Mentor I.T., a non-profit organization devoted to technical education, will run the 16-week program, January through May.
Information technology experts from various companies will teach the course and serve as mentors. The course will offer intense training in infrastructure, web design, databases, project planning and other business-oriented uses of technology, said Mentor I.T. President Dan Goldman. Students will get classroom instruction during "enhancement" periods and some "e-learning" outside the classroom, he said.
Students who successfully complete the course will be offered paid internships at major companies. The training and internships are designed to help students get into college and find good jobs in whatever fields they choose, said Goldman.
Goldman, accompanied by Barrar, gave a brief PowerPoint presentation on the program recently. Assistant Superintendent Marjorie DelBello, career counselors Peggy Beard and Carol Law and about 50 students attended.
"This program is going to be a model for the future," said Goldman. "We have the chance to create a template. You only need to be motivated and passionate. If you're applying for this program, you want skills."
The use of information technology in the business world increases productivity and enhances organization, said Goldman.
"You will learn marketable skills," he said. "Technology isn't just for geeks anymore."
The program is open to everyone, not just those who want to enter technological fields such as engineering or medicine, said Goldman.
Beard pointed out that paid internships are rare, especially in large companies. She noted that the participating companies are designing the course because they know best what skills are needed in the work force.
Barrar noted that many information technology jobs offer starting salaries of more than $60,000 per year.
The program will be offered at Garnet Valley again next year, said Goldman.
Goldman is a graduate student of the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business. Mentor I.T. was founded to raise high school students' "scientific and technical expertise," and help them "face the challenges of today's digital world."
The program's corporate sponsors include Southco and Aetna Health Care. State Rep. Stephen Barrar (R-160), State Senator Dominic Pileggi (R-9) and the University of Pennsylvania are also backing the program.
(More information may be had at www.mentor-it.org)
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