Is there a Portland area school with a technology program?

December 5, 2012 12:07 PM

Is there a Portland, OR area high/middle school with a good computer technology elective/program?

I work in an IT Dept for a decent size company and have a ton of pretty good equipment we are getting rid of. Back when I was in high school I was part of an elective class that taught anywhere from the basics of Computer Tech (Reloading Windows, replacing hardware, basic networking, etc) on up to server builds, actually working on the campuses network, assisting the district IT guys, etc. All equipment was either donated locally or picked up from a program called StRUT. Intel donated a ton of stuff and still do. I have searched the Beaverton and Hillsboro district schools, and no one has a class like this. The only thing close is Computer Applications (Word, Excel, etc), Programming, or Web Design. Those are great, but I want the equipment to be used.

One thing why I am searching high and low, is because that class actually put me in the job I have now. I started as a student in an elective class. I eventually got hired on at the district as a part time tech. Straight out of high school I was recommended a job at an ISP. From there I was able to take those core fundamentals and make a successful IT career out of. I would love to be able to give back to that type of program.

So does anyone know in the Portland area of a school? I am sure I could even work something out with my employer to do a bit of driving if we have a location in that area as well.

posted by NotSoSimple to education (5 answers total)

You might look at LEP High.
posted by msamye at 12:17 PM on December 5, 2012

Benson used to be the tech school, but I don't know if they are anymore.
posted by curious nu at 12:28 PM on December 5, 2012

Winterhaven, in southeast Portland, is an elementary/middle magnet school that might be able to use some stuff.
posted by spacewrench at 12:35 PM on December 5, 2012 [1 favorite]

Beaverton has a science and technology school.

There's also FreeGeek or PCC if you want to give them to people who can use them that aren't in high school.
posted by fiercekitten at 12:55 PM on December 5, 2012 [1 favorite]

The folks at Free Geek may be able to help you out.
posted by croutonsupafreak at 4:22 PM on December 5, 2012