Information Technology Centers (CIT by its Spanish acronyms)

Project History:

Through the CIT’s we create interest in our youth and people in sciences and technology, providing access and education opportunities in new frontiers. Creating at an early age a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in our geographical region in route to a knowledge based economy.

The CIT center in the City of Caguas started operations in early 2005. Programs such as “Smart Teens”, “Certification of Information Specialist” and “Unlimited Potential have been given in the Caguas CIT. The center in the city of Juncos started in late 2005 and already is starting courses in the three main programs. New CIT centers will be added in the city of Cayey and Humacao in 2006.

Project Objectives:

Developing interest in science and technology from an early age so that young students discover they can use technology in developing a concept or an idea aiming to stimulate their interest to continue studies in sciences in High School and University. Students will therefore be more disposed to study careers in sciences and technology.

What are the specific program activities?

1) Smart teens- provide teenagers studying in High School education in mechatronics (integration of mechanical engineering, mechanics, electronics and computers) utilized in the commercialization of innovative products. Examples of these would be robotics and automation. They design a three dimension part in a computer using Solidworks, make the part, fabricate their idea, program the microprocessor and then develop a business plan to sell their concept. The curriculum of SmartTeens is aligned with the national education standards in science, mathematics and technology (NSES) National Science Education Standard. In addition to the NSES standards the program is aligned with the skills of the Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS).

Total Hours 119

2) Unlimited Potential – oriented towards adults, they are taught how to handle information system programs such as office.
Hours 108

3) Certification of Information System Specialist – oriented towards youth in high school, they study and complete a program of 160 hours. The program covers all Office programs such as word, powerpoint, excel, access and outlook. Once they complete the course and pass a standard certification exam given by Certiport, they are give an Official worldwide recognized certification in Office programs.