News Release

 

In the Middle of Technology

 

Middle school students are learning computer skills through a new partnership aimed at keeping the regional IT sector strong.

Anchored by support from the J. J. Keller Foundation, middle school students at various Boys & Girls Club (BGC) after school sites in the Fox Cities will be exposed to software, application, video game development, and other related technologies to develop Information Technology (IT) skills that are needed by local employers.

	Dan Kretz, IT instructor at FVTC, visits with students at Roosevelt Middle School as part of the new Megabites program.

The $78,000 grant from the J. J. Keller Foundation is designed to introduce IT skill sets to young learners as a way to keep the region’s pipeline for this in-demand industry strong. “Our kids will have fun while learning more about technology and then further exploring their IT interests in summer camp programs offered by Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC),” said Greg Lemke-Rochon, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club Fox Valley. “Thanks to this partnership, we are able to expose area youth to the many emerging technology fields that we hope will impact their future career choices.”

The new club offering, named “Megabites” by its participants, is being piloted initially at the BGC site at Roosevelt Middle School. It also includes summer camps at FVTC, open to all BGC participants. The goal is to eventually expand the program to all BGC sites. Instruction is provided by faculty from FVTC.

The J. J. Keller Foundation has been committed to helping underserved youth and providing them with tools to end the cycle of poverty. With the large demand for technology jobs in the New North region, this project allows students to explore IT concepts early, as well as learn more about educational options that will be available to them at FVTC.

“Our desire to grow local talent fits well with teaching youth about the evolving technology they will use to shape tomorrow’s technology jobs,” said Rustin Keller, J. J. Keller & Associates executive vice president & chief Operating officer. “We’re pleased to create another venue to help youth develop their interest in technology, with an eye on becoming the IT professionals of the future.”

The initiative kicked off the first week of February and even caught the eye of Governor Scott Walker, who paid a visit to Roosevelt Middle School to highlight the program’s distinct partnership and use of technology.

Learn more about IT programs at Fox Valley Technical College >>