CO-WY Engine and the Wyoming Innovation Partnership announce the Software Development Experiential Learning Program aimed at fast-tracking and expanding applied software development education in Wyoming
The CO-WY Engine, in collaboration with the Wyoming Innovation Partnership (WIP), are announcing the establishment of the Software Development Experiential Learning Program as part of the WIP’s Software Development Program. The CO-WY Engine is one of the inaugural National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) which are focused expanding the frontiers of technology and innovation, spurring economic growth, and transforming geographic regions into world-leading innovation hubs.
In partnership with the University of Wyoming, Sheridan College, Western Wyoming Community College, Northwest College, and Central Wyoming College, the goal of the program is to address the current shortfall in trained software developers in Wyoming by creating fast-track pathways for students to obtain software development skills and certifications.
The shared program standardizes curriculum, tools, and processes across participating institutions to ensure consistency, and prioritizes practical skills over theoretical knowledge, reducing emphasis on advanced mathematics and science.
“The CO-WY Engine’s investment supports the Wyoming Innovation Partnership’s collaborative efforts to enhance Wyoming student opportunities to grow a strong and resilient workforce,” said Lauren Schoenfeld, Wyoming Innovation Partnership Executive Director. “This partnership provides expanded opportunities for the software development program and our overall approach to aligning education and workforce development to meet industry needs.”
Through the program, students can opt to attend a two-year program at select Wyoming community colleges and receive an Associate of Science in Software Development, or they can transfer to the University of Wyoming to complete an Applied Software Development Bachelor of Science degree.
The WIP has played a vital role in the development of an educational pipeline focused on engaging students in K-12, attracting current college students to software development, computer science, and other technical degrees, and connecting with career changers. CO-WY Engine and WIP will create a statewide, coordinated marketing campaign that targets high school juniors and seniors, current community college students, and potential career changers. Students will have the opportunity to visit Wyoming software development companies within their region, visit Laramie and the University of Wyoming campus, and engage with the School of Computing at UW.
WIP Software Development activities focus on driving interest and capacity in software development careers across Wyoming. Activities included summer camps, school visits, STEM fairs and a successful hack-a-thon. These events will continue and will be supported/enriched by a Mobile Outreach Computing Lab developed by Sheridan College. The mobile lab will be used for outreach and engagement in tribal and rural communities, expanded and co-curricular activities, and programs in partnership with other STEM and outreach organizations.
About the Wyoming Innovation Partnership:
The Wyoming Innovation Partnership (WIP) is a collaboration to align education and workforce development and support innovation, entrepreneurship, and research to help drive Wyoming’s economy. WIP supports economic growth and diversification and builds a highly skilled, ambitious, and qualified workforce by linking community goals with the state’s economic strategy. This partnership is data-driven to ensure a return on investment for the people of Wyoming.
About CO-WY Climate Resilience Engine:
Led by Innosphere Ventures and funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) program, the CO-WY Engine is a collaborative initiative focused on driving innovation for community resilience across the Colorado-Wyoming region. The CO-WY Engine brings together a diverse network of partners to develop and commercialize technologies that address critical environmental challenges, foster economic growth and enhance community well-being.
Visit www.co-wyengine.org for more information.
Media Contact:
Dan Moyers
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