Written by Valarie R. Merced, PMP, AVP of Communications
In March 2011 the Project Management Institute Atlanta Chapter (PMI Atlanta), launched its Education /Academic Program as a part of the Project Management Institute’s (PMI’s) Education Foundation Initiative. The purpose of the program is to provide opportunities for students to acquire Project Management skills that will help them become competitive in the 21st century work force and to give back to the community by increasing the quantity of capable project management practitioners in the Atlanta Metro Area.
PMI Atlanta provides the opportunity to understand and experience Project Management practices for students by establishing internships through its strategic relationships with Metro Atlanta businesses. Experienced speakers are available and scholarships are awarded in the area of project management. Program formats are tailored to meet each institution’s unique needs and objectives. For example, DeVry and Kennesaw State Universities have Project Management Student Organizations with Chapter members serving as mentors and liaisons; the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) implemented internships with Metro Atlanta businesses; and Meadowbrook High School invites chapter members to participate in project management related activities and events.
Benefits to program participants are numerous. Chapter members earn PDUs and gain experience in the field of education while contributing project management skills to the community. Students benefit by participating in hands on project management activities while receiving guidance from Project Management Professionals (PMPs) with real world experience.
During its first year and a half the program awarded scholarships totaling over $13,000 and provided speakers for over 20 presentations and 8 workshops. Memorandums of Understanding were signed with two major Universities, and internship programs were established.
The Education /Academic Program aligns with PMI Atlanta’s vision to be the leading, respected source for the practice of project management in metro Atlanta Communities. The chapter is excited about the success of the program and plans to expand are in the works. Goals for the future include, but are not limited to, increasing scholarship funds, establishing Project Management Student Organizations on all member campuses, and increasing involvement of high schools in chapter initiatives.
Colleges and Universities with project management or related courses/degrees and interested High Schools may send an inquiry to education@pmiatlanta.org. Please read the chapter newsletter for upcoming articles and interviews with details about individual programs.