Field trips helped the students to see first-hand how the various technologies they had been learning are applied in "real world" settings.

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Why do we need InfoLink?

Information technology continues to expand throughout every corner of the U.S. --- industries, communities, and every-day life styles. While most evidence suggests this trend will continue for some time, the share of individuals who understand and can work in technology rich environments is not increasing as rapidly. Futhermore, public policy research has shown that many areas and communities are being passed over by this technology wave, namely, low-income urban areas and youth --- those in highest need.

How does InfoLink Address These Concerns?

Because of InfoLink, the low-income students will gain: valuable job skills, experience working in team and group environments, exposure to professional environments and income, and a better understanding of the information technolgy field as well as their own capabilities and potential for growth. Local businesses are infused with skilled workers. Community organizations receive needed technology-based products and systems they could not otherwise afford. And the coordinating high schools create new opportunities for their students by creating the opportunity to participate in a unique learning experience.

How does InfoLink operate?

Each summer, InfoLink partner organizations conduct an intense 16 week training program that provides high school juniors and seniors with information technology and professional development skills. Once students obtain a minimum skill level, they begin paid internships with local high technology and technology using organizations. While performing their interships, student advance to higher-level course work that culminates in an applied, team-based project that the students complete and present at the InfoLink graduation ceremony in August.

Where does InfoLink operate?

Instruction starts at a partnering high school's computer cluster after school in the spring. This phase jump starts InfoLink, before coming on campus in the summer, and allows the expected, high attrition to occur. The surviving class entering the summer phase at Carnegie Mellon then has a very low attrition rate for the rest of the program. Half day internships, in the afternoon after morning classes, of course take students to every corner of our city and county for employment. Students take public transportation (paid for by InfoLink) or some students have cars and drive. In a few cases, instructors have driven students to internships in far away locations. The applied community projects that all students complete may require research outside of the classroom and visits the city's neighborhoods, businesses and cultural districts. Field trips also greatly expand students' horizons.

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