40 Years
of Innovation
Since 1986, the Computer Science program at Cégep de Sorel-Tracy has been shaping brilliant minds who build the digital world. Let's celebrate 40 years of excellence, innovation, and community together.
Our History
40 years at a glance
Computer Science DEC begins
Cégep de Sorel-Tracy welcomes its first cohort into the brand-new Computer Science program. A few dozen students step through the doors of a program that would go on, unknowingly, to train the region's digital builders for more than four decades.
First Computer Science graduates
Three years after its founding, the inaugural cohort crosses the finish line. These first graduates mark the true starting point of the program's tradition of excellence — this is the year the forty-year legacy of graduates begins counting.
Competency-based approach and two DECs
A major pedagogical shift: the program adopts the competency-based approach and splits into two distinct paths — Computer Science (Management) and Computer Science (Networks). Students can now specialize according to their professional interests, paving the way for a more focused, more field-relevant education.
Networks DEC ends, work-study launches
The Networks DEC is phased out and the program refocuses its energy on the Management stream. At the same time, according to the Cégep de Sorel-Tracy annual report, the program introduces Alternance Travail-Études (work-study): students alternate between studies and paid internships in industry. A first concrete step toward the industry partnerships that define the program today.
New identity: Web, Mobile & IoT Development
The program adopts a local identity that better reflects its modern curriculum: “Web, Mobile & IoT Application Development.” This transition, recorded in the 2012-2013 annual report, marks a commitment to training developers on the technologies of their era — at a time when mobile, web, and connected objects were transforming the entire industry. Cégep de Sorel-Tracy is among the first in Quebec to integrate these specialties.
The HUB is born
The Cégep unveils its brand-new computer science HUB: a collaborative space where students, teachers, and industry partners come together to build real technology projects. More than a lab, the HUB becomes the beating heart of the program — a place where learning meets professional practice, and where students build their portfolios before even entering the job market.
New ministerial framework
Quebec's Ministry of Higher Education rolls out a new framework that modernizes the competencies expected of computer science graduates. Cégep de Sorel-Tracy adopts the new framework and updates its curriculum to reflect current industry needs: DevOps practices, application security, modern architectures, and team collaboration are among the major additions.
Startup Track launches
The HUB launches its Startup Track, a structured program for students who want to turn their projects into real technology companies. Mentorship, workspace, and access to a network of entrepreneurs let students launch their own entrepreneurial journey before they even graduate. One more step toward a program that trains not just developers, but builders.
40th anniversary and new identity
The program celebrates four decades of excellence and officially adopts its new name: “Software Development & AI.” This change reflects the integration of artificial intelligence across the entire curriculum and positions the program for the next four decades. Over 450 graduates already anchor this history — and the next chapter remains to be written.
By the Numbers
40 years of results
Years of Excellence
Graduates
Placement Rate
Active Partners
Event · May 28, 2026
Celebrate with us
An evening to bring together 40 Computer Science graduating cohorts — over 450 alumni — around a gourmet dinner, live music, and reunions.
- When
- Thursday, May 28, 2026
- What to expect
- Welcome cocktail, three-course gourmet dinner, live music from the Cool Jazz Trio, student project showcases, and an after-party.
Alumni? Contact us if you're interested in joining the celebration.
Ready to code your future?
Join the next cohort and discover a program that will change your path.
