It also helps to have the support of a programmer, a graphic artist, and an instructional designer. Corporate sponsorship, coupled with the vast pool of talent among university students, can greatly enhance similar projects. Students are capable of grasping and adapting to new technology. Corporate-academic partnerships can eminently help train students in new information technology that will enhance academics as well as career preparation. Such training is especially critical for students of color who are underrepresented in the field of information technology.
Faculty members can also benefit from corporate support.
For those engaged in research and looking for professional development, corporate sponsorship can allow research and study outside the classroom. In addition, such funding can also pay the salaries of instructors working on projects during the summer. Corporate support is needed to secure much-needed hardware and software as well as to pay for consultants and the cost of setting up networks. In addition to purchasing new equipment and software, institutions can partner with businesses to share resources. Material developed for the Web can be placed on business servers.