NSF Award
0090427
0090427 <br/>Harris <br/><br/>This award is to the University of Central Oklahoma to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082).<br/><br/><br/>Partners<br/>The partners in this award include the University of Central Oklahoma; Edmond Economic Development Authority; Oklahoma Technology Commercialization Center; Pinnacle Business Systems, Inc; Main Street Enterprises; Executive Women's Forum; Edmond Public Schools; Capitol Hill High School; Latino Community Development Agency.<br/><br/>Proposed Activities<br/>The activities in this award include education of a workforce in computer technology-related fields; enhancement of faculty technology skills for information technology; summer internships for faculty and students in private sector; scholarships to the University of Central Oklahoma for high school students for technology training and internships in industry. Industry will provide mentors for interns. <br/>Proposed Innovation<br/>The innovation goals for the award are to provide increased computer-related skills for high school and college graduates for central Oklahoma to enable innovation in information technology. Hispanics, women, and African American student populations will be targeted. Interactions with industry partners will make the education and training relevant to the needs of the private sector in central Oklahoma.<br/><br/>Potential Economic Impact<br/>Potential economic outcomes include thirty percent more technologically-competent students, including 20% more women and/or minorities will complete a higher-education offering technological training for high tech industry, as well as training for computer skills for non-computer majors at the University of Central Oklahoma.<br/><br/>Potential Societal Impact<br/>Potential benefits to society from this activity include increased skills for under-represented groups to allow them to compete in the job market in information technology. Resulting economic activity will increase available jobs in the area.
