On Monday, May 6, Southern State Community College hosted the second-annual end-of-year celebration for students, faculty, and staff involved in the Ohio Code Scholar (OCS) project. This event occurred in the Patriot Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and culminated the program’s work in southern Ohio, supporting the Ohio Code Scholar (OCS).

According to a news release, the OCS project was introduced in 2021 by then Rep. Shane Wilkin, now Senator Wilkin, in House Bill 166 of the 133rd General Assembly. OCS aims to create a robust learning opportunity for secondary students across southern Ohio to equip them with essential technical skills, including coding, afforded to students in more affluent districts.

Southern State joined with Wilkin to ensure that students across Appalachia are competitive in the 21st-century workplace, according to the release. This program has grown from 383 students across seven schools in 2023 to over 400 students across 11 schools in 2024.

The 2023 celebration was cast against the backdrop of “Star Wars” and featured student creations of dome projects—it was nothing short of an amazing culmination of student learning and engagement in technology, according to the release.

The 2024 celebration focused on fighting 3D-printed robots that were coded to perform battles, navigate obstacle courses, and speed down race tracks. The projects incorporated coding in the building of the robots.

“Special recognition is extended to computer science professor Dr. Josh Montgomery and his dependable colleague and event organizer, Amy McClellan, for their outstanding efforts in sustaining and growing an exceptional technology-based program across southern Ohio,” the release states.

Southern State’s computer science program, led by Montgomery, offers an associate of applied science degree in computer technology. Students can select two focus areas from four different pathway options, which include networking, programming, cybersecurity, and robotics.

“A degree in computer technology from Southern State will allow students to gain in-demand skills in a flexible, affordable, and fun environment,” the release states. “Southern State helps students get connected with companies in the area for internships and job opportunities.”

To learn more, visit https://www.sscc.edu/academics/programs/computer-science.shtml

Fall semester begins Aug. 26. Registration is underway.