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Feb 17, 2010
Military Veterans Get IT Career Help with MeasureUp and the CompTIA Educational Foundation
Individuals in Need Receive Free IT Training
Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., February 17, 2010 - To help military veterans and others get the training they need to launch a career in information technology (IT), MeasureUp LLC donated 800 certification practice exams and 300 technical assessments to the CompTIA Educational Foundation.
In 2009, the Foundation’s Creating Futures program provided IT training to 574 military veterans, including 244 disabled veterans – nearly a five-fold annual increase – smoothing the way for them to transition from military duty to the private sector. The program is available to both recent and long-time veterans who need financial help getting the training for an IT career. For example, Navy veteran and former reservist Jeff Foster of Boonville, N.C., participated in Creating Futures during the last year and recently passed the tests for CompTIA Network+ and the CompTIA Security+ certification.
“I have always been a closet IT geek, and this was my opportunity to pursue the field full-time, after being laid off from my project management position in the construction industry. I appreciate the opportunity that Creating Futures presents, not only to me, but to other veterans. MeasureUp helped with earning the certifications, and the CompTIA training has given me a great foundation to start a new career,” said Foster.
Creating Futures provides career opportunities to groups of people historically under-represented in the IT industry, including military veterans, individuals with disabilities, minorities, women, at-risk youth and dislocated workers. IT training, mentoring, courseware, practice exams, and certification vouchers are provided at no cost to these individuals. Participants train toward CompTIA certifications — which are known throughout the IT industry as reliable predictors of employee success and are therefore some of the best ways to break into the IT field.
“America’s military veterans have given all of us so much. It’s our duty and honor to help them achieve their own career dreams after they finish with their military service,” said Kevin Brice, president and general manager, MeasureUp LLC. “I encourage other leaders in the IT and training industries to step up and support Creating Futures, so that every soldier who desires a tech career can get the training he or she needs.”
“MeasureUp’s generous $63,600 donation of in-kind gifts is essential for making Creating Futures participants successful. Plus the donation will be matched dollar for dollar by CompTIA so that we can help even more military veterans in need of a new career start,” said John Venator, president and CEO of the CompTIA Educational Foundation. “Each donation – no matter how large or how small – allows another worthy individual to get the training and certification they need to join the robust IT industry.”
Individuals and companies can make a donation and prospective participants can apply for training by visiting the CompTIA Educational Foundation website, http://www.CompTIA-EF.org.
About MeasureUp
MeasureUp is an assessment and certification practice test company, providing the necessary tools to reinforce learning and validate knowledge. MeasureUp assessment and practice test customers include a broad range of companies and higher-education learning institutes, such as Microsoft, New Horizons, Pearson/VUE, Lockheed Martin, and Herzing College. MeasureUp specializes in creating assessments that can be used for training, placement, and proving knowledge retention. MeasureUp practice tests are recognized for their innovative use of simulation question types, comprehensive explanations, complete coverage of exam objectives, multiple delivery modes, and in-depth reporting. For more information, visit www.MeasureUp.com.
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.
Donor Contact:
Dennis Zimmerman
Executive Director, CompTIA Educational Foundation
630-678-8477
dzimmerman@comptia-ef.org
Media Contact:
Lisa Fasold
Communications, CompTIA Educational Foundation
703-509-1124
lfasold@gmail.com
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