This youth outreach program is designed to encourage Pennsylvania's brightest young people to consider entering the field of information technology in Pennsylvania. The Governor's School curriculum also helps students develop the critical thinking and leadership skills they will need to succeed in information technology careers. The program is modeled on the curriculum of Penn State's School of Information Sciences and Technology. Governor's School students participate in classroom instruction, computer laboratories and field trips. Penn State faculty members and industry experts present lectures and discussions on current information technology topics.
Students also have the option of attending evening programs to learn specific programming languages.
In addition, each student is assigned to a project team, during which they learn decision-making, teambuilding, leadership and project management skills. Faculty members serve as project mentors. Interest in the Governor's School for Information Technology is growing among Pennsylvania high school students, according to Belser. She anticipates enrollment will increase for next year's school. Avanzato taught the Mobile Robotics Workshops during the Governor's School for Information Technology.