An innovative pathway training program that prepares you for entry level employment in the regional IT field.
In this new, innovative approach to flexible and accessible learning developed by the Western MD IT Center of Excellence, you will complete five training modules to empower you with the skills required for the entry level IT workforce. Or, you can choose to take your learning to the next level and articulate your coursework into as many as 12 college credits, putting you one step closer to a one-year Certificate or two-year Associate’s degree in Computer Technology at Allegany College of Maryland. Learn from highly qualified instructors who are experts in their field at a fraction of the cost of most traditional credit programs.
Course Schedule and Descriptions
Starts September 2019
EXCELerate Orientation
September 16, 2019, 6:00–7:00pm
Instructor: Autumn Becker, Western MD IT Center of Excellence Director & EXCELerate Instructors
Cost: No Charge
This session will orient you to the EXCELerate Pathway Program and the exciting opportunities that are in store for you. Meet your instructors, learn more about the courses in the program, and get to know your fellow classmates. You will learn how to set up your online learning account, receive your first semester textbooks and materials, as well as learn more about the articulation opportunities available to you as you successfully complete each course. We look forward to welcoming you as an ACM student in this innovative new program!
CompTIA A+ Preparation
September 16–December 6, 2019 (Online)
Instructor: Dr. Derek Jones
Cost: $300 ($200 Opportunity Scholarships available to Allegany County Residents)
In this course, delivered entirely online, you will learn the skills necessary to be a computer technician, preparing you for CompTIA’s A+ Certification; an industry recognized credential sought after by employers nationwide. You will master a wide range of technical skills including: Identifying connector types and associated cables; differentiating among various CPU types and features and select appropriate cooling method; and differentiating between motherboard components, their purposes, and properties. You will compare and contrast the features and requirements of various Microsoft Operating Systems as well as compare and contrast RAM types and features. Learn how to install and configure storage devices and use appropriate media and expansion cards as well as identify appropriate safety procedures and explain environmental impacts and the purpose of environmental controls. This course is delivered in a face to face format, but you will also work in online labs to enrich your learning. Students who successfully complete this course will receive the two exam vouchers to sit for CompTIA’s A+ exam.
Cisco Networking 1
September 16–December 4, 2019
Mondays & Wednesdays, 6:00–8:00 pm (22 sessions) No class 11/25 & 11/27
Instructor: Leonard Bridges, Network Administrator, CCNA
Cost: $300 ($200 Opportunity Scholarships available to Allegany County Residents)
In this course, you will begin the discussion of computer based networking systems. You will explore the fundamental concepts and terminology of Local, Metropolitan, and Wide Area Networks. Learn about the OSI Model, TCP/IP Protocols, LAN/WAN topologies, hardware, and network security. Explore how to configure, verify, and troubleshoot basic router operation and routing on Cisco devices. This course will begin to prepare students for the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) exam. This course is delivered in a face to face format, but you will also work in online labs to enrich your learning.
Workplace & College Ready Essentials
January 8–May 20, 2020
Wednesdays • 6:00–8:00pm • 15 sessions
Instructor: Marissa Miller, IBM Public Sector Recruiting Partner
Cost: $300 ($200 Opportunity Scholarships available to Allegany County Residents)
This unique course will offer you the essential skills regional employers demand as well as offer you tips and strategies to make your first semester in college a successful one. To prepare you for the workplace, you will take a retrospective approach to exploring the essential skill “abilities” employers demand. Further improve your success in your job search with one-on-one resume writing support throughout the series as well. You will have a chance to sit down with employers at the end of the series for a mock interview. You will also get a sneak peek into life as a successful ACM student with a campus tour and all the advising and financial aid information you need straight from the source: ACM’s advising and financial aid staff! Additionally, meet and greet ACM’s Computer Science Faculty and learn about how easy and cost effective it will be to articulate your learning in the EXCELerate program into a computer technology degree in a variety of fields from ACM.
Cybersecurity Basics
February 5–May 8, 2020 (Online)
Instructor: Dick Soderman, Certified Ethical Hacker
Cost: $300 ($200 Opportunity Scholarships available to Allegany County Residents)
This course will be delivered entirely online, giving you the opportunity to complete your coursework whenever and wherever you choose! With increasingly universal access to the internet comes increasing need for individuals to be more knowledgeable about their personal and professional digital security. Given the breadth of its impact, some are advocating for cybersecurity to be the next great public safety measure. Cybersecurity is a fundamental part of computer literacy in the same way that seat belt and anti-smoking laws have become the norm in our society. This course provides a broad overview of computer security, ethical issues, and information assurance. You will gain an understanding of digital information security, threats related to the Internet, malware, cryptography, intrusion detection, operating systems, networking, cloud computing, and other topics.
Cisco Networking 2
February 18–May 7, 2020 Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:00–8:00pm (22 sessions) No class 4/7 & 4/9
Instructor: Leonard Bridges, Network Administrator, CCNA
Cost: $300 ($200 Opportunity Scholarships available to Allegany County Residents)
This course continues your studies in computer based networking systems. The course covers the architecture, components, and operations of routers and switches in a small network. Students will learn to configure routers and switches for basic functionality and troubleshooting. This is the second course in the program designed to prepare students for the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) certification exam. This course is delivered in a face to face format, but you will also work in online labs to enrich your learning.
This program is funded in part by the State of Maryland’s EARN Maryland Grant Program, administered by the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation.
