Students experience Higher Ed, High-Tech world

SAN MARCOS, TEXAS — More than 300 high school students will visit Southwest Texas State University July 18 as part of an 11-day program, named NexTech, aimed at “enlightening students about careers in the technology field,” according to event coordinators.

From 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on July 18, junior and senior high school students from around the nation will visit SWT, the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M at College Station to participate in an all-day event of high-tech related activities. NexTech is a national summit of young technology leaders coordinated by Envision Corporation based in Washington D.C. Envision manages leadership and professional development programs for high school students.

Each institution will showcase the various high-tech industries within several fields. At SWT, everything from geography, health sciences and art to chemistry, marketing and music will be introduced to the students. Participants will be exposed to a myriad of technologies, such as satellite imaging, blood processing, cancer research, semiconductor development and sound technology.

“The number and variety of technology-related educational opportunities available at SWT are impressive,” said Denise Smart, dean of SWT’s College of Business.

“We are very excited to be able to showcase these learning opportunities for NexTech participants from around the country. We are also delighted to participate in an experience that will inspire these students to consider careers they might not otherwise think about.”

SWT students, faculty and staff will conduct tours of the university in the afternoon, and then students will break into smaller groups to visit various departments on campus.

“Students will have the opportunity to view, not only what Southwest Texas has to offer, but also the infinite amount of opportunity available in the high-tech industry,” explained Vicki West, professor of marketing and coordinator of the SWT portion of NexTech. “We hope students will leave this experience having learned that the high-tech world is not limited to computers and science.”