Issue link: http://howardcc.uberflip.com/i/238538
labs, work with excellent teachers, and gain competence in the technology they need for their careers." When Todd Thompson discusses the STEM program at HCC, he speaks from personal experience. "I took a computer forensics class from Professor Patrick O'Guinn, and I didn't tell him what my position is at Lockheed Martin. It was wonderfully taught, and I guarantee I couldn't have taken a better class at any other computer forensics program in the U.S." Filling the Pipeline Scholarships and internships provided by area businesses play a critical role in keeping top students in the STEM career pipeline. Judy Smith, an HCC Educational Foundation (HCCEF) board member and vice president of business development at ITT, a high-technology and manufacturing company, says a partnership with HCC is a win-win for everyone. "The demands of the market require us to continually renew our skills and enhance our systems. And with decreasing budgets, government and commercial clients are looking for An HCC STEM student Mihir Kalyani examines an exhibit during a trip to the Goddard Space Flight Center. innovative ways to do more with less," she says. "We like to fill our pipeline with new thoughts and ideas, and students offer a good way to do that. "Sitting on the HCCEF board gives According to Lockheed Martin's Thompson, institutions such as HCC fill an essential gap, both for students and a certification that qualifies them for a good job." "Our region has a very fluid me a way to give back to the community, for employers. "HCC has smaller classes, environment, where the needs are while an internship program helps more hands-on time, and offers more constantly changing," says Keeton. "We identify great engineering candidates for ability to interact with good teachers. offer students a place where they can ITT. We want the best and the brightest, And it offers students the choice of two come in and out as they identify new skills so we tag institutions that have the kind paths – as a starting point to a career that that they need to help them get ahead. of students who will meet our demands," requires a bachelor's or graduate degree Providing the opportunity for lifelong Smith adds. and a place to get a good foundation and learning is the name of the game." Howard Community College Spring 2011 | Pathways 11