DURHAM — The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics is the latest institution to become part of IBM’s far-reaching Academic Initiative.

The IBM program is designed to help more students become better prepared for information technology and computer science jobs.

The North Carolina school, which is based in Durham and draws students from around the state, will work with IBM in areas of curriculum development and skills building.

Among the school’s better-known graduates is Jud Bowman, now a top executive with Durham-based Motricity. Bowman skipped college to become an entrepreneur right out of NCSSM. The school was launched in 1980.

IBM is already working with Duke University, North Carolina A&T, North Carolina State and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on related programs.

IBM offers access to software and consultative services to help build curricula free of charge.

“IBM has long been a champion of technology innovation. Now they are helping us provide a superior education for students with an interest in science and math and a strong determination to prepare for professional careers and positions of leadership,” said Gerald Boarman,president of the schhol. “By providing access to the latest software tools as well as training and support, IBM is enabling us to successfully incorporate new technologies and keep our curriculum up to date.”

IBM noted that it had hired three School of Science and Math students for paid internships over the past two years and that numerous graduates work at Big Blue in various roles.

IBM’s program is designed to:

  • “Train an IT workforce to fill the new kinds of jobs that are emerging at IBM and across the industry

  • “Provide the right skills to the next generation of IT workers to
    ensure they are qualified for the jobs of tomorrow

  • “Ensure that universities have the most current, relevant curricula that map to the kinds of jobs that are expected, so schools can be attractive for enrollment, funding and growth.”

    For more information about IBM’s program, see: www.ibm.com/university

    NCSSM: www.ncssm.edu