Modern education cannot develop in isolation from the world for which it prepares professionals. This is precisely why Sumy National Agrarian University continues to expand its partnership network and involve representatives from leading industries in the educational process. On November 5, SNAU signed a Memorandum of Partnership and Cooperation with the public organization “Kharkiv Information Technology Cluster” (Kharkiv IT Cluster).
The document was signed by SNAU Rector Ihor Kovalenko and Kharkiv IT Cluster Executive Director Olha Shapoval.
The ceremony was also attended by: Marharyta Lyshenko, Vice-Rector for Academic and Pedagogical Work; Svitlana Lukash, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management; Ihor Shelekhov, Head of the Department of Cybernetics and Informatics; Olena Dudnyk, Head of the Educational Department at Kharkiv IT Cluster; Polina Reva, Educational Programs Coordinator at Kharkiv IT Cluster.
The core concept behind this partnership is to align professional training closer with the demands of the modern labor market. Today, it is essential not only to master theoretical knowledge but also to understand how the industry operates, what competencies employers value, and what tasks graduates will face in their careers.
During the meeting SNAU Rector Ihor Kovalenko emphasized the strategic importance of the university’s interaction with the IT industry. For their part, representatives of the Kharkiv IT Cluster outlined the opportunities and prospects of this cooperation, specifically focusing on involving businesses in educational initiatives, professional development for faculty, and shaping practical skills for students.
The memorandum outlines a wide range of joint initiatives, including involving IT professionals in teaching, conducting guest lectures, training sessions, workshops, and conferences, as well as updating educational curricula to meet current industry standards.
For students, this collaboration offers a chance to explore various fields of IT, connect with company representatives, develop professional and soft skills, engage in project work, and complete internships at companies within the Cluster.
Planned initiatives include: OpenIT – open lectures focusing on IT professions; Boot Camp – hands-on work on socially significant projects mentored by IT special lists; Soft Skills Programs – participation in personal and communication skill development; Career Support – professional internship opportunities, job fairs, and employment assistance for graduates.
The partnership will be equally beneficial for faculty members. It includes participation in the Prof2IT program for advanced professional training and the ProfClub professional club—a platform to exchange experiences, discuss modern approaches to IT education, and develop new solutions alongside industry experts.
The collaboration between SNAU and Kharkiv IT Cluster is an opportunity to build a stronger bridge between university education and business, create additional conditions for the professional growth of youth, and reinforce the practical component of professional training.
For the university, this is another step toward a modern educational model where students gain not just knowledge, but also direct experience interacting with a professional environment during their studies.
SNAU continues to create new opportunities for its community, foster cross-industry cooperation, and build partnerships that turn educational ideas into practical results.
