Virginia Beach, VA – Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced a plan to create 31,000 new computer science graduates over 20 years. As Virginia’s largest private producer of computer science degree graduates, ECPI University is augmenting this effort with its Accelerate Tech Talent Virginia.
“The Accelerate Tech Talent Virginia initiative will produce 3,000 more computer science graduates over the next 20 years, as its contribution to the Governor’s goal. This means ECPI University will produce more than 18,000 graduates over the next 20 years”, says ECPI University President Mark Dreyfus.
One reason why colleges and universities have difficulty attracting students to computer science is because many lack confidence. “When we talk to both career switchers and high school students, we find that many see computer science as a very attractive career path, but they doubt their own abilities,” says ECPI University Dean of Computer and Information Science Dr. Keith Morneau. “They worry about doing the math, not realizing that much of the curriculum revolves around critical thinking and problem solving. We’ve had countless graduates who first came to us with these same doubts and have gone on to thrive in their careers.
To help prospective students overcome these concerns, ECPI University is launching a series of IT Confidence Camps where they can gain a deeper understanding of the profession and go through a series of basic exercises designed to measure their aptitude for such programs as Cyber and Network Security and Software Development. Other elements of Accelerate Tech Talent Virginia include:
- Scholarships for students who commit to work in Virginia for at least two years following graduation
- Outreach programs for high school and military bases
- Partnerships with employers
- Subsidized vouchers for students and graduates pursuing professional certifications
“This is a winning proposition for everyone involved,” says Mark Dreyfus. “Employers have access to a larger pool of talent, graduates have the opportunity to elevate themselves into well-paying careers. This investment will come from ECPI University and our Partner companies.”
For more information, please contact ECPI University Director of Marketing at 757.490.9090 or publicrelations@ecpi.edu.
About ECPI University
ECPI University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the associate's, baccalaureate, and master's degrees and diplomas. SACSCOC is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. A private university founded in 1966, ECPI University has campuses in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Texas, and offers convenient classes during the day, evening, and online; graduate employment services, continuing education, certification classes, and testing are also available.
On campus or online, fields of study include: HEALTH SCIENCES: Master of Science in Nursing, Nursing (RN to BSN), BS to BSN, Nursing (RN), Practical Nursing, Healthcare Administration, Health Information Management, Physical Therapist Assistant, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Radiography, Sonography, Surgical Technology; TECHNOLOGY: Master of Science in Information Systems, Master of Science in Cybersecurity, Cyber and Network Security, Information Systems, Software Development, Cloud Computing, Web Development, Database Programming, Electronics Engineering Technology, Mechatronics/Advanced Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering Technology; BUSINESS AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE: Master of Business Administration (MBA), Accounting, Business Administration, IT Management, Hospitality Management, Criminal Justice, Homeland Security; CULINARY: Culinary Arts, Culinary Nutrition, Food Service Management, Baking and Pastry Arts. (Program field availability varies by campus.) For more information, visit www.ecpi.edu.
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