Carroll Community College

1. What is IT CareerPaths?
2. Who is eligible for the program?
3. How many students will be accepted into the program?
4. What areas of technology are taught?
5. What activities can students expect from the program?
6. Some of the projects sound very technical. How much IT knowledge and experience are required?
7. If students are interested in just one area of technology, such as networking or programming, why do you cover so many areas of IT?
8. What local businesses and organizations are participating in the program?
9. Is transportation to off-site locations provided?
10. Are meals provided?
11. Who are the instructors and session leaders of the program?
12. What type of credit do students earn upon completing the program?

What is IT CareerPaths?

IT CareerPaths is an intensive continuing education program specifically for high school students interested in an information technology career. The program exposes students to various technologies through hands-on exercises, and then reinforces their experience by visiting information technology departments of area businesses to learn how real world, cutting edge technology is utilized. During their visits, students meet and interact with the actual information technology professionals, supervisors and senior level managers who plan, implement, build and troubleshoot this technology.

Who is eligible for the program?

Any current high school student. Students are required to submit an application, which includes references from a teacher and community member. Applications should identify the student's interest in an area of information technology. 

How many students are accepted into the program?

Due to the intensive and hands-on nature of the program, the program is limited to only 16 students each year.

What areas of technology are taught?

We focus on a variety of disciplines including hardware and software support, helpdesk, computer networking, programming, video production, computer aided design and video game programming and design.

What activities can students expect from the program?

We work on a variety of projects, take tours and meet technology professionals. Projects  range from assembling and networking a computer system, to troubleshooting a network failure, to developing and programming a video game. On our tours, students travel to  information technology departments to learn of the equipment and technology being used. Students also meet and work with technology professionals, supervisors and senior level managers at each company where they can discuss technology and even join them for lunch.

Some of the projects sound very technical. How much IT knowledge and experience are required?

Obviously, some knowledge of computers, programming or other technology is helpful, but it is not required. A positive attitude and a genuine interest in technology are more important.  All projects are catered to the student's individual knowledge and ability level, and students  assist one another through teamwork. 

If students are interested in just one area of technology, such as networking or programming, why do you cover so many areas of IT?

While it is true that many technology professionals are experts in just one area of technology, having knowledge of multiple technology areas is helpful because all segments interrelate with each other. For example, a programmer may need to work with a network engineer to determine how a new program will be implemented on the company network. Additionally, when technology professionals are promoted into management, they often supervise other areas in addition to their specific field. Possessing a knowledge and understanding of multiple IT areas helps technology professionals understand the bigger picture.

What local businesses and organizations are participating in the program?

Carroll partners with approximately 20 businesses and organizations to deliver this program. These businesses and organizations range from large corporations to small privately-held businesses. They are organizations from both the public and private sectors, and include dedicated information technology companies as well as corporations that have an internal technology department that support the larger organization. View our current partners .

Is transportation to off-site locations provided? 

We provide transportation to and from all tour locations. Students and their parents are responsible for transportation to and from the college.

Are meals provided?

Meals are included with the program. However, students can bring their own brown bag lunch if they choose. 

Who are the instructors and session leaders of the program?

Instructors and session leaders are professors, instructors or IT staff members of Carroll.  All instructors have passed a federal criminal background check.

What type of credit do students earn upon completing the program?

Students who successfully complete the program while maintaining adequate attendance earn a continuing education certificate from Carroll, as well as continuing education units (CEUs).  College credit is not awarded in this program.