Whatcom Community College (WCC), in partnership with Technology Alliance Group for Northwest Washington (TAGNW), is developing a new Software Development associate degree with a targeted launch of fall 2021, pending approval. Our goal is to integrate work-based learning opportunities with academic instruction that results in new, skilled software development professionals in the workforce.
Note: Please contact Michael Gan, TAG Executive Director, for all inquiries at director@tagnw.org.
During work-based learning, students gain understanding as they apply classroom knowledge to real-world experience. This approach creates a stronger connection with the knowledge, skills, and qualities of a successful job candidate in demand by employers. To accomplish this outcome, partnerships are established between education institutions, industry employers, and community organizations to arrange work-based learning opportunities for students.
Career Launch is the term used to describe endorsed academic programs that include work-based learning opportunities within their degree. WCC and TAGNW are proud to be awarded a grant from Career Connect Washington to develop the WCC Software Development associate degree as a Career Launch program, pending approval.
We welcome you and your organization to participate in the creation of the new Software Development program at Whatcom Community College by becoming a work-based learning partner!
To RSVP or inquire about focus group and/or DACUM involvement, please contact Michael Gan, Executive Director of TAGNW, at 360-499-2099 or director@tagnw.org.
For information regarding work-based learning, Work Study reimbursement, and Workforce@Whatcom, please contact Michelle Heitmann, WCC Cooperative Education Program Coordinator, at 360-383-3700 or mheitmann@whatcom.edu.
Share your insights regarding critical skills and qualities necessary for software development interns and entry level positions, work-based learning opportunities for students, industry hiring demand, and availability of local candidates.
TAGNW will facilitate several opportunities for input in a range of formalities, including a community input campaign survey, virtual focus group discussion, and a curriculum development workshop. The findings of each activity will be considered and integrated into the new WCC Software Development program.
Throughout September and October, TAGNW facilitated a Community Input Campaign Survey to collect community feedback.
Join us for a virtual focus group discussion on Friday, September 25th, 10am – 12pm. We’ll explore similar questions to the survey in deeper discussion. Limited space available. Please RSVP if interested.
DACUM is a formalized brainstorming process to ensure curriculum is aligned with industry best practices. We are seeking professionals with a range of expertise and responsibilities to participate in our virtual Software Development DACUM, planned for late October and arranged via invitation. Please inquire if interested.
The experience of women and minorities in the technology industry needs improvement, and we welcome your insight, experience, and recommendations. A DEI discussion will be arranged in spring. Please inquire if interested. We would love your input.
Work-based learning is successful because deep collaborations with partners provide valuable internships and support resources for students. These collaborations provide mutual benefits in learning and recruiting, and help strengthen partnerships between organizations. Partnerships are defined to reflect the function of each organization in the program: community, industry, and education partnerships.
While all partnerships help shape program development based on the contributions and experience of their organization, each type of partnership has a clear focus:
Providing work-based learning opportunities for students creates value and benefits to your organization in numerous ways:
Work-based learning creates several opportunities for employers and students to interact with varying levels of commitment, including job shadow, internship, and work study:
Through the federal Work Study program, your organization may be eligible to hire a student for part-time employment and receive partial reimbursement of student wages between 50-75%.
We have prepared several questions to consider for a student or recent graduate of the WCC Software Development program and invite your feedback in our Community Input Campaign Survey. Our goal is to engage with industry, understand real-world priorities, and integrate the knowledge and experience of the community into the program. Your input is appreciated. Thank you for your participation.
{Note: Survey now closed.]
