Image: Secretary Jim Weaver and other NCDIT staff members visited the Scotland County high School’s student-run technology support desk in Laurinburg on June 29, 2023.
N.C. Department of Information Technology Secretary Jim Weaver and other NCDIT staff members traveled to Scotland High School in Laurinburg on June 29 to learn more about its student-run technology support desk established in partnership with the North Carolina Business Committee for Education.
The group also had the chance to observe the school’s other Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and share with students about information technology careers, as well as internship opportunities offered by NCDIT.
The support desk, known as the Genius Bar, currently includes five student members who are qualified to repair HP devices and can provide technical support to the school district. After students complete their CTE coursework, they are trained by the school’s technology department to work in the Genius Bar through an internship. An IT technician serves as their mentor and supervisor. The students can also continue in a paid summer position once the internship is completed.
The NCDIT representatives also met with students participating in the school’s CTE summer camp and toured the school’s other CTE offerings, including its 911 call center and emergency medical technician training classroom.
The group ended the visit by sampling shrimp and grits and cookies prepared by students in the school’s culinary services program. The high school includes an on-campus, student-run restaurant called The Bagpiper.