Dataseam has announced Dawson Springs Independent Schools (DSISD), Dawson Springs, Kentucky, voted at its September 2024 meeting of its Board of Education to join the statewide Dataseam partnership.
The Louisville-based education and workforce development program provides technology-focused workforce training through industry-standard certifications and U.S. Department of Labor-approved Registered Apprenticeships in Information Technology. Participating K-12 schools, generally the largest employer in most 120 Kentucky counties, earn high-end Apple workstations giving advanced curriculum the necessary tools needed for schools to provide competitive instruction. These efforts improve the state’s IT workforce and makes new technology accessible to students which may be unavailable otherwise.
These computers comprise the DataseamGrid – a high-capacity statewide computing infrastructure built and managed by the partnership. It provides researchers as a critical resource advancing University of Louisville cancer drug discovery and other activity as part of Kentucky-based innovation and commercialization initiatives. Funded by both state and federal funding including appropriation by the Kentucky General Assembly, Dataseam has worked in partnership with Kentucky K-12 schools for 20 years advancing these efforts.
Dawson Independent Schools Superintendent Leonard Whalen related, “we’re excited about the partnership that will give students the opportunity to be a part of a program that will help build a professional skillset and toolbox. These opportunities lay the foundation for a potential career that that can benefit the student the rest of their life.” The district, located in the southwest tip of Hopkins County in western Kentucky, serves approximately 625 students grades K-12.
“We are glad to have Dawson Springs Independent Schools engaged, hitting the ground running, both upskilling its local workforce and adding to it with Registered Apprenticeship for high school juniors and seniors, providing students employment opportunity,” said Brian Gupton, Dataseam CEO. “As workforce sector demands increase statewide, partnerships with schools like Dawson Springs Independent ensures Kentucky students meet them.”
Dataseam serves 58 Kentucky districts accounting for 40% of the state’s over 630,000 K-12 public school students. The statewide program began with its proof-of-concept work in neighboring Caldwell County Schools, where Gupton is a native.
DSISD Technician and Integration Specialist Jon Palmer recently completed training through Dataseam in preparation to support student and research efforts alike. Dawson’s local workforce investment earned the district more than $30,000 of new Apple workstations, which will arrive for use starting this fall. Gupton continues, “For smaller school districts like Dawson Springs, having opportunity above and beyond what is otherwise available can be a game-changer for everyone. We’re excited to be here.”
For more information on the district: https://www.dawsonsprings.kyschools.us
Download a PDF of this press release HERE.
