New Partership, 'IT In The D,' Connects Tech Students With Mentors
DETROIT -- "IT in the D," a new partnership between the leading technology companies in downtown Detroit and local universities, announced its inaugural program designed to transition students from the classroom to the workplace through real world IT projects, mentorship, and training.
IT in the D's mission is to provide continued education and work experience for IT professionals as they advance their technology careers. The program, which will run through August, includes participation from Wayne County Community College District, Wayne State University, Washtenaw Community College, the Michigan Economic Development Corp., and the downtown Detroit-based tech companies Compuware Ventures, Quicken Loans, GalaxE.Solutions, Marketing Associates, and Fathead. The onsite training will take place at these companies' offices in the city. "This program is a win for the city of Detroit, the students and the technology companies looking for Detroit talent," said Linglong He, CIO of Quicken Loans, which ranked No. 5 on IDG Computerworld Magazine's 2012 list of the 100 Best Places to Work in IT. "By connecting students with business leaders in the tech industry, we're creating a culture that allows Detroit to continue transforming into a technology hub." Approximately 35 volunteer trainers and mentors from the partner companies will work with 32 students from the first class, ensuring a personal and valuable experience. The students will learn in a working environment using technologies such as .Net, Java, SQL Server, MY SQL, and PHP. They will attend two hour classes twice a week, and work on projects as needed. "I feel fortunate to work with great people who want to help the city become a major technology center," said Andy Frey, Chief Technology Officer of Marketing Associates. "The support we have received from our partner universities, the MEDC, and WCCCD helps ensure that Detroit's tech culture is on the right track." "Detroit's iconic history as a center of technology and innovation is unlike anything that exists anywhere in the world, "said Ryan Hoyle, Director of Global Recruiting for GalaxE.Solutions. "Today, the opportunities for rewarding careers in IT here are limitless, as we create the next generation of IT solutions from Campus Martius and Webward Avenue." The first class has already been selected by the partner schools. For future registration and more information about IT in the D, please contact IT in the D at ITintheD@ITinDetroit.org. The first class of students will be building the Web site for the program, which will be online this fall.
