WCS to Offer New IT Classes to High School Students

Published June 20, 2014

A new partnership with Columbia State Community College will give high school students the opportunity to take IT courses while earning both high school and college credit. On June 17, the two organizations announced their plan to develop Williamson’s Information Technology (WIT) Center of Excellence at Centennial High School.

The WIT Center of Excellence will be used to promote interest and training in the IT professions among the young people of Williamson County by hosting college credit courses, summer camps, IT competitions and workforce development training.

“It’s an example of schools listening to the needs of the community," said Columbia State Community College President Dr. Janet F. Smith. "It wasn’t just out of thin air but it’s because the need exists, and so we looked to find a way to fulfill that need.”

Beginning with the 2014-15 school year, the WIT Center will give high school students the opportunity to take courses through Columbia State’s dual enrollment program. Classes will be offered in two tracks, the first of which will include networking, while the second track will offer computer programming and web development. Students will be able to sign up for the IT courses as electives or part of the 3-year track that fulfills the Tennessee high school graduation requirements.

“I think there will be a high interest in these classes,” said Centennial High Principal Dr. Leigh Webb. “Our students are immersed in technology every day so this gives them the opportunity to learn more about the infrastructure and to learn how they themselves can be world leaders in the area of Information Technology.”