This impactful initiative has been made possible through a generous sponsorship from MGT’s nonprofit arm, the institute of Racial Injustice Solutions (IRIS), defined by its commitment to bridging disparities and fostering educational solutions. MGT has also functioned as external manager of the Gary Community School Corporation since August 2017. Notably, the district has achieved steady grades on state tests, stabilized enrollment, and realized an annual surplus in 2021, overcoming previous deficits totaling tens of millions of dollars.
“This is an opportunity for our students to show their ability to compete not only here in the city, but nationwide,” says Carl Scott, co-principal of West Side Leadership Academy. To mark the launch of this year’s summer camp, MGT recently organized a signing day press conference on May 18, 2023, to honor the students accepted into the program.
MGT has been the external operator at Gary Schools since 2017 and remains committed to the local community. Dewand Neely, CIO at MGT said, “We are here as true partners in Gary. No matter where you’re from, a career in technology is accessible to anyone. In the past, this career field has been grossly underrepresented by African Americans and other minorities. This program aims to help change that.”
“Acceptance into this program is a very rigorous process. I am so proud of our scholars for meeting the occasion head on,” says Kerchell Hobson, Director of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction for Gary Community School Corporation, during the press conference.
The 10-week online training, scheduled to commence in early June, will have positive effects on the students and local community. This program is specifically designed to equip Gary students with the necessary skills to excel in the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification exam so they may find jobs immediately after graduation.
“Trek 10 ran this program with students from the University of Notre Dame, students from my alma mater Wabash College, and now we’re a private partner with Gary Schools to bring it to the high school level,” states Tony Reyes, VP of Sales at Trek10.
More than 20 students have already enrolled in the training camp, which is fully covered, and they will receive a $500 stipend regardless of the exam outcome. During the signing day, distinguished guest speakers shared their expertise and support aimed to inspire and position the enrolled students for success. For further information about the Trek10 program, please reach out to Chelsea Whittington at CWhittington@Garycsc.k12.in.us.
Representatives from West Side Leadership Academy Administration, AWS and Trek 10 pose with 2 students who will be participating in the program.
