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Sep 24, 2009
CompTIA Educational Foundation Partners with Public Computer Centers for IT Training & Career Development
Tech Centers Access Local Support to Merge Training with Job Placement
Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., September 24, 2009 - Following up on its success with IT career training programs with the Chicago’s Lighthouse for the Blind and South Carolina’s
Fast Forward Community Technology Center, the
CompTIA Educational Foundation is looking to expand its partnerships with other public computer centers to help individuals in need launch information technology (IT) careers.
The Foundation’s Creating Futures program provides training and certification opportunities to populations who historically have been under-represented in the IT workforce, including U.S. veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, minorities, at-risk youth and dislocated workers. Creating Futures works with employers to identify their hiring needs, then tailors its training to help individuals obtain the skills employers require.
“Our partnership with the CompTIA Educational Foundation has created a win-win situation for our local community, especially our hometown military veterans,” said Dee Albritton, executive director, Fast Forward. “The Foundation gives us vouchers for free computer training. When we combine this training with other business skills such as healthcare or accounting knowledge, often we’ve helped local employers find an ideal prospect to fulfill their staffing needs.
“With stimulus funds and support from other local groups such as Veterans Affairs chapters, public computer centers like us are in the perfect position to help the next generation and career-switchers find new opportunities in technology, an industry that continues to expand and need more qualified professionals,” added Albritton.
Creating Futures offers instructor-led training and online training, depending upon geographical location. Participants have access to free:
- 24x7 online training
- Mentoring services
- Practice exams
- Certification vouchers
“Through our affiliations with member companies and not-for-profit partners, individuals gain useful skills for permanent employment,” commented John Venator, president and CEO, CompTIA Educational Foundation. “We work with employers, training providers, government agencies and public computer centers to develop model programs.”
Public computer centers looking to partner with the Foundation should contact Program Manager Amy Alexander,
aalexander@CompTIA-EF.org. Individuals and companies can make a donation to Creating Futures, and prospective participants can apply for training by visiting the Foundation’s Web site,
http://www.CompTIA-EF.org.
About the CompTIA Educational Foundation
The CompTIA Educational Foundation provides career opportunities for individuals who historically have been under-represented in the IT workforce. With the support of individuals, industry leaders, companies and the government, the Foundation creates programs aimed at helping U.S. veterans, at-risk youth, women, minorities, dislocated workers, and individuals with disabilities to obtain the technical and business skills employers require. Since its creation in 1998, the Foundation has helped more than 1,000 individuals enter the IT workforce, helping the industry alleviate its shortage of skilled workers. For more information or to make a donation to the CompTIA Educational Foundation, visit
http://www.CompTIA-EF.org.
About CompTIA
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is the voice of the world's information technology (IT) industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through its educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications, and public policy advocacy. For more information, visit
www.comptia.org.
Program Contact:
Amy Alexander
Program Manager
CompTIA Educational Foundation
630-678-8411
aalexander@CompTIA-EF.org
Media Contact:
Lisa Fasold
Communications
CompTIA Educational Foundation
703-509-1124
lfasold@gmail.com
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