Central Texas College (CTC) and Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA) co-hosted an achievement ceremony on Tuesday, September 30. The ceremony recognized transitioning active-duty service members who completed the Fort Hood Cohort 2 class and are now software development and testing specialists. The ceremony was held at the CTC Fort Hood campus located at Bldg. 3201 on 72nd Street.

“This marks the second MSSA program to be completed this year,” noted Dr. Tina Ady, dean of the CTC Fort Hood and Continental campuses. “The cohort prepares soldiers who plan to exit the service within the next six months for information technology careers. Our next session will begin October 6.”

The students completed the 16 hours of coursework in 16 weeks to earn a CTC certificate of completion as MSSA IT professionals. The program is designed to teach soldiers the fundamental aspects of information technology and software testing and development.

Coursework included Computer Programming (visual basic), Introduction to Database, Web Design I, Advanced Computer Programming and Elementary Statistical Methods.

Participants in the program are active-duty soldiers who pass an arduous selection process before their acceptance in the cohort. Upon completion, the participants then meet with Microsoft executives in Redmon, Washington for job interviews and possible employment with the company.

In addition to coursework, participants receive “soft skills” training from Microsoft to help prepare them for jobs including mock interviews conducted by Microsoft staff members. After successful completion of the program, particpants travel to the Microsoft headquarters for an in-person interview.

“Two members of the first cohort are now full-time employees at Microsoft headquarters in Seattle,” said Thomas Dawkins, senior business manager for Microsoft. “Anthony Dedesma, a former multi-channel transmissions systems operator in the Army is now an IT service engineer,    while Sundar Ranabhat, a former food service specialist now works as  a relationship manager. Also hired from the program was Serena Branch who will begin her Microsoft career as a relationship manager on November 1.”

“The skills these young soldiers already bring to the table are a perfect fit for this type of program,” said Dr. Thomas Klincar, CTC chancellor. “Through the MSSA cohort program, they can further enhance those skills which can lead to real world job opportunities as they begin their new lives as civilians. This is evidenced by several graduates of the initial program who are now working for Microsoft.”

As a Yellow Ribbon School, a Purple Heart College and its history of providing affordable higher educational opportunities for military members, CTC is an avid partner with Microsoft and the Department of Defense to offer the MSSA cohort program. “This is a extension of our continuing efforts to support military members in their educational endeavors,” noted Klincar. “In addition to the MSSA program, CTC is also a founding member of the College Credit for Heroes program which offers current and retired military students college credit for their military training. Both initiatives are excellent tools to assist our soldiers receive the proper training and skills enhancement to continue being successful beyond the military.”

Students completing the MSSA program are SPC Arnold Ankomah, SFC Frank Brown II, SGT Lhonny Coggins, SGT Brandon Geddings, SSG Christopher Harris, SPC Ramnath Kallamadi, SGT Trevor Neill, SSG Aaron Perkins, SPC Stephan Salvant, SPC Donald Schuck, SPC Syed Shah, SGT Josh Smith, CW3 Brenda Taylor and CPT Mark Warfield.

Transitioning active-duty soldiers and veterans interested in the MSSA cohort program can visit the CTC Fort Hood campus, log onto the CTC website at www.ctcd.edu/locations/fort-cavazos/programs/ or contact the Fort Hood Education Services Office Soldier Development Center at Bldg. 33009.