USC Viterbi’s Distance Education Network (DEN) provides crucial engineering education to students facing adversity in Ukraine and Afghanistan.
In a world where access to education is often hindered by challenging circumstances, USC Viterbi’s DEN@Viterbi program has emerged as a beacon of hope. Leveraging its expertise in hybrid and remote learning, the program has offered free engineering classes and workshops to students in Ukraine and Afghanistan, where educational opportunities have been disrupted or limited. Through this initiative, USC Viterbi aims to ensure the continuity of education for aspiring engineers in these unique and volatile regions.
Engineering Education for Astronautics Students in Ukraine
Recognizing the importance of maintaining academic excellence in rapidly developing technological fields, USC Viterbi’s Astronautics Professor Mike Gruntman hosted a free online course on the fundamentals of space systems. Utilizing the DEN platform, which has been at the forefront of online learning for over five decades, Gruntman provided students and faculty in Ukraine with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills in space technology. This humanitarian initiative not only offers hope for the future of Ukraine but also plays a vital role in the country’s rebuilding efforts.
Empowering Women and Girls in Afghanistan
In Afghanistan, where educational opportunities for women and girls are limited, USC Viterbi’s DEN program has made a significant impact. Seventy-five Afghan women participated in a global course on innovation, taught by Professor Stephen Lu through USC’s iPodia program. This unique initiative allowed students from various parts of the world, including Brazil, China, Germany, Greece, Israel, Mexico, Taiwan, Uganda, and the United States, to attend the same class simultaneously. The Afghan participants gained valuable insights into the principles and practices of innovation, broadening their horizons and fostering global connections.
Additionally, USC Viterbi’s Information Technology Program (ITP) collaborated with the non-profit Afghanistan-US Democratic Peace and Prosperity Council (DPPC) to create the Afghan Pathways Program (APP). This program offered Afghan women the opportunity to learn web development and coding in Python through a series of skills-based short courses. Professors Trina Gregory and Nayeon Kim guided the students through a twelve-week program, equipping them with essential skills for the digital age. The success of the program is evident in the forty certificates earned by the female Afghan students who completed the courses.
A Window of Hope and Independence
The impact of USC Viterbi’s DEN program extends beyond education. One individual affiliated with the DPPC believes that this model can serve as an inspiration for other universities. The virtual classroom acts as a “window of hope” for Afghan girls and women, offering them a lifeline to education. She emphasizes that engineering, computer science, and coding are crucial disciplines that empower women and foster their independence. By equipping the younger generation with these skills, society ensures that they do not get lost in the face of adversity.
Conclusion:
USC Viterbi’s DEN program has demonstrated its commitment to providing engineering education to students facing adversity in Ukraine and Afghanistan. By leveraging the power of technology and the expertise of dedicated faculty, USC Viterbi has created a lifeline for students whose access to education has been curtailed. The impact of the program reaches far beyond the classroom, empowering individuals and fostering hope for a brighter future. As USC Viterbi continues to offer coursework and expand its reach, it sets an example for other institutions to follow in their pursuit of educational equity and inclusivity.
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