About Us
SEMtech (Student Engagement and Mentoring in Technology) is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded by Thomas Russell, dedicated to enriching the educational landscape through STEM-focused initiatives for K-12 students and adults, with particular emphasis on serving underserved communities. Leveraging a strong collaborative partnership with local companies and organizations, SEMtech is committed to hosting various programs, including CyberPatriot programs, elementary school engagements, senior citizen engagements, summer Cyber Camps, and 'capture the flag' competitions. These initiatives are especially crucial in providing accessible educational opportunities to communities where such resources are scarce or unavailable. At its core, SEMtech champions the cause of bridging knowledge gaps in technology, fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, and nurturing the next generation of tech-savvy individuals in all sectors of society.
Thomas Holt Russell III - Founder & Director
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Thomas Russell is the Founder & Director of SEMTech (Student Engagement & Mentoring in Technology), where he oversees and coordinates cybersecurity camps, adult education courses, and K-12 curriculum for cyber education. His educational background includes a master’s degree in education for Applied Technology from the College of Saint Rose, a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management, and an Associate degree in Network Security from Colorado Technical University, as well as various certifications in the technology industry.
As a high school STEM teacher, Thomas taught classes, such as Cybersecurity, Computer Applications, Networking, Technology Literacy, Health and Information Technology, Information Security, and Computer Forensics. Thomas has won the Boettcher Foundation Teacher Recognition Award, the Falcon Educational Foundation’s Outstanding Teacher Award, the District 49 Teacher of the Year Award, and has been nominated for Colorado Teacher of the Year. In 2020, Thomas was awarded the Cyber Education Administrator of the Year by the EdCenter. He was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate for Cyber Education by the Denver Institute for Urban Studies. In 2021, Thomas won the National Center for Women in Computing (NCWIT) Educator Award for successfully recruiting girls into cybersecurity courses and activities. Thomas is also an amature photographer and is a Writer for the Denver Urban Spectrum, where he has recieved several awards from the Colorado Press Assosiation for his writing on the societal impacts of technology. |
I have dedicated my entire career to the technology sector, serving both as a seasoned professional and a licensed STEM educator. My dual expertise positions me uniquely to steer individuals toward robust training programs that prepare them for the sustainable careers of tomorrow.
My driving goal is to ensure equitable access to top-tier technology training for everyone, irrespective of socioeconomic backgrounds. Whether the focus is cybersecurity or broader STEM disciplines, I firmly believe that digital education transcends luxury—it's an integral part of our societal fabric. As we navigate the cultural shift towards a digital future, it's imperative that we not only equip ourselves with the necessary skills for emerging jobs but also remain vigilant of technology's societal implications to avoid future pitfalls. I invite you to join forces with me as we champion STEM education across the United States. Your contributions, whether time volunteered at upcoming events or financial donations, are pivotal in closing the gap between job availability and the skilled workforce ready to step into these roles. I eagerly anticipate forging productive collaborations with individuals and organizations aligned with our mission. Thomas Russell Founder/Director BACK to Main Page |