Local high school students complete UW-Madison IT training program

Thirteen area high school students will receive certificates of graduation for completing an intensive information technology training program through the University of Wisconsin–Madison called the Information Technology Academy (ITA).

ITA is a four-year precollege program that provides hands-on training and access to technology for talented students of color and economically disadvantaged students attending Madison public schools. During their four-year ITA experience, the students meet biweekly during the academic year to learn Web design, animation, graphic design and other technology skills. They also participate in two-week technology training camps during the summer, hone their technical skills in short-term internships and strengthen their leadership skills through community service projects. Their learning and development is further enhanced through matches with mentors, who help guide and support students during their involvement with the program.

A graduation event will be held from 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 3, at the Friedrick Center, 1950 Willow Drive. The program will include a keynote address by Patrick Sims, an assistant professor in the Department of Theatre and Drama.

One hundred percent of this year’s graduating class members are going on to attend higher education institutions this fall. To date, 37 students have graduated from the academy, and 35 of them are now enrolled at UW–Madison or other postsecondary educational institutions.

Because of expanded funding, next fall the incoming ITA cohort will double in size to 30 students.

ITA is made possible by the UW–Madison Division of Information Technology, the UW–Madison Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration, the UW–Madison PEOPLE program, Berbee, Dell Computers and many other sponsors.

For more information about ITA or the graduation program, contact Erica Laughlin at (608) 265-2408.