Since its inception in 2001, almost 100 young women throughout the North Central
Massachusetts area have participated in the Women in Technology Program, a School
to Career Program that aims to develop a connection between local businesses, secondary
schools and post-secondary colleges. Last year, 26 students from the following schools
participated in the program: Leominster Center for Technical Education, Montachusett
Regional Vocational Technical School, Gardner High School, Narragansett Regional High
School and Oakmont Regional High School. This year, the program is being expanded to
include students from Murdock High School and Athol High School.
At Wednesday's event, students will learn about the program and the business projects
they will complete. The program requires that students work in teams for five hours
every other week at Tyco's Westminster office building, working directly with engineers
and information technology professionals from Tyco Safety Products and SimplexGrinnell
to develop solutions to real-life business challenges. Students in the program put in
many additional hours on their own, and must at the same time stay current with all
their schoolwork.
Statistically, women are underrepresented in engineering and information technology
careers. This program was developed to provide an introduction to these careers for
young women in the North Central Massachusetts area. It does so through an applied
learning environment that enhances their current academic experience, builds confidence,
helps to develop transferable job skills, and provides a meaningful work-based learning
experience. Lisa Fredette, an IT intern at SimplexGrinnell who participated in the Women
in Technology Program, states: "Working in a 'real-life' business environment gave me
an enhanced sense of possible career choices."
Through their support for Women in Technology, Tyco Safety Products and SimplexGrinnell
are helping fulfill a commitment to build healthy, vital communities. At the same time,
they also benefit from the experience by developing mentoring skills within their
organizations and gaining tangible results from student projects. Bill Haigis, Director
of Global Business Development at Tyco Safety Products, says: "The Women in Technology
Program has been a win-win arrangement for Tyco Safety Products, SimplexGrinnell and the
bright young women who participate. It provides invaluable hands-on experience to students
who would otherwise rely solely on classroom instruction to grasp key concepts necessary to
succeed in today's technology-based job market. We enjoy the opportunity to offer real-life
initiatives. Even more important and enjoyable is the chance to mentor and coach the students
through the activities. We tend to learn as much as the students each year. Tyco Safety Products
and SimplexGrinnell very much look forward to continuing the program into the future."
Fitchburg State College, the North Central Tech Prep Consortium, and Mount Wachusett
Community College have provided support as the post-secondary connection. Tyco Safety
Products, SimplexGrinnell, and the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce are business
partners in the program.
For more information about the Women in Technology Program, please contact
Mr. Michael Gerry, STC Coordinator, at the Greater Gardner School to Career Partnership at
(978) 632-1780.
About SimplexGrinnell
SimplexGrinnell, a business unit of Tyco Fire & Security, provides a comprehensive array
of fire alarm, fire sprinkler, fire suppression, integrated security, sound and healthcare
communications systems and services. With half a million customers, 11,000 employees, 150
local offices, and over 200 years of history in the fire business, SimplexGrinnell is the
leader in the fire and life-safety industry. For additional information, visit
www.simplexgrinnell.com.
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