In an exciting endeavor to nurture the next generation of IT professionals and expand underrepresented and diverse populations in the field, Illinois State University’s School of Information Technology (IT) is launching the Summer IT Academy.
Dr. Traci Carte, the director of the School of IT, has set an agenda dedicated to supporting incoming first-year IT students and envisions a future where first-year IT students have all the essential tools and resources needed to excel.
“We are excited at the prospect of helping our incoming students feel more prepared and fueling their passion for IT,” said Carte.
Recognizing the diverse backgrounds and varying levels of preparedness among its student body, the School of IT is taking innovative steps to ensure equal opportunities for all. Some students arrive with prior experience, having participated in workshops, competitions, or Advanced Placement (AP) computer science courses, while a genuine curiosity for IT drives others. This diversity highlights the need for creative teaching methods to ensure an equitable learning environment.
Daniel Freburg directs the School of IT Learning Center, which provides 40 hours a week of free tutoring to IT students. He will also lead the IT Academy.
“I’ve seen how hard some of our students work to simply feel on par with other students due to differences in high school classroom and extra-curricular experiences. I’m excited to start planning how we can begin leveling the playing field a bit,” said Freburg.
To effectively bridge this gap in preparedness, the Summer IT Academy will introduce a one-week residential coding camp designed to ensure students’ readiness for majoring in IT.
The experience aims to create an immersive environment where students actively engage with faculty and peers, while exploring the world of IT. Through hands-on learning opportunities, participants can boost their confidence and academic journey. The School of IT is also committed to removing financial barriers for Redbirds to participate in this summer program.
Visit the campaign’s dedicated crowdfunding webpage for more information and to learn how you can invest in this transformative endeavor. A goal has been set to raise $10,000 by November 15, 2023, to launch the program for summer 2024. All gifts are tax-deductible through the ISU Foundation and will help cover expenses for students to stay on campus for the one-week residential program.
Join your fellow Redbirds and IT community in shaping a brighter tomorrow for these aspiring IT leaders, and empower students to seize opportunities in the ever-evolving tech field.
To inquire about other ways to give or questions about the campaign, please call the Office of Annual Giving at (309) 438-4483 or email AnnualGiving@IllinoisState.edu.
