Home  News and Events Press Releases 2003
Students in Women in Technology Program to Present Business Solutions Developed in Collaboration With SimplexGrinnell and Tyco Safety Products
First Year of Project WATCH to Conclude with May 13 Event at Westminster Facility
WESTMINSTER, Massachusetts (May 12, 2003) - When they first came together last fall, the 20 female high school students who have participated in a collaborative women-in-technology career development program knew little about the challenges and realities of the work world.
Seven months later, having completed the Women Achieving Technical Career Heights (WATCH) program, the students are considerably more knowledgeable and savvy, from a business and technology standpoint. As the first year of the program comes to a close, the students are set to present the real-life business solutions they've developed while working on dedicated project teams at SimplexGrinnell and Tyco Safety Products.
The students - juniors and seniors from Montachusett Regional Vocational School, Leominster Public High School, Leominster Center for Technical Education and Oakmont Regional High School - will be recognized at a special celebration on Tuesday, May 13 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Westminster facility shared by SimplexGrinnell and Tyco Safety Products. The students will present and demonstrate their project solutions, and also discuss the lessons they've learned during the program.
Project WATCH is designed to prepare young women for careers in the fields of engineering and technology, using a partnership model in which secondary schools, post-secondary colleges and businesses work together.
"This has been an invaluable and memorable experience for all involved," says Mary J. Leonardo, Director of IT Infrastructure at SimplexGrinnell, who has a firsthand understanding of the need to encourage more women to enter technical careers. "The key to the success of the program has been the students' commitment and participation. They've learned the power of teams and experienced real-life work situations. They are not only friends, but co-workers as well. In turn, our staff has been given a unique opportunity to develop their mentoring and leaderships skills and give to the community at the same time."
At the outset of the program, the students were divided into two teams - one working on a manufacturing project and the other on an information technology business application. For the past seven months, the students have spent five hours every other week at the Westminster facility, working directly with engineers and information technology specialists from SimplexGrinnell and Tyco Safety Products.
Fitchburg State College, the North Central Tech Prep Consortium and Mount Wachusett Community College have supported the WATCH program at the post-secondary level. In addition to SimplexGrinnell and Tyco Safety Products, the business and industry partners include Verizon EdLink, the Massachusetts Women's Home Mission Union and the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce.
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About SimplexGrinnell
SimplexGrinnell LP, a business unit of Tyco Fire and Security, is a leading provider of fire detection and alarm, fire sprinkler, fire suppression, and integrated security systems and services. SimplexGrinnell delivers single-source solutions using its comprehensive portfolio of high-quality products and services. The Simplex® and Grinnell® product lines being sold, delivered and serviced by SimplexGrinnell include: fire detection and alarm systems; fire sprinkler systems; fire extinguishers and pumps; restaurant fire suppression systems; special hazards fire protection systems; integrated security systems; healthcare communications systems; integrated sound, intercom and telephone systems; and emergency lighting. SimplexGrinnell serves its customers through a network of company-owned district offices that covers all of North America. The SimplexGrinnell district offices also provide 24/7 emergency services. For additional information or to locate the nearest SimplexGrinnell district office, visit www.simplexgrinnell.com
About Tyco Safety Products
Tyco Safety Products is a worldwide leader in product design and manufacturing for fire, security and communications systems. Tyco Safety Products offers products and services worldwide to Tyco Fire & Security companies, as well as to dealers and distributors of products for the fire, security, healthcare communications, and time management system markets. Tyco Safety Products is based in an ISO 9001-certified technology center in Westminster, Massachusetts. This 680,000 square-foot facility includes a 170,000 square-foot warehouse and distribution center.
About Tyco Fire & Security
Tyco Fire & Security designs, manufactures, installs and services electronic security systems, fire protection, detection and suppression systems, sprinklers and fire extinguishers. Tyco Fire & Security consists of more than 60 brands including ADT, Scott, Sensormatic, SimplexGrinnell, Ansul, Total Walther, and Wormald, which are represented in over 100 countries. Its products are used to safeguard firefighters, prevent and fight fires, deter thieves and protect people and property.
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Copyright © 2003 SimplexGrinnell LP. All rights reserved.
Tyco, Simplex and Grinnell are trademarks of Tyco International Services AG or its affiliates.
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CONTACT: Chris Woodcock
Director, Marketing Communications
SimplexGrinnell
978-731-7052
chwoodcock@tycoint.com
Peter Ferris
Tyco International
603-334-3933
pferris@tyco.com
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