What is TechSuccess?

     The TechSuccess project is a public-private partnership between the National Center for Disability Education at the University of Oklahoma and Tech-Now, Inc.  Funding is provided through a grant from the National Science Foundation.

     The “Tech-Success” project is designed to foster Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) interests among middle school youth with disabilities.  Students are exposed to 140 hours each year in IT-intensive subject areas in science, technology, engineering and math.  The after-school program focuses on careers, teamwork and competition to help students understand the skills necessary to survive in the workplace.

What is it like to be a TechSuccess Participant ?

     TechSucess has two components, including hands on classroom group meetings, as well as, field experiences with various partners throughout the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. 

      The group meetings located at each participating school and facilitated by two faculty members.  During the after-school meetings students participate in computer based projects geared toward learning technology and other crucial life skills.  Students have the opportunity to showcase learned skills by presenting their projects at the annual state competition and summer institute.

What are TechSuccess Field Experiences?

     Field Experiences are unique to the TechSuccess program in that they provide opportunities outside of the classroom for students to explore and apply STEM skills.  An exciting aspect of these field experiences are the opportunities they provide in networking with various community partners in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.    Currently TechSuccess has partnered with the following community organizations to provide field experiences for the students.

Metro Tech Aviation Center

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation

       The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) is the general investigative agency of the State of Oklahoma.  OSBI maintains scientific laboratories to assist all law enforcement throughout the state.

OSBI provides TechSuccess students an opportunity to understand forensic science careers and to engage interactively in activities related to various forensic science disciplines.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminstration

     The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) consists of five federal government organizations involved in weather research, forecasting and support.

     NOAA provides TechSuccess students with a one-day summer institute in which they will take tours of the weather facilities and participate in four activities geared toward stimulating learning in the areas of meteorology, the science of storm chasing,  climatological, and hydrologic research.

How are students selected for the TechSuccess Program?

The primary objective for TechSuccess is to reach students with varying types of disabilities.  Typically students who are on an IEP qualify as candidates for TechSuccess.  If there is a student with a disability as identified by the school, but not on an IEP that student is also qualified to participate in the TechSuccess program.

The selection process is left to the discretion of the school principal and his/her designees.  TechSuccess encourages selection of students who show potential and would benefit from TechSuccess. Including, students who are not necessarily honor roll candidates, but who show great potential “if given the correct tools and guidance”.  Selection of female students is highly encouraged.  The goal is to reach out to traditionally under-represented populations.

Who do I contact for more information?

For more information on the TechSuccess program please contact:

Christina Gilmore      or    Rick DeRennaux                            NCDET                           nauxone@swbell.net                      

University of Oklahoma                

3200 Marshall Avenue

Suite 201     

Norman, OK  73072  

(405) 325-1073

christinagilmore@ou.edu

The following PDF documents must be opened using Acrobat Reader.  The free download for Acrobat Reader is available at

2008 Competition Highlights Annual Awards Ceremony

Working Theoretical Model      TSTN Context Summary  

FESC Engineers for a Day  Metro Technology Aviation Center doc 

Boat Races Summer 2007 National Weather Service

Shioh ActivitySooner Aviation Camp 2007

STEM Entry Point Camp

Teacher Report of Student Engagement Summary  

Three Outcomes Tech Success 2 Report  

For more information about the above programs and services

Contact Christina Gilmore, at (405) 325-1073

FAX (405) 325-1632

e-mail:  christinagilmore@ou.edu