Syracuse iSchool introduces new scholarship program to increase upstate information technology talent pool

Syracuse iSchool introduces new scholarship program to increase upstate information technology talent poolMarch 26, 2009Margaret Costello Spillettmcostell@syr.edu

During these difficult economic times, several upstate New York companies and organizations find themselves in an unusual situation. They have many jobs available with not enough qualified candidates to fill them. There are currently close to 600 technology-related positions open in Central New York alone, according to New York’s Creative Core (http://www.creativecoreny.com).

The Syracuse University School of Information Studies (iSchool) sees an opportunity to help fill this void and strengthen the economic vitality of upstate New York. For the 2009-2010 academic year, the iSchool will be offering a 50-percent tuition scholarship to qualified upstate New York residents who are newly admitted into the following academic programs:

• 42-credit M.S. in information management
• 30-credit executive M.S. in information management
• 36-credit M.S. in telecommunications and network management
• 15-credit certificate of advanced study in information security management
• 15-credit certificate of advanced study in information systems and telecommunications management

The Upstate IT scholarships are available to full- or part-time matriculated students who are permanent residents of upstate New York. Scholarships will be awarded to a number of both online and campus-based students who are accepted into the approved programs and start the programs in summer or fall 2009.

“The iSchool is well positioned to prepare upstate New York residents to join the ever expanding information profession, and in turn, we will strengthen the companies that will continue to offer opportunities to our graduates for years to come,” says iSchool Dean Elizabeth D. Liddy. “We hope that the creation of these scholarships strengthens the cadre of technology-focused professionals and information managers to sustain local industries. We are responding to what we see as a known need in the area and what we believe will also benefit our future graduates.”

Upstate New York is home to numerous innovative and technologically advanced companies, including Sensis, Syracuse Research Corp., Lockheed Martin, Bristol-Meyers-Squibb, Welch Allyn, Bank of New York, National Grid, Time Warner Cable and Honeywell. Other entities, such as the Syracuse Technology Garden, are encouraging young entrepreneurs to launch technology start-ups in the upstate area.

“With our focus on growing and supporting emerging technology companies, we are keenly aware of the increasing need for information technology professionals,” says Paul Brooks, vice president of Entrepreneurship Programs at the Syracuse Technology Garden. “The iSchool’s scholarship program will provide a real impetus to develop home-grown information professionals, committed to furthering their careers in the upstate area.”

With its roots in librarianship, the iSchool focuses on educating professionals who can find, organize, manage and distribute information in all of its forms for the benefit of people. It is a leading center for innovative programs in information policy, behavior, management, systems, technology and services. The iSchool-ranked No. 1 in information systems by U.S. News & World Report-seeks partners who share a similar mission in advancing the growth of technology-driven companies and the education of IT professionals in the upstate New York region. The iSchool would welcome the opportunity to work with upstate employers to encourage their employees to take advantage of this scholarship program so that they build on their skill sets and become vital team members.

To apply for the program and the upstate New York scholarships, visit http://ischool.syr.edu/upstateIT.

For more information on this initiative, contact Sue Corieri, director of enrollment management, at 315-443-2575 or sbcorier@syr.edu.