UMS, companies aim to boost IT grads
The University of Maine System is planning a new partnership with private businesses to boost the number of students graduating with computer and information sciences degrees.
At his State of the University address yesterday to the state Legislature, UMS Chancellor Richard Pattenaude said the system has formed the University-Business Information Technology and Computer Science Partnership to help Maine businesses address an expected shortfall in IT job candidates, according to The Associated Press. Mike Dubyak, president and CEO of South Portland-based payment processor Wright Express, raised the issue with Pattenaude and will co-chair implementation efforts. The program aims to double the system's IT graduates from its current 50-60 per year over the next four years to meet demand from employers, such as Hannaford Bros. Co., TD Bank, Idexx and others, Pattenaude told lawmakers. Those companies expect their need for high-tech employees to grow in the coming years as they expand and current employees retire.
UMS will work with high schools to recruit students to its computer technology programs by using specialized scholarships, reallocating existing funds and asking businesses for financial support, Pattenaude told The AP following his address.
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