On November 22, STEAM Train—a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting generations, particularly underserved, under-resourced, and underrepresented populations, to careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and beyond—awarded Wesleyan University its 2025 Community Engagement Award. The honor recognizes Wesleyan’s sustained support of the organization since its founding in 2017.

Since STEAM Train’s inception, Wesleyan has provided critical support through the Jewett Center for Community Partnerships (JCCP) and the Information Technology Services (ITS) Department, including hosting apprentices and internships, donating computers, and coordinating volunteers. In the award letter, Donna Hylton, President and CEO of STEAM Train, highlighted the breadth of Wesleyan’s engagement:

“… Beyond technical support, Wesleyan University has amplified our visibility by featuring us on the WESU radio station, offering student interns through the board residency class—one of whom continues to serve on our Board of Directors—and inviting us to participate in community-focused conversations and events that promote our mission. Dr. David Baird, Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, and Dr. Clifton Watson, Director of the Jewett Center for Community Partnerships, have worked closely with STEAM Train to advance our mission. The university’s ongoing commitment to our work and the broader community is truly commendable.”

STEAM train connection to Wesleyan began in 2017 through Dr. Clifton Watson, who supported the organization’s outreach efforts and invited Wesleyan students to serve on its board. In 2022, after learning about STEAM Train’s work, Dr. David Baird invited Donna Hylton to meet with the ITS leadership team to explore a partnership that would offer a 40-hour internship to graduates of STEAM Train’s technology training program.

A key contributor to this partnership has been Alex O’Neil, ITS Service Desk Manager, who has played a pivotal role in supporting STEAM Train’s Fast Track Academy workforce development program. By hosting apprentices within ITS, O’Neil has helped provide participants with hands-on exposure to information technology in a professional environment. Reflecting on the program’s goals and impact, he shared:

“We give the student a realistic experience and exposure to the kind IT environment that a university would typically have by heavily focusing their time on our IT service desk, which I manage, learning the basics of troubleshooting, incident management, as well as other skills like knowledge management and prioritizing the user experience.

We also are able to allot portions of the internship time to other components of ITS such as time with our networking team, with our hardware specialists in the computer service center, as well as with our desktop support specialists who support staff and faculty. This helps to give them a broad overview experience of these roles and how they work together to provide technology support for an institution like Wesleyan.

I personally really enjoy hosting these internships because I really believe in the opportunity that an experience like this poses for these students. It allows for a real life, hands-on experience in the environment that they are seeking future employment in, with all of the wonderful twists, and turns that one can encounter in the IT world! It also enables those of us who mentor these apprentices the opportunity to teach and encourage this next generation of IT specialists, and offer them our perspective and experience.”

In addition to this mentorship and training, Erik Quimby has made a significant contribution by leading ITS efforts to donate both Mac and PC computers to STEAM Train. These donations have enriched students’ learning experiences and strengthened their preparation for the demands of the modern workplace.

Together, these collaborations reflect Wesleyan University’s deep commitment to community partnership, workforce development, and educational access. Wesleyan is honored to stand alongside STEAM Train in advancing equity, expanding access to technology careers, and supporting the next generation of innovators. Stay engaged for more upcoming news in the series!