Riverland Community College was one of seven community colleges selected across the country to receive a grant for the American Association of Community Colleges MentorLinks Program.

The grant is given with the purpose for colleges to foster new developments in science- and technology-related educational programs.

"We received the grant last May," said Robert Silbaugh computer and technology instructor and MentorLinks project director.

The MentorLinks a national program brings together an already successful computer science program with colleges that need help with their programs, according to Silbaugh. The AACC pairs selected mentors with these colleges.

The college will match the $7,200 grant amount to help with the funding of the project, Silbaugh said.

Riverland has been assigned to mentor Donald Astrab, the college-wide dean of technical education at Brevard Community College in Florida.

"Dr. Astrab has a great deal of experience developing and administering cutting-edge technology programs. His assistance will be invaluable as Riverland prepares to launch this new program next year," Silbaugh said.

In the initial steps of setting the program, Silbaugh and Riverland college dean Jan Waller traveled to Washington, D.C., where they first met with Astrab and attended a conference for more insight into the program.

"We looked at 300 colleges presenting their programs. Those colleges had been awarded grants and they're presenting how they were coming along," Silbaugh said.

With the assistant of Astrab, the college will aim to reach several objectives, Silbaugh said.

First, a program critiquing and planning for a new articulated high school through baccalaureate program; recruiting mentors from industries, along with college and high school students who are involved in technology programs and bringing together people who have the expertise in business and industry and can also advise with methods for teaching.

"Based on demand from high schools for advanced technological training and from industry for certified technicians, Riverland is developing a computer technology program that starts in high school and follows through a four-year college," Waller said.

This program will initiate Cisco training on campus and in high schools with shared labs and instruction. The purpose of the program is to provide a smooth transition for students going from high school to a two- and four-year program.

"We plan to evaluate and implement this program by fall 2003," Waller said.

Roxana Orellana can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at roxana.orellana@austindailyherald.com