Grambling State News

First Cloud Computing Program in Louisiana Draws Interest Nationally  

GRAMBLING, La. – September 4, 2020 – As Grambling State University launches its innovative Cloud Computing program, a new industry partner has joined to support the effort.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has signed on with its AWS Educate program to offer support to the institution’s unique computer science programs.
Grambling State University is Louisiana’s top producer of African American computer science and computer information system graduates. The newly launched Cloud Computing program is the first of its kind in the state.

Through AWS Educate, the company’s global initiative to support cloud learning for students and faculty, educational organizations receive benefits such as:

• Guidance in building an educational institution’s degree programs in Cloud Computing to ensure that the program outcomes align with the skills necessary to prepare a student for AWS industry certifications and employment in the field of cloud computing.

• Access to curriculum resources – including syllabi, instructional content, hands-on activities and assessments – that support student learning in Cloud Computing.

• Access to content to support professional development and technical training for faculty members who will deliver program coursework.

• AWS Promotional Credit to ensure that students have an opportunity to practice and apply their knowledge using the AWS console.

• Access to the AWS Educate Job Board, which contains cloud-related job postings from Amazon and our customers and partners, to help match Educate members with employers looking for cloud-skilled talent.

“We’re continuously working to prepare students for the enormous opportunities in today’s economy,” said President Rick Gallot. “We are grateful for partners like AWS who support these important efforts.”

Gallot was invited to meet the president of AWS, and the relationship that led to this designation for Grambling State was born. AWS support helped Grambling State earn state approval of the program.

Since Gallot made the AWS connection, three Grambling State professors have attended AWS Academy and Cloud Computing curriculum has come to the campus.

Dr. Yenumula Reddy, professor and program coordinator in the department of computer science, is working hand-in-hand with AWS Cloud Computing experts to develop the curriculum. They are continuing to work together on AWS course contents, Dr. Reddy said.

Cybersecurity student Alexis White is among those interested in learning about Cloud Computing.

“We are in need of more professionals that have a passion for Cloud Computing,” she said. “That starts with our students at Grambling State University being the catalyst for our future.”

The Louisiana Technical and Community College System also is preparing a two-year Cloud Computing curriculum that will bridge to Grambling State’s four-year program.

“When universities work hand in hand with industry partners to identify the skills needed to meet the needs of a rapidly growing sector students always benefit,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed. “As the state focuses on developing talent so Louisiana prospers, new programs like cloud computing will play a major role in attracting new students and graduating them in high demand, high-wage careers. Grambling has been laser focused on creating a top-notch degree and we recognize their innovation and persistence.”

Professionals with these skills are projected to remain in high demand for decades to come.

According to Forbes, in 2019 there were 50,248 cloud computing positions available in the U.S. from 3,701 employers and 101,913 open positions worldwide.

“Grambling State University is excited about the approval of the new program in Cloud Computing,” Dr. Connie Walton, vice president of academic affairs and provost, said. “The global Cloud Computing market size is expected to grow to $623.3 billion by 2023. The degree program in Cloud Computing will allow Grambling State University to play a major role in ensuring that workforce needs related to cloud computing can be met.”

Beginning with the graduating class of 2024, Grambling State alums can do the title of Cloud Architect, Cloud Consultant, IoT Engineer and many other high demand tech-based positions with a median starting salary over $80k for many positions.

Other industry partners for Cloud Computing include LED, Oracle Academy, Oracle NetSuite, Cisco Networking Academy, Microsoft, IBM and Google Analytics Academy.

For more information about Grambling State’s computer science programs, visit gram.edu

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About Grambling State University 
Grambling State University, located in Grambling, Louisiana, is a historically black university founded in 1901 that combines the academic strengths of a major university with the benefits of a small college. This combination enables students to grow and learn in a serene and positive environment. The 590-acre campus offers 43 undergraduate and graduate academic programs. A member of the University of Louisiana System, Grambling State University has been accredited by 13 accrediting associations and holds accreditations in all programs required by the Louisiana Board of Regents. With a longstanding tradition of excellence, Grambling State University continues to emphasize the value and importance of each student, exemplified by our motto: Where Everybody Is Somebody.

Contact:
Tisha Arnold
mediarelations@gram.edu
(318) 243-5012