The Charger Blog
Through its unique programs and a recent grant, the University is playing a key role in ConnecticutӰԭs endeavor to close the skills gap and prepare students to thrive in cutting-edge technology careers.
November 17, 2022
When Fredlyne Antoine Ӱԭ24 began her time as a Charger, she started her college career as a sophomore. She brought with her college credit sheӰԭd earned as a high school student, as well as a strong interest in computer science.
A graduate of , Antoine took college courses while still in high school, discovering the career path she wanted to follow in the process. Because of her experience, she was invited to speak earlier this semester at an event with Governor Ned Lamont. She shared her own story, describing the incredible opportunities she has had to further her education.
ӰԭI discussed what I've accomplished and how P-TECH Norwalk aided me in accomplishing those goals,Ӱԭ said Antoine, a computer science major with a concentration in game design and development. ӰԭI also had the opportunity to speak with Governor Lamont. It felt great and gave me a feeling of accomplishment to share my experience with him.Ӱԭ
The event, which included several of the stateӰԭs leaders in business and higher education, highlighted , a workforce development initiative that aims to help Connecticut reach its economic potential and close the skills gap in in-demand technology fields. Tech Talent AcceleratorӰԭs programs are designed to support students such as Antoine. It fosters partnerships between business and higher education in high-demand tech skills in areas such as software development and cybersecurity.
Last summer, Gov. Lamont announced the creation of seven new technology education programs at ConnecticutӰԭs public and private colleges and universities Ӱԭ including one at the University of New Haven. The program is supporting the development of an embedded game design and simulation development program in collaboration with tech companies , , and Pleiadian.
The UniversityӰԭs $30,000 Connecticut Higher Education Tech Talent Accelerator grant, awarded by the , will support the project, ӰԭEmbedding Unity Credentials to Catapult Connecticut Workforce in Game Design and Development.Ӱԭ Specifically, it will prepare students to earn a certification from , a video game software development company based in California.
ӰԭWe are among the first and best universities offering something like this,Ӱԭ said Mehdi Mekni, Ph.D., coordinator of the UniversityӰԭs undergraduate program in computer science who also leads the UniversityӰԭs game design and development concentration. ӰԭStudents can practice, learn, and develop their technical skills and feel prepared to pass their exam and earn their certification.Ӱԭ
This program is one more way the University is preparing students Ӱԭ students such as Antoine Ӱԭ to excel in in-demand STEM careers.
As a Charger, she has continued to pursue the passion she discovered while at P-TECH Norwalk, both in and out of the classroom. As part of her game design and development courses, sheӰԭs created a variety of sketches of characters. She also brought her talent to the UniversityӰԭs inaugural GenCyber Teacher Academy program this summer, helping to coordinate the program.
ӰԭI enjoy the design side of computer science, which correlates to why game design also interests me,Ӱԭ she said. ӰԭI loved playing video games growing up, and I love creating and developing ideas for games and bringing them to life.Ӱԭ
ӰԭFredlyne is one of the first students in the game design and development concentration,Ӱԭ added Dr. Mekni. ӰԭShe did so much for GenCyber Teacher Academy, including designing the banners we had on display. SheӰԭs very talented and artistic."
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