WSU Tech launches cloud computing program designed to get individuals to work fast
Today, WSU Tech announces the launch of a cloud computing program designed to fast-track students straight into a high-demand, high-wage career in as little as 16 weeks. The new program was developed due to the increasing need in Wichita and the surrounding region for educated software developers with an emphasis in cloud computing. As the state’s leader in technical education, WSU Tech is known for its industry responsiveness and has plans to make computer science and information technology one of its flagship areas of study.
“Over the last few years, WSU Tech has made a focused effort to expand our offerings in IT and Computer Sciences,” said Dr. Sheree Utash, President of WSU Tech. “This is due to the growing number of employers who have come to us expressing a need for an educated workforce in IT. The pandemic and dependency on technology has only increased this need across all sectors. We are excited to not only help our students find careers in a growing and well-paying field, but also to help our business and industry partners meet their workforce needs.
” What is cloud computing? Microsoft defines cloud computing as the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the Internet, or “the cloud”, to offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale. Gartner forecasts that cloud services will grow three times more than overall IT services through 2022. Considering that businesses have had to rethink their operations due to COVID-19, the cloud becomes critical, resulting in a higher demand for developers.
The initial 16-weeks, or one semester, of the cloud computing and cloud application development associates degree program at WSU Tech is offered in a bootcamp style or accelerated hybrid format. Designed for individuals who may have no background or understanding of programming, this bootcamp will immerse them into the career field and help begin their journey. Students will complete most of their coursework online and attend four hours of flexible, facilitated lab time at Groover Labs located in Wichita’s historic Old Town.
“This program not only offers flexibility for the students but also gives them the amazing opportunity to attend classes at Groover Labs and work side-by-side with some of Wichita’s great minds in the tech world,” says Dr. Jennifer Seymour, Vice President of General Education and Applied Technologies. “This is a real game changer for our students and can lead to industry connections that will benefit them now and in the future.”
Groover Labs is a collaborative working environment where entrepreneurs and tech pros can get support and share ideas. Students in this program will benefit from the immersive training experience and proximity to seasoned professionals in their aspiring field. They will also have access to helpful resources such as events and conferences held at Groover Labs.
“Groover Labs is a space where people can come together to collaborate, innovate, and incubate ideas, in order to ignite our local tech ecosystem,” said Curt Gridley, co-founder of Groover Labs. “This partnership with WSU Tech, Kansas startup SnapIT and key industry employers will be a significant and tangible spark. We can’t wait to engage with this new generation of technology professionals.”
The curriculum for the bootcamp was developed in partnership with SnapIT Solutions, a tech solutions company based out of Overland Park, KS. Students who complete the bootcamp will become certified in several programming languages, including Python, C#, and others, and will be job-ready for a position in IT – for example, a junior software developer. Local IT companies, such as Keycentrix, have already pledged to offer guaranteed job interviews to these students.
“WSU Tech's Cloud Computing and Cloud Application Development program takes the lead in carving a pathway to the software development jobs of the future,” said Luis Rodriguez, Presidentof Keycentrix. “If you are a prospective student looking for a new opportunity in software or cloud computing, or if you are a business breaking open new capabilities or offerings powered by software or cloud computing, then I encourage you to engage with WSU Tech on this program.”
Students can complete the remaining classes to earn an associates degree, fully online or hybrid, in just a few more semesters. Classes for the Cloud Computing and Cloud Application Development program begin January 31, 2022. Those interested can learn more and find out how to get started by going to www.wsutech.edu/cloudcomputing.
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WSU Tech is the state’s leader in modern technical education offering over 100 degree and certificate options in aviation, health care, manufacturing, design, information technology, police science and business. In 2018, WSU Tech was named the 2nd fastest growing college among two-year colleges by The Chronicle of Higher Education. WSU Tech serves as managing partner of the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) in Wichita, KS and is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a Kansas Board of Regents institution. For more information, visit www.WSUTECH.edu.
Groover Labs is the central gathering point for entrepreneurial activity in the region. It supports growth in local startup activity through a collaborative space, community, and programming where entrepreneurs and tech workers can receive support, share ideas, and explore transformative technologies. The 42,000 square foot facility features a variety of work and meeting spaces, a large event venue, classrooms, and a maker and prototyping space. Make sure to sign up for the Groover Labs newsletter and follow our social accounts for more information. www.grooverlabs.org