The computer science department at Whitworth University has started a new Business Incubator Program. Dr. Pete Tucker, a math and computer science professor, shares that incubator programs provide business advice that prepares entrepreneurs to scale their innovations in different ways, especially by using technology. This program is open to all majors.
The application for this program is open and students can apply anytime. “As projects come in, then the students are assigned to those projects based on their skills. Some projects are year long and some are a couple of months. It really depends on the business they are going to work with,” said Tucker.
Certain skills are required, but it depends on the project the student is interested in working for. “Our hope is over the summer we are going to build out a public-facing website that can explain more of what this program is, so the community is more aware of it,” said Tucker. The department’s hope is that these positions will be paid, but it depends on the clients and the project the student is working on.
Two students will be working with Tucker over the summer on the “STEM readership project funding, which is very similar to this project, and the students will be receiving grants,” said Tucker. There are two nonprofit businesses that are working with students on this project: United Way and Lutheran Community Services. These positions are paid for through work-study, and the students work closely with companies to develop skills and engage in the community.
“Our goal as a department is for students to be part of these projects and experience what it looks like to work with different companies, whether they are startups or non-profit organizations,” said Tucker. The computer science department is looking for more diversity in the program and it “is open to anyone who is interested in working with companies via technology and gaining experience,” said Tucker.
