North High School

In the fall of 2003, EMC entered a partnership with North High School in Worcester, Massachusetts. A large, urban high school, North High is managed as three Small Learning Communities (SLC). EMC is the corporate partner to the Technology and Business SLC, providing assistance and funding for the school’s technology and business components as well as for the school as a whole.

Volunteers, "Shadow Days" help students learn

More than 100 EMC employees have contributed to the success of the North High partnership by volunteering their time and expertise. Activities include:

• Class instruction in Microsoft Office applications, Computer Aided Design (CAD) and multimedia technologies
• Participation in the State Scholars Program
• Hosting "Shadow Days" at EMC, where students learn about working in a technology corporation
• Managing North High School interns who work at EMC for high school credit
• Teaching presentation skills to business students
• Representing EMC at Career Days for all students at the high school

These volunteer activities have exposed students to the possibilities of careers in technology and business, as well as shown them the job-market relevance of their high school coursework.

State scholars program

In 2007, Massachusetts joined the State Scholars program. In this national initiative, business volunteers visit local high schools and encourage students to take more challenging courses to better prepare for college and the workforce. Massachusetts piloted this program with 9^th grade students in five schools, including North High School. EMC volunteers visited North High School to promote State Scholars and over 10% of the 9^th grade students enrolled in the program as a result. As an incentive, EMC has promised internships to the 10 most qualified State Scholars students upon their graduation.

NovaNet enables internet-based self-tutoring

EMC sponsors the use of NovaNet, an Internet-based instruction tool that North High students use to master math or English subject areas in which they are having difficulty. Students can work at their own pace at school, home, or community centers with Internet access. This academic assistance can mean the difference between passing or failing a class, or even being promoted to the next grade. EMC’s goal is to help students master course material, so they will be less likely to drop out, more likely to pass MCAS and graduate on time, and more confident and capable in their future academic work.

A computer in every classroom

Since 2004, EMC donated over 100 desktops and laptops to North High—putting a computer in every classroom for the first time and creating a computer lab for student use of NovaNet and other academic programs.