Dual Enrollment Computer Science Academy Program (DECSA)
Mission Statement
The Academy is designed to encourage area high school students into the computer science professions by providing college course-work and computer related opportunities that will motivate, educate, and prepare students for higher education in the field of computer science. With the support of the local industry providers, the Dual Enrollment Computer Science Academy (DECSA) will promote and participate in efforts that will reinforce the schools’ and communities’ commitment to prepare students for careers in computer science, with emphasis on programming and the new field of Medical Electronic Records.
What is the Dual Enrollment Computer Science Academy?
DECSA is a year-round dual enrollment program developed for high school students of the Rio Grande City CISD and Roma ISD who are seriously interested in pursuing a career in computers. The purpose of the program is to increase the number of rural area students committed to careers and service in computer programming, design and computer high-tech fields.
DECSA participants will be offered:
Opportunities to participate in community service activities in their community, in addition to the following:
√ A year round Seminars Series program to expose and increase the students’ knowledge of applicable computer science opportunities and other professional skills
√ Ongoing guidance, tutoring and counseling relating to academic and career choices
√ Volunteer opportunities in cooperation with area industry needs
√ Test taking skills development workshops
√ Opportunities to mentor with local computer IT professionals
√ Presentations by IT professionals which provide students with information on
the educational and personal preparation required for pursuit of computer science careers
√ Field trips to Computer Science Higher Ed. Schools and other educational
institutions in and out of the Rio Grande Valley
√ Summer part-time volunteer work in a computer science related fields
√ Continued student support throughout the program’s college course-work
All DECSA extra-curricular activities will be held at night, Friday afternoons, during the weekend, or during the summer, unless agreed to and in cooperation with the activity providers.
Who can participate in DECSA?
√ High school students in grades 11-12 (students may apply at the end of 10th grade year)
√ Students should be enrolled in the DAP curriculum
√ Students must have serious interest in pursuing a career in computer science
√ Students must complete a DECSA application which includes writing a brief essay