Press Release

New Version Of Computer Magnet Ready For Applications

The Computer Magnet program is getting ready for a rebirth in the fall of 2001 with new locations and a new approach.

Applications are being taken now for either Thomas Jefferson or North High schools. Applications taken by December 16 will have the best chance for enrollment.

"Students will be offered a rigorous, challenging academic environment to learn about all aspects of computers - networks, servers, operating systems, software development, web site design, relational databases and high-end programming," said Arlene Noguchi, one of four teachers designing the Computer Magnet.

"When students leave after four years they will be ready at a very high level for college-level courses or the job market, depending on their individual goals," she added.

The magnet programs will be integrated seamlessly into the academic environment at both Thomas Jefferson and North, said Noguchi.

Students who would otherwise attend John F. Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln, West, or North high schools (based on attendance boundaries) will be eligible for transportation to North. Students living in all other high school attendance areas will be eligible for transportation to Thomas Jefferson High School.

Applicants to the Computer Magnet will be required to:

• Provide recommendations from math, science, English and technology teachers;
• Write a brief essay about their reasons for applying to the Computer Magnet and how they plan to use the skills they will acquire;
• Attend an interview with a parent or guardian;
• Bring samples of work they have done to their interview.

The new program will require students to enroll in at least one Computer Magnet courses each semester. Students who are now enrolled in the Computer Magnet - currently housed at George Washington High School - will be allowed to finish at either Thomas Jefferson or North.

The Computer Magnet Program is designed as a four-year curriculum. However, multiple entry points will make it possible for serious students to enter after their freshman year, pending available space. After their first year in the program, when all students will take both the "Introduction to Computer Magnet" and "Project Management" classes, students will choose one of three strands of coursework.

The "Technician" strand will emphasize networks, servers, operating systems and their inter-relations. The "Web Applications" strand will emphasize the use of software applications to design and deliver content, primarily across networks. The "Software Engineering" strand will concentrate on more advanced study of programming languages and relational database management.

The learning environment will be project-based, with students being organized in teams to tackle specific, real-life work. Partnerships with businesses will also be available to provide mentoring, job shadowing, and internships.

The Computer Magnet program is currently housed at George Washington High School, but the Board of Education approved a plan to move the program, and add a site, in part to create more room at George Washington. The idea to expand the magnet and move to two campuses was approved by voters as part of the $305 million bond approved by voters in 1998.

For information and applications, please call 303-964-3093.

The Computer Magnet Program has the potential to significantly affect the lives of its students and the communities it serves. Some sectors of the high-tech job market have job growth rates near 100 percent a year. Graduates of the program might realize starting salaries of $30,000 to $40,000 per year in these markets.