in the market. We will offer certificate courses in data science, cybersecurity, blockchain technology, and in addition to their degrees, students will be ready for companies that are hungry for Wilberforce students” said Dr. Owusu-Nyamekye Dwobeng, the chair of Professional Studies.
Dr. Dwobeng says STEM companies are looking for skill sets in micro-credentials. Earning a related degree from Wilberforce will now include the extra expertise which will prepare Wilberforce students to compete at the top of their class. Initially, the partnership will revolve around internships, mentorship, and Federal Bid support. With time, the team will also collaborate on career services and curriculum design. ‘’This will allow the development of hands-on, practical application programs. Eventually, the university will be able to offer academic curricula with new or extended courses based on this new direction,” said Dr. Deok Nam, a professor in Computer Science.
It’s great news for the University’s students like senior Allayah Hughes. The computer engineering major says this announcement has come at a great time for herself and other students who are STEM majors. ‘’I’m so excited about this. Thank you, CompTech, for giving this opportunity to our school. I hope this will encourage more students to apply to computer science and computer engineering majors,” said Allayah Hughes, Wilberforce, Class of ’22.
The Company’s charitable arm, Sci-Tech, partners with local schools, churches, colleges, and the communities in Dayton’s surrounding areas to bring awareness to the lack of diversity and inclusion in computer science and computer technology fields for people of color. ‘’CompTech is excited to begin this partnership which will revolve around internships, mentorships, and Federal Bid support. With time, the team will also collaborate on career services and curriculum design. The program will be ever-changing, transforming to fit the needs of the students, Wilberforce University, and the ever-changing IT community,” said Kristen Roberts, CompTech Computer Technologies, Inc.
Founded in 1856, Wilberforce University is the nation’s first private Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Located in Greene County near Dayton, Ohio, it is a member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the Ohio Library Link Consortium, and the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). According to HBCU.com, Wilberforce is one of the top five HBCUs in the midwest.
Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, CompTech is a world-class provider of IT and data management services, including Help Desk Center operations, facilities management, database development, data maintenance, web services, security services, network design and administration, software engineering and systems integration, medical lab operation, and management, and a variety of related, specialized technical services. Using its recruiting, quality management, and service delivery processes, CompTech ensures each project is managed efficiently and with the highest quality standards applied at every opportunity in order to achieve maximum customer satisfaction.
