Preparing Students For Careers In Computer Science

The 1999 Program for Acceleration in Computer Science Careers (PAC) has officially begun. The program is sponsored by the School of Science, Technology and Engineering and the Asbury Park/Neptune chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

            “The goal of this program is to prepare minority students, academically, for careers in computer science and to demonstrate the increasing relevance of the field to society,” said John Tiedemann, assistant dean of the School of Science, Technology and Engineering. “Additionally, it serves as a complement to minority students’ formal education by making available the experience and talents of many minority technical and professionals in science, engineering and technology.”

            PAC was founded by Maxine L. Daniels, former Monmouth County Coordinator for the New Jersey Black Issues Convention, Thomas E. and Daryl E. Daniels of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and Robin Joyner, former Educational Opportunity Fund director for Monmouth University.

            Since its inception in 1986, PAC has served 1,125 children in Monmouth and Ocean counties. It is held twice each year for 10 weeks and students meet on Saturdays for three hours in classrooms and labs at Monmouth. The program provides free computer, math, heritage and special subject classes to 60 minority students. PAC also provides a special class in computer applications, which is offered to parents and guardians of students.