Exploratory Lab Boot Camp named Best Student Program of the Year

Exploratory-Lab-Boot-Camp
College of Computer and Information Technology

The Tampa Bay Technology Forum (TBTF) hosted its 2015 Industry Achievement Awards Gala at the A La Carte Pavilion in Tampa. The Exploratory Lab Boot Camp was nominated and won in the category of Best Student Program of the Year.  The Program is successful because of the collaboration between area companies and colleges; Tech Data, Valpak, and Agile Thought hosted the program, with Tech Data creating the curriculum.  St. Petersburg College lead the operation of the program with assistance by TBTF.

“Angie Beltz, VP Cisco Sales Tech Data and Pat Gehant, Tampa Bay Technology Forum and St. Petersburg College, have done an excellent job of leading the Exploratory Lab Boot Camp,” said James Connolly, Director of Workforce and Professional Development. “By combining Industry needs with innovative educational strategies, we have been able to increase the preparedness of the student to enter the workforce.”

Overall, the program boasts the following stats:

  • 42 students have gone through the program
  • 100 percent of the students completed the program
  • 67 percent were hired, offered internships, or returned to existing jobs with new skills
  • 27 percent returned to school to continue their education

Of the most recent class, 37 percent were hired within two weeks of graduation. A 19-year-old student was offered a full time position at above entry level. This student was already working full time at a local bank.  Companies hiring the students included PWC, Tech Data, Agile Thought.

Future plans for the program include:

  1. Developing a sustainable business model that is a collaboration between 5-6 companies to deliver the curriculum in May 2016.
  2. Tech Data will assist in mentoring other companies to deliver the curriculum
  3. Tech Data will host a third session in June 2016
  4. Heavily marketing the program to student groups and faculty at area universities and colleges.

Interest in program is increasing because of the hire rate and student response to the knowledge and confidence they gain in understanding how to prepare for the workforce.