Background Info:
The High School Computer Camp (HSCC) is a program designed to bridge the gap between the needs of the Information Technology (IT) industry and the students’ ability to succeed in a changing environment. HSCC introduces high school students to computer training by giving them access to IT Professionals who provide technical training, mentoring and leadership skills.
Focus of the Program:
The focus of the program is for students to go on to pursue IT as a field of college study and to become highly qualified IT professionals and leaders within the industry. The following are some of the benefits the students receive as part of their participation in the camp:
- Marketable technical and soft skills development for future employment opportunities
- Increased exposure to latest technology
- Mentoring from IT and other business professionals
- Access to intern programs and college scholarships
- Leadership and team building skill development
- Improved scholastic aptitude
The Central Illinois High School Computer Camp has been in existence for four years. During this time, students have been recruited from Normal Community, Normal Community West, Bloomington and University High. In the first year of the camp there were approximately 15 students enrolled and five of these students went on to the national computer competition in Dallas Texas to compete with their peers from all over the country. The students took 9th place overall out of 23 other teams participating. One of the students from the chapter competed in the IT showcase and took third place in this event for his presentation on the smart classroom. The IT showcase gives students an opportunity to share a project/product and/or research assignment they completed.
This year approximately 20 students throughout the community have participated in the camp. The curriculum for this year’s camp focused on XHTML, cascading style sheets, developing a website (inception to delivery), JavaScript, team building skills and project management from January to May.
The Central Illinois HSCC program has received solid support from local businesses in terms of funding and internships. Students from prior years have participated in State Farm’s intern program.