Tech Camp Preps Under-represented Teens for College

James Madison University's nationally recognized CyberCity technology program will bring under-represented teenagers and their high-school teachers to campus June 24-27. 

The program has received numerous awards since its inception two years ago, including a 2008 President's Award for Diversity from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology and two awards from the Shenandoah Valley Technology Council for innovation in education. 

The tech-intensive week "sends a strong message to under-represented students interested in business or technology majors," said Daphyne Saunders Thomas, CyberCity co-creator and Adolph Coors business professor of finance and business law. "We want to let them know that they can be successful studying at a university like JMU." 

Attendees will sleep and eat on campus to get a taste of college life. Student activities include programming in secure code, designing a Web site, installing a secure wireless network, examining ethical issues in information technology and practicing business protocol and dining etiquette. 

Teacher activities include learning to teach all of the concepts presented to students, joining an online community of teachers to share ideas and creating videos and podcasts of camp activities. 

Nearly 40 participants in Virginia have been selected and received full scholarships. 

JMU's College of Business, the CoB Executive Advisory Council and individual donors fund the scholarships. JMU's Outreach and Engagement, the School of Education and Office of Admissions also partner in developing the program. 

For more information, contact Bill Wyatt in James Madison University's Office of Public Affairs at wyattwj@jmu.edu or at (540) 568-4908.