Hofstra University has been awarded a grant from OpenLink, the global leader in Transaction Lifecycle Management software for the commodity, energy and financial services industries, to support a technology education program taught by Frank G. Zarb School of Business students using tiny, low-cost portable computers to help elementary and middle school students learn basic programming skills.
The Next Generation Computer Programming Academy began more than a year ago at The Progressive School of Long Island, and has evolved into a vibrant partnership that builds the resumes of Hofstra information technology students while building the computer skills of the youngsters they teach.
The grant from OpenLink, paid for 30 computer monitors and stipends for the lead student instructors.
“When you go on an interview, you can say I did something. You didn’t just learn it, you taught it to someone else,” said Alex Pelaez, special assistant professor of information technology who founded the program.
“At OpenLink, we are constantly seeking top talent,” said Grossi, who is executive vice president of global operations and support at OpenLink. “We recognize that our many achievements are the result of talented technologists that help drive our innovation. I am very pleased that we were able to fill this role and provide a career path for a graduate from this program.”
The success of the program at The Progressive School led to several student-teachers conducting similar classes for Hofstra Continuing Education’s Saturday Classes for Young People.