Frequently Asked Questions

I don’t have any background in technology. Can I still work in a tech career?
How much math do I really need? I was never good at math and I’m worried I’ll fail the prerequisite math courses.
Technology is mostly male. Is it a tough field for a woman to break into?
Am I too old for a tech career?
I’m not sure what courses I need to take for the tech program I’m interested in. Where can I go for help?
I want more information about technology careers and what the field is like for women. Where can I get more information?
How long will it take for me to complete a technology program? I can’t afford to do anything long term, I need to earn money as quickly as possible.
I’d like to complete a technology program, but I’ll need some help. Where can I get information about financial aid?
As a high school student, how can I gain knowledge and skills that will prepare me for technology career training at the Community College of Rhode Island?

I don’t have any background in technology. Can I still work in a tech career?

Absolutely. Even if you have never touched a computer or participated in hands-on lab activities you can be successful in technology classes. CCRI strongly recommends that if you have no background in technology take the following courses to boost your confidence and your skills:

“Technology Readiness” to provide you with tech basics and build your confidence. This one-credit course introduces the student to techniques needed to engage in a computer-based learning experience such as basic use of Windows and other essential desktop functions, as well as searching the internet and using e-mail and internet software. For more information, contact Kay Johnson at kayj@ids.net
Introduction to Engineering & Technology presents a hands-on introduction to the fields of engineering and technology. The course will discuss issues of career development and expose students to essential skills including use of Microsoft Word and Excel, Internet use and Internet Research, and both manual and computer graphing. The course's main focus is on problem solving individually and as a group and culminates in a group engineering project such as constructing a bridge or robot. For more information, contact Phil Miller at pmiller@ccri.edu
Building Science Skills is for the student with rusty science skills or who never had the basic lab science courses in high school. This is a grant-funded free non-credit class that is offered for 3 hours a week for a fifteen-week semester. The class offers comprehensive skill building for students who wish to enroll in basic science and/or technology courses at CCRI. For more information, call Noreen Fantozzi at 825-1155 or email her at nfantozzi@ccri.edu
Co-Operative Learning: You may also want to consider doing a CO-OP to get hands-on learning experience. Many CO-OP positions are paid. Visit our Co-op web site for more information.

How much math do I really need? I was never good at math and I’m worried I’ll fail the prerequisite math courses.

Many students have a fear of math or math anxiety. The amount of math needed depends on the technology program. Some programs require pre-algebra, others require none. The math required for the technology programs is “hands-on” and is very different from classroom algebra. Most students find math more interesting when they actually use it in the classroom. You have several options to get help with math:

Reach out to other female students at CCRI to get support and peer tutoring in math via the Women in Technology Club. Click here for more information: link coming soon.
Take a math placement test: CCRI offers math courses at all different skill levels to serve the varied needs of students. You may need a refresher course to sharpen rusty skills, or you may be much better at math than you thought. Taking a placement test is a crucial step in assessing your skill level, and is also required by CCRI as a part of enrollment procedures. Placement testing is offered by Advising and Counseling. To schedule, contact: Warwick campus: 825-2301, Lincoln campus: 333-7160 or Providence campus: 455-6063.
The Peer Tutoring Program offers confidential tutoring sessions one-to-one or in small groups free of charge.

Technology is mostly male. Is it a tough field for a woman to break into?

Many CCRI graduates are female - see our role model profiles for some inspiring stories. It can be more difficult for a woman to prove herself, but there are lots of places you can turn to for support:

You can join the CCRI Women in Technology Club for support
You can join one of many women in technology associations that exist on-line and in real time. For information, visit our WomenTech On-line Community page.
You can surf links to women in technology Web sites.
You can do a CO-OP in a technology field to give you a competitive advantage before graduation. For more Co-op information, visit our Co-operative Education page.
You may have to work harder to prove yourself initially but it can be done!!!

Am I too old for a tech career?

Many CCRI graduates are older students and have gone on to have successful careers in technology. See our role model profiles for some inspiring stories. Click here to see role models. You may have to work harder to prove yourself initially but it can be done!!!

I’m not sure what courses I need to take for the tech program I’m interested in. Where can I go for help?

You have several options to get more information:

The Program pages of the CCRI WomenTech Web site link to the course requirements for each program. Just click on the name of the program you're interested in to view its requirements. Each program page also lists an e-mail contact for more information.
See the Engineering & Technology Advisor, Phil Miller, pmiller@ccri.edu (825-2456), at the Warwick Campus for guidance.
Contact Enrollment Services if you will be a new student. Warwick campus: 825-2285, Lincoln campus: 333-7097 or Providence campus: 455-6060.
Contact Advising and Counseling if you are a continuing student. Warwick campus: 825-2301, Lincoln campus: 333-7160 or Providence campus: 455-6063.

I want more information about technology careers and what the field is like for women. Where can I get more information?

Networking with women in technology careers and students in technology programs is a good way to learn about the field. You have several options:

Sign up for CCRI’s WomenTech E-Newsletter to learn about upcoming WomenTech career events.
Become a member of the Women in Technology Club at CCRI.
Join the WomenTech On-line Community for female students in tech programs in Community Colleges and women working in these fields.
Visit the Web sites of national Women in Technology Associations,, many of which have female role models and career information as well as local chapters.

How long will it take for me to complete a technology program? I can’t afford to do anything long term, I need to earn money as quickly as possible.

Here are some ways to make your community college experience more efficient:

Consider a certificate. Many of the technology programs have certificates – if you attend full-time you can often complete a certificate in only six months. Many employers will hire employees with a technology certificate and then provide tuition reimbursement for courses towards an Associate in Science degree in the same field.
CO-OP is also a good idea for those in a hurry. Many CO-OP learning experiences are paid. It is a great opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience and possibly earn income as well as make employer contacts, which will help you get a job much faster after graduation.
Consider a student loan. Student loans are easy to get and offer very reasonable interest rates and manageable monthly payments after graduation. Borrowing money to attend school full-time will earn your degree in significantly less time than attending part-time. Make an appointment with the financial aid office to fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), or visit our Financial Aid website.

I’d like to complete a technology program, but I’ll need some help. Where can I get information about financial aid?

Many resources are available to assist with financial aid, especially for technology and engineering courses:

Visit the Financial Aid office. The CCRI Office of Financial Aid is committed to assisting students and their families who may not be able to afford the cost of post secondary education by themselves. The office is responsible for the administration of grants, scholarships, loans and student employment programs.
The Rhode Island Educational Opportunity Center offers among its services counseling and information on student financial assistance including scholarships, grants and loans. The center is also available for help in completing financial aid applications.
Look for resources on the internet. The Foundation Center lists scholarships for individuals in the scholarship files and would be an excellent place to start.

As a high school student, how can I gain knowledge and skills that will prepare me for technology career training at the Community College of Rhode Island?

There are many avenues that high school students can follow to gain knowledge and skills to prepare for CCRI's Technology programs:

Participate in CCRI's Running Start Program (*PDF file). High school seniors who wish to study at the Community College of Rhode Island on a full time basis during the day may be eligible to earn college credit and credit toward high school graduation simultaneously.
Become involved in CCRI's High School Enrichment Program (*PDF file), which enables high school students to participate in individual CCRI courses according to student eligibility and seat availability.
Take CCRI courses for articulated credit, as a senior right at one's high school (if available). Please check with your high school guidance counselor or a CCRI Enrollment Services representative at (401)825-2285 to find out more about these programs.
Also, don't forget that you can connect with one of our CCRI Women In Technology Role Models to learn more about technology careers!!

*PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view - Download here