Somerton Middle School students visit San Luis Technology Institute
March 12, 2019San Luis, AZ (March 12, 2019) – Students from Somerton Middle School’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Class had an opportunity to learn about the Informatics program offered at Arizona Western College on Tuesday, March 12.
During a visit to the AWC San Luis Technology Institute, 1135 N. Main Street, students were introduced to the Informatics program and participated in a computer workshop on coding led by Professor of Computer Information Systems Salil Dhawan and Informatics student and Technology Assistant Hermes Soto. In addition, students also tested out AWC Library technology during demonstrations led by Information Technology Librarian Wendy Hoag and Library Specialist Sujata Halarnkar.
The purpose of this visit was to inspire younger students to consider pursuing computer science degrees and certificates in the future.
Housed on San Luis Middle School’s campus, the San Luis Technology Institute enables residents to earn a Bachelors in Applied Science (BAS) degree in Informatics through the University of Arizona without ever having to leave South Yuma County. Students can start out in the program by receiving their Associates in Applied Science (AAS) degree, which incorporates curriculum with an emphasis in four potential degree areas: System Administration, Software Development/Information Management, Cyber Operations, or Digital Design.
Job opportunities in this field include research analyst, information specialist, clinical informatics analyst, technical support engineer, software developer, digital designer, and business systems analyst.
The expansion and renovation of the San Luis Technology Institute was unveiled to the community in the spring of 2018. The project is the result of a five-year Federal Title III STEM Grant awarded to AWC: Informatics STeming Into New Careers for Today and Tomorrow (INSTINCT2). Grant dollars paid for the addition of two active learning classrooms, a Discovery Lab, and an open student work area called the Student Success Area. Each of these spaces are equipped with the latest technology and hands-on computer and network equipment for students to gain real-world experience. Technology assistants and supplemental instruction leaders were also hired to support students as part of the grant.
Contact:
Joselyn Medina
Instinct2 Grant Advisor/Outreach Coordinator
Arizona Western College
Joselyn.Medina@azwestern.edu
(928) 317-7116
Contact:
Dawn Ponce
Director, HSI STEM Instinct2 Grant
Arizona Western College
Dawn.Ponce@azwestern.edu
(928) 317-7659