“By attending High School Tech Camp, students in Northeast Ohio are learning that technology is NOT a talent they have to be born with,” explained TECH CORPS instructor Elizabeth Souers. “As instructors, we help students realize technology just takes practice, like any other discipline worth learning.”
Students from nine different high schools in Northeast Ohio have come together to learn and improve their computer coding skills. The program is called High School Tech Camp, a week-long summer camp that gives students hands-on learning experiences in software development and career exploration. High School Tech Camp is one of many TECH CORPS programs. TECH CORPS is a nonprofit organization that works to ensure k-12 students have equal access to high-quality technology programs. This summer, more than 1,000 students are participating in TECH CORPS programs.
From July 26-30, the students gather at Lorain County Community College from 9am – 4pm to program using a computer language called C#. “I’ve been really impressed with the students’ desire to learn,” explained TECH CORPS instructor Kevin Landis. “I had a student return from a program I instructed two years ago so he could learn more. The student is pushing himself above and beyond at every opportunity.”
Part of the reason students are so excited about computer science is the opportunity they receive to meet local technology professionals working in the same careers they hope to have themselves. Program sponsor, Elyria-based Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC (Bendix), not only funds the program but takes an active role. Bendix technology professionals, Andrew Place, SAP IBP Consultant and Brian Dienes, SAP ABAP Developer, shared information about their career experience and answered questions from students. Scott Ranville, Simulink Tool and Process SME at Bendix, volunteered as a “mock” client at Student WEB CORPS, another summer program serving Northeast Ohio students.
An industry icon in leading-edge active safety technologies, energy management solutions, and air brake charging and control systems and components for commercial vehicles, Bendix has a legacy of technological advancements. The company has been headquartered in NE Ohio for over eight decades. It actively supports the communities where Bendix team members live and work. “Programs such as this camp help the students, our business, and the region by expanding the base of technical talent. The High School Tech Camp program is a natural fit with our company-wide commitment to supporting STEM initiatives. We’re grateful for the opportunity to once again serve as a sponsor,” explained Bendix Director of Corporate Communications, Barbara Gould. “Our partnership with GCP RITE and TECH CORPS gives students the chance to experience hands-on technology education, a valuable lesson that can help shape their future. We are proud to do our part for the next generation of diverse technology professionals.”
GCP RITE accelerates the development of a diverse, highly skilled IT workforce. “We are the leading industry-driven IT workforce alliance in Northeast Ohio and the tech talent arm of the Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP),” explained Courtney DeOreo, Executive Director, RITE / Sr. Director, Tech Talent, GCP. “As the champion of our region’s vision for a diverse, highly skilled, industry-responsive IT workforce, programs like High School TECH CAMP bring technology education directly to students of all backgrounds.”
About Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, a member of Knorr-Bremse, develops and supplies leading-edge active safety technologies, energy management solutions, and air brake charging and control systems and components under the Bendix® brand name for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, tractors, trailers, buses, and other commercial vehicles throughout North America. An industry pioneer, employing more than 4,100 people, Bendix – and its wholly owned subsidiary, R.H. Sheppard Co., Inc. – is driven to deliver the best solutions for improved vehicle safety, performance, and overall operating cost. Contact us at 1-800-AIR-BRAKE (1-800-247-2725) or visit bendix.com. Follow Bendix on Twitter at twitter.com/Bendix_CVS. To learn more about career opportunities at Bendix, visit bendix.com/careers.
About TECH CORPS
For more than 25 years, TECH CORPS has worked to ensure K-12 students have equal access to Computer Science (CS) and Information Technology (IT) programs, skills and resources that enhance early learning and prepare them for college, credential or career. TECH CORPS develops CS and IT programs and deploys tech-savvy talent to assist K-12 schools and youth-serving organizations across the country. TECH CORPS is the longest operating education-technology nonprofit organization in the United States. Over the years, partners such as Nordson Corporation, JPMorgan Chase, Google, Battelle and AT&T have provided TECH CORPS with the fuel to deliver much-needed technology resources to K-12 students and teachers. Since 1995, more than 15,000 TECH CORPS volunteers have shared their time and talents assisting schools and nonprofit organizations in their communities. TECH CORPS was founded in 1995 by Gary Beach, Publisher Emeritus of CIO Magazine and author of The U.S. Technology Skills Gap.
Learn more at www.techcorps.org or connect with TECH CORPS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
