Michigan’s Utica Community Schools (UCS) has partnered with Microsoft on the Technology Education and Literacy in Schools (TEALS) program, which pairs technology professionals with UCS computer science and cybersecurity to support students and teachers.
UCS Superintendent Robert Monroe said in a press release that the partnership gives UCS students experiences that meet the needs of the region’s employers.
“Our TEALS professionals provide students with direct industry level experiences and expectations,” Monroe said. “It is through these partnerships that we are making sure our graduates have a competitive advantage for the high paying jobs right in our back yard.”
Currently, more than 10 computer science professionals currently are volunteering at the four UCS comprehensive high schools.
TEALS volunteers participate in training throughout the summer both online and at the Microsoft Technology Center in Detroit. Volunteers are asked to participate from one of four times per week, depending on their schedules.
“Microsoft Philanthropies TEALS Program is dedicated to empowering schools to offer computer science by pairing teachers with trained volunteers in the tech industry,” said Allison Hartnett, a northeast lead for Microsoft. “We’re glad to be working with Utica Community Schools to offer equitable CS for its students and inspire the next generation of technologists.”
