Joshua Simplice says he has been fascinated by computers since childhood.
The Howard Institute of Technology sophomore had built a computer from scratch as a freshman and was working on a video game with his classmates.
“There’s a lot of opportunity here — not just computer networking,” Simplice said. “You can go farther at Howard and save yourself a lot of money; you basically don’t have to pay for college.”
He and as many as 25 other students have the opportunity to earn 30 college credits in their sophomore, junior and senior years for an associate degree in information technology and networking, which they can then continue to complete at Delaware Institute of Technology, said Chancellor Mark Brainard.
“About 60-65 percent of students graduate from Delaware Tech with no debt,” Brainard said. “Before starting your life, buying a house, [and] Start a family. “
This grant, valued at more than $250,000, is helping students succeed financially, intellectually and through field experiences, which has always been the goal of Principal Kyle Hill.
Additionally, Howard Tech High School stated that they focus on the concept of continuous improvement in everything they do.
“I had many conversations with our Head of School, Dr. Jones, about how quickly the industry is changing and the need for our school and our district to be flexible and adapt to the needs of the industry,” Hill said.
For 2021, JPMC awarded a $285,000 grant to Delaware Tech Community College.
Funding connects the College’s information technology and networking students with career exposure, internships and employment opportunities.
It also launched its first 1+1 program with Howard Tech High School, which Tom Horn, head of JPMorgan’s Delaware market, expressed support for.
“Talent is evenly distributed, but opportunity is not,” Horn said. “We try to do [this] Making a difference in closing the racial wealth gap and creating opportunity in the communities where we live and work — often for Black and Hispanic communities. ”
Funding, support and guidance are enabling students to lead promising, successful lives after completing their studies.