During the week of July 28, twenty-three West Haven High School students participated in the National Science Foundation–sponsored CICSTART program. CICSTART is designed to build career interest in computer science through advanced, real-world technology projects. Each day, students traveled to Gateway Community College to take part in the program.
The goal of CICSTART is to provide students with a concise and focused, laboratory-based experience that emphasizes a structured approach to basic engineering, teamwork, interpersonal communication, and technical writing skills. Westie students honed their technical and professional abilities while taking personal responsibility for their contributions and communications during weekly team projects.
Mr. John Birch, Founder and President of The Birch Group, LLC—a national, full-service organizational talent optimization consulting company—provided students with a 360° feedback evaluation, which included a DiSC® personal assessment tool and emotional intelligence training. DiSC® is a personal assessment tool used by more than one million people each year to improve teamwork, communication, and workplace productivity.
Engineering Professor Eric Flynn, Manufacturing Professor Mehrdäd Fäézi, Engineering Adjunct Professor Andrew Angle, and Mr. Eric Rice—STEM/CTE Department Chair and teacher at West Haven High School—led students through a series of microprocessor labs, solid modeling sessions, and engineering mathematics activities.
Mr. Birch remarked, “I am very impressed with the West Haven High School students’ abilities! This group of students was a pleasure to work with and has a bright future ahead of them.”
Mr. Rice added, “The CICSTART program has offered our West Haven High School students an exceptional supplemental learning experience, which is difficult to achieve in a traditional classroom setting. Blending STEM skills with soft skills and professional skill development will significantly help our students advance in their future endeavors. We are thankful to the National Science Foundation and the CICSTART Team for including us. This program is one of those special programs that makes a profound difference in students’ lives.”
Shown in the group photo are Gateway Community College President Dr. Shiang-Kwei Wang and Dean of Student Affairs Dr. LaRue A. Pierce, Ed.D.
The following students participated in the CICSTART Summer 2025 program:
Michael Adu-Gyamfi
Isahik Amaro
Abdoul-Kayoum Bileri
Hailey Dargon
Diana Morales
Makary Nartey
Xavier Nogue
Rigoberto Sanchez
Faisal Mobarak Zai
Jose Oliveros Cortes
Izz Aldeen Alnatour
Mohammad Awwad
Josue Hernandez-Tlamintzi
Mirwais Ibtikar
David Llivicura
Isaac Morales
Troy Morgan
Luis Ortiz-Tela
Michael Oyarinu
Kenneth Peralta
Jordan Smith
Joshua Vargas
Anthony Ynoa