Key Initiatives

2010 Java Boot Camp: During May 2010, the TTP held a nine-day Java boot camp for 18 students and faculty of TTP institutions. The boot camp concluded with 18 individuals sitting for the Java 5.0 certification exam, with 55% of those individuals having received the Java Programmer Certification. Based upon test results, the TTP expects 2 additional participants to receive their certification within the next ninety days.

Strategic Planning: The TTP Technology Strategic Planning Model has been used in assisting Norfolk State University in exploring distance education opportunities.

Cisco Systems: Through partnering with Savannah State University and Tennessee State University’s School of Business, Cisco Systems has established Cisco Academies at both institutions during the past two years.  These additional two institutions join North Carolina A&T and North Carolina Central Universities in integrating the Cisco certification curriculum into existing business, engineering, and computer science courses.

Deloitte Consulting/Deloitte Services: During 2008 and 2009, Deloitte, LLP partnered with Tennessee State University on a enterprise-wide engagement that led to development and implementation of a business intelligence (BI) process and platform.   Currently, (2010) Deloitte, LLP is partnering with Morehouse College to develop and implement a Disaster Recovery plan for the College’s information and communication technology assets.

IBM: Provided the TTP program office with human resource support and focused IBM Academic Initiative access and support. IBM continues to engage with TTP partner institutions on grants, internships, hiring, and access to technical experts. New initiatives on Cloud Computing and Mainframe education are the focus for 2010-2012.   The TTP is one of the Founding Members of the IBM Cloud Academy and will utilize its membership to ensure TTP partner institutions appropriately engage in the evolution of Cloud technology.

Oracle: Engaging with the TTP, Oracle has committed to expanding its presence at Historically Black Colleges and Universities by increasing its outreach through the Oracle Academy, and ThinkQuest (an international competition for high school and college students).  Additionally, the Oracle Foundation is supporting the TTP Java Boot Camps and other campus related Oracle activities.

Phase 3: Will facilitate the engagement of five additional HBCUs to actively use the Collaborative Learning Environment for curriculum delivery or collaborative activities with other institutions. The TTP is scheduled to conduct Java Boot Camps through 2010 for TTP partner institutions and other HBCUs. The objective is to contribute 12 to 15 additional Java certified professionals to the workforce each year. During Phase 3, the project aims to recruit three to five additional HBCUs to actively participate in the TTP and recruit three to five additional ELC corporations to partner with TTP during 2010-2012. Volunteers are encouraged. Corporations are not required to be in the technology industry, but they must have a desire to work with institutions of higher education and value the development of a diverse workforce. To participate and make a difference, please call Ramon Harris, Director of the Technology Transfer Project, at 703 706-5219 or email rharris@elcinfo.com

“Since its affiliation with the first contingent of TTP schools, Tennessee State University has placed students in internships with Fortune 500 companies and has placed graduates into jobs with these same companies. We received an early draft of the invaluable “Strategic Planning Model” developed by the TTP’s Ramon Harris and Sam Hampton, and we have used it for developing our own IT strategic plan."

Dr Dennis Gendron
Vice President, Communication
and Information Technologies
Tennessee State University