ORONO, Maine — University of Maine students interested in STEM and computer science will now have another option for internships, careers, and research, and it's located just down the street.
Tyler Technologies, a national tech services firm, just opened its newest location in Orono. The 30,000 square foot facility will be the new workplace for 75 Tyler Tech employees. Thirty of those employees are to move from the company’s outgoing Bangor office, leaving 45 positions to be filled.
Chris Webster, the Tyler Technology executive regional planner and UMaine graduate, picked this location specifically to strengthen the bond between his company and his alma mater. Webster also hopes to fill those empty desks with other Black Bears.
“I see this building as a way to give back to the community, to set up a shop that University of Maine graduates can call home,” he said.
The building sits just a half-mile from campus on the same ground the old University Inn once did. This proximity will enable students to participate in internships all year long without a need to relocate.
The new building also brings the opportunity for further partnership with UMaine, and it's a prospect that excites UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy.
“They are interested in our students," she said. "They provide fantastic research opportunities and internships for our students. They hire our students. And we at the same time learn about the coming trends."
For the past decade, Tyler Tech and UMaine have partnered to create the Maine App Challenge, a mobile application competition for middle and high school students. Since starting the program in 2015, over $100,000 has been awarded to top performers and last year alone the top three place winners won a total of $10,000. The competition is for anyone, and no coding experience is required.
Marcy Nichols, a senior software engineering manager, helps run the program each year.
“We use a platform that helps walk you through how to build a mobile app. But it's a great way to express yourself, build something you are passionate about,” she said.
Outreach for the Maine App Challenge begins in the fall with the competition ending in the spring. Click here to learn more.