Monroe County School District (MCSD) computer science students did not let COVID-19 school closures deter them from earning valuable Internet Technology (IT) industry certifications,” according to Sibba Mira, Career and Technical Education Coordinator. “Eighty-five students earned over $15,000 in <Monroe /> COMPUTE$ prizes during the fourth quarter school closures, and they are not done yet.” The latest round of certifications brings the <Monroe /> COMPUTE$ prize total to $69,550 year to date. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to work on their certifications, both virtually and in-person, through the district’s various summer programs and at home testing opportunities.
“Our teachers were very motivated to ensure that students had the opportunity to complete their certifications during this unprecedented time of school closures,” explained incoming Superintendent Theresa Axford. “We were able to transition their classes to an online learning platform which gave our students the ability to train and certify virtually.”
“Students will be able to continue their certification efforts through our online learning platform this summer,” Mira explained. “We are also planning IT Certification Boosts at several Keys schools July 13-31, which will allow students to take advantage of in-person instruction and testing opportunities.” IT Certification Boosts will be conducted in accordance to FLDOE and CDC guidelines and subject to change based on updated regulatory information.
“I am looking forward to working with our students to achieve their certification goals this summer,” said Ebenson Michelin, Key West High School’s information technology instructor. Michelin’s students lead the district in Microsoft Office Specialist certifications, the industry’s most highly demanded credential. <Monroe /> COMPUTE$ has extended this year’s incentive program, allowing students to continue to earn prizes ranging from $50-$250 through the end of the summer.
