Apr. 24, 2023 3p
(WGTD)---The principal of St. Catherine’s High School in Racine expects that Microsoft’s planned data center in Mt. Pleasant will only strengthen his school’s partnership with the tech giant.
For the past five years, St. Catherine’s has participated in Microsoft’s TEALS program. That’s an acronym for Technology Education and Learning Support.
Microsoft trains teachers who teach the program, then provide locally-based mentors to work with students one-on-one.
St. Catherine’s principal Mike Arendt tells WGTD he was delighted to learn of Microsoft’s plans, and thinks it'll pay off for the school in the future. "I'm interested to see if that can enhance our opportunities," he said.
The TEALS program at St. Cat’s has been steadily growing. It began with a handful of students taking part. This year a second section was added, in addition to an Advanced Placement course that acts as a next level follow-up to the intro class.
Over the years, TEALS students have gone on to pursue computer science majors in college with an eye toward landing jobs in the field.
The program got started at St. Catherine’s five years ago after a new staff member brought in the idea.
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