ASCEND Computer Science

Preparing you for careers as Application Software Developers, Game or Software Designers, Web Developers, or Systems Engineers

The Computer Science program is designed to address key skill sets preparing you for future certifications or college classes in Computer Science fields. The ASCEND program helps better prepare you for the rigor and responsibility of the workforce. As you move through your core classes, portfolio work will be addressing goals of the Computer Science program and allows you to learn skills needed to succeed in this field of study. The focus will be on Computer Science principles such as software programming languages, hardware, and team building skills that will be relevant to your success after high school!

YOU MIGHT LOVE A CAREER IN THE COMPUTER SCIENCES FIELD IF:

  • You are detail-oriented.

  • You like learning new languages.

  • You are always interested in the newest technology.

  • You are creative.

  • You like problem solving.

  • At first you don’t succeed, you try and try again.

EXAMPLES OF DEGREES THAT ASCEND GRADUATES CAN PURSUE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL:

  • Computer Programming 

  • System Administration & Network Security 

  • Web Development 

  • Computer Science 

EXAMPLES OF POSSIBLE CAREERS THAT ASCEND GRADUATES CAN PURSUE:

  • Game Designer

  • IT Support Specialist

  • Animation Design/Programmer

  • Robotics

  • Programmer/Engineer

DID YOU KNOW?

According to Glassdoor.com average salaries for: 

Game Designers or Programmers are $76,218 per year

Web Developers are $88,488 per year

Systems Engineers are $84,166 per year

YOUR ASCEND TEACHER:

Mrs. Hay

Prior to becoming a teacher, Mrs. Hay spent 15 years with the Army Corp of Engineers working in IT. She knows how invaluable practical experience is to anyone's career. Problem solving, professional skills and communication are essential in any job. She started as a summer hire IT technician in her senior year of high school. From there she networked and was able to obtain an internship, which lead to a position. Over time she became the IT manager of the Portland District overseeing hardware, software, networking and web design staff. All this wouldn't have been possible without the experience gained early on. Paying it forward, Catherine decided to help at local schools and help students see the possibilities and fun in math and science. She went back to school to become a mathematics teacher. Blending her career with her teaching experience she enjoys helping students set a path to pursue their career goals in information technology through college or certification. By establishing a computer science pathway of relevant classes, computer labs, certifications and experiences, students gain industry knowledge of 21st Century professional skills for any job and are exposed to the different IT study paths.

“If students have an interest and are willing to make the effort, there is a world of possibilities waiting for them.”

Catherine Hay

Your other ASCEND teachers

MR. SHAWN HIGGINS

I believe that Computer Science and Media Arts are the keystone to every student's future success, and I'm excited to have the opportunity to show you all the ways creative digital making can empower you! I've got 15 years experience teaching video, digital art, graphic design and audio, and 10 of those teaching creative coding with a focus on animation, motion graphics and game making. I've worked extensively with the Scratch, ScratchEd, and Processing teams, and have tons of connections to the indie gaming community in Oregon and beyond. I'm super excited to help you in your creative making journey, connect you to those who share your passions, and to see all the great things you’ll be able to make!

MR. MICHAEL JONES

I love learning about and teaching STEM topics (science, technology, engineering, and math). Teaching middle-school and high-school since 2011, with a focus on math and computer programming, I am excited to be part of ORCA’s ASCEND team and see where it will take us! Prior to teaching, I spent ten years flying helicopters in the US Army and managing military personnel and assets, so I have a lot of real-world experience administering avionics systems, hardware and networks, and many technical software applications. Over the years, I have earned both a B.S and a M.Engr in Computer Science with a focus on interface program design, along with another Master’s degree in Geology & Geophysics, and continue to take graduate courses every year to keep my learning skills fresh. In my free time I like to play sports and computer games, coach, fish, and travel with family. I also joke around a lot. Recommend your favorite game, book or movie to me.

Interested in joining?

If you have any questions about the program please contact the Career Advisory Teachers, or fill out the Interested in Joining form below.