Olympic College has received a $475,000 Advanced Technological Education grant from the National Science Foundation, the U.S. government’s independent science agency.
“The grant represents a significant victory not only for Olympic College, but for our entire community,” said interim president Joan Hanten. “It reduces barriers and paves the way for students to pursue a high-quality, affordable Computer Information Systems degree right here at home.”
The three-year grant will fund the college’s project, Enhancing the IT Pipeline. The initiative aims to expand local high school students’ access to college-level computer information systems courses, as well as embed real-world work experiences into Olympic College’s associate degree programs, preparing students for high-demand technician roles in cybersecurity, networking, software development, web design and technical support, per a news release.
“This award transforms opportunity into outcomes for local students,” said interim Dean of Business and Technology Staci Snyder. “By aligning coursework with real employer projects and work-based learning, we’ll help more high school and community college students convert curiosity about tech into living-wage careers, right here in Kitsap County and across the Puget Sound.”
The project will be led by principal investigator Dr. Lindsey Handley and co-principal investigator Dr. Stephen Foster, both Professors of CIS. Handley and Foster have a variety of partners planned for this work, including Mentors in Tech, CodeDay, Computing for All, and local school districts. These collaborations will bring industry mentors, employer projects and updated curriculum into the classroom, the release says.
“Thanks to this award, we can equip students with both the technical skills and the real-world experience employers demand,” said Handley. “With support from our community partners and the NSF, Olympic College graduates will be prepared not just to step into jobs, but to lead the future of technology in our region.”
For more information or to get involved, email Handley at lhandley@olympic.edu.
