Hawaii Pacific University, in partnership with Podium Education, is launching a new technology initiative called the Hawaii Pacific Global Tech Program, HPU officials recently announced.
Through the new program, HPU students will be able to access Podium's experiential global program in summer 2022, and have the opportunity to work with peers from around the world. Students will also learn in-demand skills to improve their career outcomes.
Podium Education works with 40 universities across the U.S. Aled Owens, Head of Partnerships at Podium shared that HPU is the organization's first non-continental U.S. partner.
“I am delighted to partner with Podium regarding the launch of a Global Tech Program this summer at both the undergraduate and graduate levels," said Mark Rosenbaum, dean of HPU's College of Business, in a statement. “The College of Business prides itself of ensuring that our learners have skills that lead to meaningful employment.
"Given the impact of the global pandemic on Hawaii's tourism, hospitality, and retailing industries, we are offering certificates to learners that prepare them for both in-state and remote employment opportunities," he said. " Learners will have the ability to earn certificates in data analytics, e-commerce, and coding for business. The program will be open to all HPU learners, so that regardless of a student's major all HPU students can benefit from engaging in applied, practical learning with a technological focus. The Global Tech Program will appeal to many different types of learners and, if this pilot is successful, I can see expansion into continuing education programming and workforce development efforts.”
The HPU Global Tech Program will be taught at different times throughout the academic year, and allows students to learn technological and intercultural skills, giving them the chance to work in diverse teams and learn to build products and services for people of all backgrounds and cultures.
Podium's Global Tech Program first launched in 2020 and has student participation from 38 countries around the world.
“We're incredibly excited to add HPU students to our experiential learning platform, who will bring a new perspective to the Global Tech program that will benefit all participants,” said Aled Owens, head of partnerships at Podium, in a statement. “HPU is known to offer programs that are hands-on and interactive, and the HPU Global Tech Program will be yet another opportunity for students to learn employer-demanded skills as part of their university experience.”
