Information Technology Center of Excellence
STLCC is building capacity to deliver cutting-edge Information Technology education and training programs designed to meet the future IT workforce needs of St. Louis area employers.
Through this Center of Excellence, STLCC is working collaboratively with regional industry partners and employers to refine curriculum goals and educational competencies to position our students as an essential part of the IT sector’s workforce solution.
We anticipate the capacity to award degrees to 150-200 students per semester. This expanded capacity will enable the recruitment of students who are underrepresented in IT fields such as immigrants who reside in STLCC’s service area, residents of the St. Louis Promise Zone, ethnic minorities, and unemployed or underemployed residents.
Current State of Regional IT Workforce
- As an emerging technology hub, Missouri’s IT industry employs over 143,000 workers in more than 10,500 establishments.
- 48% of the jobs needed to meet the functional skill shortage in IT are middle-wage jobs.
- Local IT employers identified the shortage of IT training
as an issue of high importance.
STLCC IT Program Initiatives
- Development of coursework and collaborative learning opportunities in computer network architecture, computer programming, computer network support, computer use support and software development.
- Development of certification offering in industry-recognized credentials including CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, Linux+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP).
- Development of the cybersecurity program at all four campus locations (Florissant Valley, Forest Park, Meramec and Wildwood).
- Development of internship and/or apprenticeship programs with area employers to ensure our students have the formal work experience needed to be successful and to provide employers a steady source of talent.
COVID-19 Rapid Response Retraining Program
With so many individuals losing jobs or being furloughed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and unemployment crisis, the College is offering innovative programs to retrain displaced workers for jobs in the IT sector. Development of coursework offerings for short-term credentials, such as non-credit training and Certificates of Specialization and Proficiency, which align with longer-term degrees and offer a career pathway in IT.