I. Who are we?
Hi-Tech High is based in the heart of the Utah Valley tech corridor – which some are now calling Silicon Slopes because of the 5,000+ technology companies located here.
We are a group of educators and business leaders who train tech-savvy students on real-world technology and then connect them with companies looking for skilled workers – both for full-time employment and to work on free-lance projects.
Our long-term goal is to ensure that Utah has one of the smartest, most tech-savvy workforces in the world. Help us get the word out by sharing Hi-Tech High with those you know who might be interested.
II. How do we help students “earn while they learn”?
We provide tech-savvy teenagers access to 3 important things to get started:
1) Education
2) Experts
3) Experience
Our hi-tech curriculum was developed with 2 main principles in mind: a) create a fun, engaging, project-based experience for teenagers, b) provide real, market-driven opportunities that will generate income for our students.
III. Why not traditional schools?
Traditional schools simply aren’t able to keep up with the rapidly-changing hi-tech industry. We have partnered with innovative Charter Schools and Home Education Associations across the country to provide up-to-date, relevant education right to your home – anytime, anywhere.
We have also partnered with companies who need skilled IT resources to help with projects, so our students can actually “earn while they learn“!
IV. What about core classes?
Hi-Tech High has partnered with the internationally-renowned Brigham Young University Continuing Education program to provide our students with access to core curriculum topics such as English, Math, Science, Foreign Language and more. We recommend you contact them directly for more information.
V. Latest News related to Hi-Tech High:
Google CEO calls Utah one of the best places to do business
Utah urged to grow hi-tech firms more quickly
Microsoft opening software development office in Utah Valley
National Security DataCenter coming to Utah Valley
Technology in Utah Valley: July 09 – Daily Herald
Utah Valley Entrepreneurial Forum: Interview with Key Board Member from BYU
BYU iPhone Application Contest
Utah Valley Entrepreneurial Forum: Articles, blogs and videos on “Top 25 Companies Under 5”
BusinessWeek Article about Provo-Orem Area
Wall Street Journal: June 09 – The best companies are started during a downturn…
VI. Additional Details and Commonly-asked Questions
Course Schedule – Online classes to begin September 2, 2009:
Based on student interest and instructor availability, we have selected the following courses to be offered in the Fall Semester (additional courses will be available 2nd Semester):
- Computer Basics I
- Game Design I
- Website Design
- Digital Photography and Graphic Design
Students who receive the $1,000 “Access Package” may enroll in up to 2 courses per semester. The package covers the course fee and the required software (check website for total costs).
Hi-Tech Course and Instructor Details:
Each course has been developed by content experts who have estimated that it takes about 90 hours to complete each course (suggested 1 hour a day of study). Just for your information, each course is considered to be a 1 semester credit or .5 Carnegie Unit. The instructors are trained to teach these online courses to youth and are available to help in any way possible. Here is a sample list of how they will help your student be successful:
- Ensure that students are informed of course expectations and due dates.
- Maintain regular contact with students and families via telephone, email, instant messenger, and/or web conferencing.
- Grade and return assessments within three days, except holidays and weekends.
- Return email with 24 hours, except weekends and holidays.
- Maintain regular office hours. Office hours will be three times a week for one hour, for a total of three hours per week. Teachers are expected to be available by phone, by instant messenger, and be in their “virtual” office during those times.
- Supplement the curriculum by holding live instructional sessions via Elluminate (a web conferencing tool).
Required steps to receive the “Access Package” and the Free Netbook Laptop Offer:
The Access Package and laptop are made possible through our partnership with the Liberty Academy Charter School and other private funding sources. In order to receive it, please complete the 4-step Required Information for Participating Students section posted at www.hi-techhigh.com/school-partnerships. The student will be considered a part-time, remote student of Liberty Academy and may not be enrolled elsewhere. In the future, we look forward to accommodating dual-enrollment options with other online or local schools.
Also, in order to access the free laptop, the following 3 steps are required:
- Complete at least one full semester course before January 31, 2010.
- Provide a written summary of the experience within one week of course completion.
- When possible, participate in periodic “Hi-Tech High Student Showcase Events” held in Salem, Utah (virtual participation may also be available). Tentative dates are:
- Thursday, November 19 from 6:30-8 pm
- Thursday, March 25 from 6:30-8 pm
- Thursday, May 6 from 6:30-8 pm
What additional information can you share about the “Hi-Tech High Student Showcase”?
We have scheduled 3 Showcase Nights in the Spanish Fork/Salem area where we will invite members of our business and technology community to come see the students showcase their work. It will be a family-focused event where we give the students an opportunity to share what they have learned with others. We are exploring a Salt Lake City option and hope everyone can attend as many Showcase Events as possible.
When does the Access Package expire and how many classes can be taken each semester?
The Access Package is good through May 2010 and can be renewed next September for the following school year, if interested and if not enrolled in any other public school. Students may take either 1 or 2 courses each semester until the full amount of the package has been used.
If I receive an Access Package, is there any upfront money required?
No.
Can I use Access Package funding towards the software required for the courses?
Yes. Most courses use free, open-source software to teach core technical information and skills, although a few of the courses use a fee-based software program. The student can usually begin with a free, evaluation copy, but eventually will want to buy the full-use software. Please note that due to software licensing regulations, you will need to purchase the software yourself and then send us a copy of the receipt for reimbursement within 30 days (if you choose to use Access Package funds for the software). Additionally, in order to keep costs low, we have already negotiated huge educational discounts through one of our partners (see our Academic Store). You can also purchase the software elsewhere, if you prefer.
Are the classes held at a set time of day or are they self-paced?
The classes are essentially self-paced and available online at any time. Depending on the class, the instructors will also plan to schedule weekly “live” appointments throughout the semester to help the students learn, as needed.
What if my student finishes a course early, can he/she begin a new one during the semester?
The remote instructors are great resources to help the students progress throughout the course and answer any questions the students might have. If your student enrolls in just one course in the Fall and goes quickly through it, he/she would need to wait until the start of the next semester begin a new course in order to have instructor support. However, if the student would like to completely “self-study” a second course, he/she could do so, but would not have any instructor support to answer questions.
When will I receive the Netbook and do I need to return it when done?
Students will receive the netbook computer when they complete their first full course and have submitted a detailed description of their Hi-Tech High experience with any suggestions and feedback. We plan to purchase the computers for you and mail them out sometime in January. Additionally, the computers are for the students to keep and do not need to be returned.