CompTIA Educational Foundation Honors Tech Industry Leaders with 2010 Awards

SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The CompTIA Educational Foundation presented its Creating Futures Awards to information technology (IT) and philanthropic leaders at a special breakfast during Breakaway 2010 in San Antonio, Texas, today.

“Our honorees have provided not only cash and in-kind donations, but also an abundance of their time and leadership to help us to enhance our programs and to give more people a new career in IT. We simply couldn’t do it without them.”

Presenting the awards, Charles Eaton, executive director, CompTIA Educational Foundation, thanked the honorees for their support of the Foundation’s Creating Futures program. Creating Futures provides free IT training and certification opportunities to populations who have historically been under-represented in the IT workforce, including U.S. military veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, minorities, at-risk youth and dislocated workers. The 2010 honorees include:

Ricoh – Lifetime Donor: Supporting Creating Futures since the beginning of the program, Ricoh’s donation of cash and online training seats have allowed Creating Futures to reach a national and international level. Beverley Patterson, senior director of learning and organizational development, Ricoh Americas Corp., also has served on the Foundation’s councils and committees, providing key leadership and insights for the program as well as encouraging other companies to join.
SkillSoft Corporation– Lead In-Kind Services Donor: SkillSoft has provided multiple donations of training seats for Creating Futures during the past three years as well as financial support of the Creating Futures Charity Golf Classic. Jack Nelsen, vice president of global business development, SkillSoft, volunteers on the program’s development committee, giving direction to the implementation and most effective applications of advanced IT training for program participants.
Xerox Corporation – Lead Corporate Support: Xerox’s long-term commitment makes it one of the four largest cash donors to Creating Futures. Its ongoing support has helped to launch Creating Futures programs in Chicago, Boston, Florida, the Pacific Northwest and Washington, D.C. Gary Gilliam, vice president, channel operations, Xerox North America Reseller Sales, volunteers his leadership and time on the Foundation’s board and advisory council.
MeasureUp Inc. – Corporate Volunteer Service: Kevin Brice, president, MeasureUp, is a founding member of Creating Futures and was instrumental in the research, design and roll-out of the program. Since its launch, he has helped monitor and fine-tune the program to ensure that only the most current and relevant training processes are used. MeasureUp also donates practice tests and assessments to appropriately place participants in the proper training and to allow the participants to practice testing before sitting for their final exams.
The Chicago Lighthouse – Outstanding Program Partner: For the last three years, the partnership between Creating Futures and the Chicago Lighthouse has trained minorities and women with sight impairments for careers in IT. Using special equipment, custom training techniques and leveraging State of Illinois work contracts, the partnership has provided these participants with the skills, confidence and internships to put them on a solid career path.
Pitney Bowes – Lead Donor: Its cash donations for the past three years have helped more than 100 under-served people in Stamford, Bridgeport, Shelton, Danbury, Hartford, Conn.; Washington D.C.; and Spokane, Wash. receive IT counseling and training to jumpstart their lives through a career in IT.

“Our philanthropic efforts are based on partnerships, and without the help of these inspiring companies, we could never have the success we’ve had this past year. In 2009, we trained 854 individuals in need for an IT career. This year we’re out to train 1,000 and we’re on our way to achieving that goal,” said Eaton. “Our honorees have provided not only cash and in-kind donations, but also an abundance of their time and leadership to help us to enhance our programs and to give more people a new career in IT. We simply couldn’t do it without them.”

Donations to the CompTIA Educational Foundation can be in cash, equipment or training seats. All gifts are 100 percent tax-deductible. Individuals and companies can make a donation to the program, and prospective participants can apply for training by visiting the Foundation’s website, 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. 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.