IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb.1, 2007
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine:
724-738-4854
gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

Computer programming competition challenges area high school whizzes

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - Slippery Rock University's computer science department will host its seventh annual Computer Programming Competition Feb. 20. The competition brings 100 of the region's brightest high school computer whizzes together to compete for prizes by writing Java programs.

           Fifteen schools will send students to compete. The competition, in the Advanced Technology and Science Hall, offers both a lower division for freshmen and sophomores and an upper division open to all high school students. High school teachers will serve as advisers to the groups.

           Students will work in teams of three, use state-of-the art technology and programming languages such as Java, C ++ and PHP. After writing what they hope is a correct program, they submit it to the judges. The judges run the program against official data, and, if the output is correct, the team scores one point. At the end of the competition, the team with the most points wins.

           All participants will receive a T-shirt, software CDs and certificates of participation. The top two schools in each division receive plaques.

           The first three students from the competition who apply and are admitted to SRU to major in computer science, information systems or information technology will receive $500 scholarships.

           SRU's computer science department created the competition seven years ago to challenge students interested in the information sciences and to inspire them to pursue computer-related majors in college.

           "Computers are in use in nearly all aspects of our lives, and a lot of data show that future information technology professionals should start preparing for careers before they begin their undergraduate degrees," Patricia Joseph, SRU computer science faculty, said.

           Schools participating in the competition include: Blackhawk, Baldwin, Clarion Area, Hickory, Indiana Area, Franklin Regional, North Allegheny, Trinity, Knoch, Mt. Lebanon, Preston, Upper Saint Clair, Riverview and Wilmington Area

           SRU's computer science department has 230 majors. The bachelor of science in computer science and all five of its information systems business-related degree programs are accredited by ABET, Inc., the recognized accreditor for colleges and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering and technology. ABET is a federation of 28 professional and technical societies representing these fields. Among the most respected accreditation organizations in the U.S. ABET has provided leadership quality assurance in higher education for more than 70 years.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania's premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.