ADVANCING TECHNOLOGY RECIPROCAL VALUE:

DPS IT Interns Learn and Provide Much-Needed Support

hen Joy Malone, executive director of DPS Information Technology, received an invitation to speak at the North Carolina Executive Mansion last spring to share information about the DPS IT Summer Internship Program, she gave center stage to the two students who accompanied her. The trio visited the Mansion courtesy of the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE). NCBCE operates out of the office of the governor.

Hillside High School Senior Zachary Tucker and J. D. Clement Early College Senior Le’lah McCoy were two of eight students who participated in a paid internship program last summer developed by Malone in collaboration with Dr. Julie Pack, executive director of DPS Career and Technical Education. Prior to the pandemic, DPS was considered a three-to-one (3:1) district, averaging one technology device per three students. To facilitate remote instruction, DPS received approximately 31,000 Chromebooks through the CARES Act and other private funding sources to become a 1:1 district. Malone quickly realized that receiving the devices was the blessing, while supporting the devices with no additional headcount was the curse. Dr. Pack came to the rescue and engaged school-based career development coordinators in recruiting students to apply for the DPS IT internships.

“This was our strategy to attract CTE students to a realworld IT opportunity while solving the challenges we faced with supporting a new 1:1 district. It was true work-based learning,” said Malone.

Students were chosen from New Tech, Hillside, Riverside, J.D. Clement Early College, and Durham School of the Arts. They were onboarded and paired with a mentor from DPS IT, given an opportunity to choose their specialty interest, and asked to journal their experience for a final presentation after the internship ended.

Zachary and Le’lah were all in. Both share that helping others through this work was fulfilling.

Zachary, who worked alongside the technology administrator at Hillside High School, describes it as “almost exhilarating that we were able to work and see how much goes into IT. We were engaged in solving problems step-bystep so teachers were able to teach their classes.” Upon graduation, Zachary matriculated at UNC Chapel Hill where he is majoring in business administration with an interest in analytics.

Le’lah, a senior at Early College, said she changed her mind from majoring in computer science to a major in business information technology after working with Malone to tackle the challenge of making the internet accessible to those who didn’t have it and experiencing first-hand the power of knowledge and strategy. Le’lah received a merit-based scholarship for $28,000 and is excited to be attending Malone’s alma mater, NC A&T State University, to earn her college credentials.

“It made me feel good once it was over. I love helping people, and I love helping people in my community. This generation relies on technology so we have to learn it,” she said.

Accompanying Malone to the Executive Mansion to speak about their experiences was unforgettable, said Zachary. “It was exciting being surrounded by great, impactful people.”

From Intern To Working Professional

2022 Durham School of the Arts graduate Jared Boney says his mother met Malone at a job fair and came home to tell him about an opportunity that may interest him. He, too, was all in, and became one of eight interns this summer. Now he’s working full-time in IT for Durham Public Schools.

Jared said he wants to remain current in the field, so work and school are currently his top priorities.

“It seems like an interesting field and I needed knowledge so I could figure out which pathway I want to go into,” said Jared, who is also enrolled in Durham Technical Community College, where he is earning technology certifications. He’ll be working toward a Bachelor of Science degree in business after he earns his associate’s.

He said he plays video games and has always been intrigued with how they are made and the coding required to create them. Since he hadn’t decided upon his college major, working in IT for the school system was a good opportunity to research his career options and work simultaneously. He hit the ground running, helping to network the district’s newest elementary school, Lyons Farm Elementary.

Jared’s learned how to set up switches as well as network systems. He provides phone and tech support and troubleshoots IT issues for his DPS co-workers. “I try to do what I can to help them,” he says.

Malone said her intent has been to ensure that Jared and fellow interns like him would learn how to navigate the structure of corporate America. She requires a final presentation from the interns to allow them time to capture the work they completed and reflect on the experience.

“I want them to take ownership of their work and create a final presentation. It’s valuable for the student and the department. They truly did work that was value-added,” she said.

Jared says the experience has been indisputably valuable. Having worked part-time for fast food establishments until now, he says he’s learned office etiquette. He says his biggest takeaway thus far has been learning how to conduct oneself in a business setting.

“It’s fun to see the relationships grow,” said Malone, who says Jared’s co-workers give him support, career advice, and coaching.

Malone said Jared listens, observes, and demonstrates what he takes in.

“I’ve told him that when he has questions to bring pen, pencil, and a notepad, and he does just that. It’s encouraging that he’s taking in what we’re feeding him,” she said.