Program Overview

Dr. Arthur Langer developed WOS after completing four years of research that showed what barriers keep gifted students from underprivileged backgrounds from attending college. By eliminating those barriers, WOS opens the door for these students to enter the technology workforce and thrive at large corporations. Programming, database design, and application development are just a few of the skills that WOS students learn. These skills make them highly competitive in the today’s rapidly changing technology industry. Upon graduation, WOS students enter the workforce not only with a college degree, but also with at least four years of corporate work experience.

Here is how our program works: 

Step 1:  Once WOS secures a corporate client, we recruit students from high schools, colleges and/or Veterans' associations to fill the client’s employment needs. The students we recruit are typically from low-income areas and are high school seniors, graduates, hold a GED, or enrolled in a community college.

Step 2: Next, WOS holds a six-week pre-certification program in conjunction with the sponsoring university. Perspective students are required to attend a three-hour session one evening per week over this time period. After the six weeks, WOS instructors and the affiliated university make a final selection of candidates for the WOS program. Selection is typically based on a student’s attendance record, performance in class, homework and general behavior.

Step 3: Those students who are accepted begin certification program. All programs are customized to meet the skill-set and client need. Programs can last from four to 11 months. During the first term, students take four courses, two evenings per week. Following successful completion of this term, students become eligible to start the work-study component of the program. This phase requires students to work three days per week in a paid consulting role at WOS client sites for another semester or two, depending on the duration of the program. During this period students continue to complete their certification during the other two evenings.

Step 4: After completing the part-time consulting period, students become eligible for full–time employment with WOS. While working full-time, students complete their final terms and graduate from the certification program. Upon graduation, students are eligible to receive tuition support to complete their undergraduate degree part-time.