FlexTech

Empowering Tomorrow's Tech Talent: FlexTech's Dynamic Pathway from Classroom to Career

FlexTech: Transforming IT support and Cybersecurity credential attainment through HyFlex (hyper-flexible) educational offerings and industry partnerships.  In 2024 we were awarded a National Science Foundation, Advanced Technology Education grant.  This grant focuses on our Help Desk / IT Support Specialist and Cybersecurity programs.  We are working directly with industry to ensure our curriculum meets the needs of local employers.  Partnerships with industry have been created to not only align curriculum but also provide internships.  We are working to move classes into an environment where students can attend in-person, via web meeting (Zoom), or completely online to fit their schedule.  Please see the full abstract, upcoming events, and contacts below.

There is a significant shortage of individuals with practical application skills in Western Wyoming Community College’s (Western’s) service area. Most potential employees lack the requisite skills and hands‐on experience sought by industry employers. The objective of FlexTech is to develop course content tailored to the needs of our Help Desk/IT Support Specialist and Cybersecurity programs, aligning closely with industry requirements, preparing students for relevant certification exams, and facilitating their entry into the workforce within Western’s expansive 29,000 square mile service area. These certifications are the first of their kind in this area. The FlexTech project uses HyFlex (hyper‐ flexible) courses permitting attendance through a multitude of modalities; synchronous in‐person, synchronous online, and asynchronous online. This flexible structure aims to stimulate enrollment growth, particularly among underrepresented groups such as women, post‐traditional learners, and dual‐enrolled high school students. An industry advisement team plays a crucial role in guiding the development of course content. Instructors actively solicit feedback from this advisory team, tailoring assignments to address specific industry needs. Dissemination of project information will occur through various channels; including an online webpage hosted on the Western website, the Southwest Wyoming’s Manufacturing Partnership, and participation in the ATE (Advanced Technological Education) PI (Principal Investigator) Conference.
  • Oct 23rd - participating in Mustang Preview Day
  • Nov 6th - presenting at Green River High School
  • Nov 8th - presenting to Rock Springs High School Administration
  • Oct. 3rd - Presented to  SWMP
  • OCT 9th - Participated in MFG day
Our partnerships with industry are vital to our programs.  Industry partners are helping look at course content to ensure students are ready for local positions.  Industry partners are also giving thoughts about any missing classes or content.  Internships are also being created out of these partnerships.  If you are interested in becoming part of our Industry Advisory council please fill out the form on the right hand side of the page.

Current Enrollment - FA 2024

  • Help Desk / IT Support Specialist Certificate - 3
  • Cybersecurity Certificate - 7
  • Cybersecurity Degree - 16

Other Findings

  • Coming Soon!

 

The FlexTech Team

 

Kayla Hawley Headshot

Jennifer Allen Headshot

Amy Murphy Headshot

Garrett Hawley Headshot

Beth Gard Headshot

Kayla

Hawley

Jennifer

Allen

Amy

Murphy

Garrett

Hawley

Beth

Gard

Principle Investigator

Co-Principle Investigator

Co-Principle Investigator

Instructor of Cybersecurity

Administration

 

  

National Science Foundation Logo

"This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under grant number 2349101.” “Any opinions, finding, conclusions and/or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.” Western provides equal opportunity in education and employment. Learn More: westernwyoming.edu/nds