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Apr 06, 2010

SkillSoft Donates Online Training Seats to the CompTIA Educational Foundation to Help Jumpstart Tech Careers

Nearly 300 Military Veterans, Dislocated Workers & Other Individuals in Need Already Receiving Free IT Training in 2010

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., April 6, 2010 - To help disadvantaged and disabled individuals prepare for a career in information technology (IT), SkillSoft donated 250 online training seats to the CompTIA Educational Foundation's Creating Futures program.

In the first quarter of this year, nearly 300 individuals in need have become active participants in Creating Futures. With matching funds from CompTIA, the SkillSoft donation will allow the Foundation to nearly triple that participation as more individuals apply for training.

From military veterans and individuals with disabilities to minorities, women, at-risk youth and dislocated workers, online IT training, mentoring, courseware, practice exams, and certification vouchers are provided at no cost to these individuals in need. 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.

“SkillSoft is pleased to renew its support the Creating Futures program for a third year. The program continues to impact the lives of its participants, creating opportunities for both personal and professional advancement.” said Jack Nelson, vice president of global business development for SkillSoft. “SkillSoft congratulates the participants who are earning their CompTIA certifications and the staff of the CompTIA Education Foundation who are managing such a worthwhile initiative.”

“We’re aiming to train 1,000 disadvantaged and disabled individuals for new careers in technology this year – a new record for Creating Futures,” said John Venator, president and CEO of the CompTIA Educational Foundation. “With SkillSoft’s generous donation, which will be matched by CompTIA dollar for dollar, we’re already half way to the training funds we need. Each in-kind or cash donation brings us one step closer to our goal and one step closer to making another individual’s career dreams a reality.”

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 SkillSoft Corporation
SkillSoft PLC (NASDAQ: SKIL) is a leading SaaS provider of on-demand e-learning and performance support solutions for global enterprises, government, education and small to medium-sized businesses. SkillSoft enables business organizations to maximize business performance through a combination of comprehensive e-learning content, online information resources, flexible learning technologies and support services. http://www.skillsoft.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