FORT LAUDERDALE-DAVIE, Fla. – While school is officially out for the summer, 30 students from Dillard High School’s Emerging Computer Technology magnet program will soon be heading off to college for Nova Southeastern University’s (NSU) week-long Emerging Technology Computer Camp.
NSU will be hosting the students for the summer program, which is designed to inspire them to explore careers in engineering and technology. Sessions will cover topics such as Java Programming, Human/Computer Interaction, Computer Engineering, Mobile Applications, Internet & Web Applications and Data Science/Visualization. The camp is part of the university’s longstanding commitment to increasing the exposure of engineering and technology to men and women from underserved populations.
“Partnerships between NSU and area schools are a key factor in introducing K – 12 students to critical skills in science, technology, engineering and math as well as sparking their interest in pursuing advanced education and professional careers,” said Meline Kevorkian, Ed.D., associate provost for the university.
While at NSU, the Dillard High School students also will be offered classes in College Essay Writing, Career Planning and Writing Like a Scientist. They’ll also take a campus tour and a field trip to Ultimate Software, a South Florida based technology company.
“Our hope is that through an experience like this, we will turn the Dillard High students on to careers in these high demand fields,” said Gregory Simco, Ph.D., professor, College of Engineering and Computing.
Broward County is experiencing the second highest population growth in the State with a population of 1.6 million people and is estimated to grow to 2.5 million by 2030. The county has seen extensive growth of high tech manufacturing, engineering, and computer science industries. Yet, at the same time, there is a low college degree attainment level in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).
Dillard High School serves more than 1,870 students in grades 6-12 and incorporates an Emerging Computer Technology magnet program in order to expand the educational opportunities for its students.
Leona Miracola, Director of Innovative Programs, Broward County Schools, commented, “This summer program at NSU will be an outstanding opportunity for our computer science students at Dillard High School to learn about post-secondary options and how to prepare for college and careers in this field.”