The Student Technology Services (STS) not only offers work opportunities to students at EPCC, but now is also offering placement at local businesses.
Along with E.P.I.S.D., Champion Awards, and the City of Vinton, STS students have a paid internship awaiting them while learning technical aspects of the business, according to Alfred Reliford, STS manager.
“We’re currently doing a lot of things in the community,” said Reliford. “One of them involves information technician students working with the City of Vinton, particularly with its city hall to help with computer problems.”
Computer and business majors are working with Champion Awards, which provides engraved trophies, plaques, etc., to focus on customer service as well as fixing computer problems. E.P.I.S.D. interns also go around to different campuses diagnosing computer problems.
STS students will be collaborating this month with the County of El Paso by working on the web page along with other technicians.
Reliford said that partnering with local businesses means that STS students will get a chance to gain “real life work experience to go along with their school experience.”
STS is also working hand-in-hand with the Y.I.S.D. by offering after-school computer workshops.
After spring break, STS will visit different campuses within the Ysleta district and teach basic computer skills to students and their parents.
It’s a chance for the “community as a whole to become more familiar with computer technology,” said Reliford.
Both parents and students will also learn how to type a resume and log on to the Internet.
“We are in the pilot phase of this project,” said Reliford. “We plan to expand to other schools in the district as well as other districts.”
For students to qualify for the STS program, they must be an EPCC student with a minimum of a 2.5 GPA, have basic computer knowledge as well as good communication skills.
“To be a part of STS, it doesn’t matter what major you’re pursuing,” said Reliford. “STS places students in a working environment relevant to their major.”
These paid internships follow the same hourly rate as current STS students, $6.44 an hour.
For information call 831-6406/6407, or visit the STS website at epcc.edu.
