WIESBADEN, Germany (July 19, 2012) -- Going from school to the workforce can be a challenging transition for many students, especially in the realm of Information Technology. 5th Signal Command has found a way to bridge that learning and experience gap by launching a new program called Cyber STEM Initiative -- Europe.
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. CSI-Europe is a mentorship program designed to give high school students in Europe the chance to intern with 5th Signal employees and work on real-world cyber missions and technologies.
"CSI-Europe involves 5th Signal Command partnering with local high schools to help focus on STEM which has been identified as a shortcoming in our schools. It aims to help our nation's youth gain the skills required to succeed in today's challenging world. This includes the ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and drive advancements in STEM," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Daniel Crandall, program manager for CSI-Europe.
5th Signal is currently testing the program with a recent high school graduate Jasmine Schulz who was part of a special technology program at Kaiserslautern High School.
"I'm gaining a lot of great experience with this program," Schulz said. "To be able to work at 5th Signal Command and see how they manage such a huge network is really eye-opening."
Initially, CSI-Europe will start mentoring students at Wiesbaden High School as part of their Career Practicum Program. In the future, the intent is to expand to other communities throughout Europe.
"We're always looking for ways to be involved with our communities," said Col. (P) Bruce T. Crawford, commander, 5th Signal Command. "CSI-Europe is a way for us to utilize our many talented employees and help introduce or reinforce these critical skill sets to students who will inherit an ever-growing cyber environment in the real world."
"I would definitely recommend this program to students who are interested in computer science or IT," Schulz said. "Hands-on experience like this can really be help focus on a career field because you really get a taste of what certain jobs would be like."
Students or parents interested in getting involved with CSI-Europe should contact their high school counselor or contact CW2 Crandall at DSN (314) 337-8339, commercial 0611-705-8339 or email daniel.e.crandall.mil@mail.mil.
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