CompTIA to Participate in Illinois Pathways Race to the Top Initiative

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Sep 14, 2012, 12:01 ET

Selected as Lead Entity for Information Technology Learning Exchange for Illinois Schools

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Sept. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- CompTIA, the leading non-profit association for the information technology (IT) industry, said today it will take a lead role in advancing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning for students and schools across Illinois.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn today announced that CompTIA Workforce Development, LLC will serve as the lead entity for the Information Technology Learning Exchange, which is part of the Illinois Pathways Race to the Top education initiative supporting college and career readiness for students.

"Students with a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering and math will form the backbone of the future technology workforce in Illinois and across the nation," said Todd Thibodeaux, president and chief executive officer, CompTIA. "We're extremely pleased to join the Illinois Pathways Initiative and look forward to collaborating with the business and education communities across the state to prepare students for the technology jobs of today and tomorrow."

The STEM Learning Exchanges are envisioned as public-private partnerships, with representation from educational institutions, student organizations, research centers, business and industry leaders, labor and professional organizations, state governmental agencies and community partners statewide.

Each Learning Exchange offers an industry-specific online resource center with comprehensive information on courses, work-based learning opportunities, assessments, credentials, certifications and other career guidance topics. The Learning Exchanges are funded with planning and implementation grants, coupled with cash and in-kind contributions to reflect the public-private partnership strategy.

Participation in the Illinois Pathways initiative builds on other CompTIA initiatives to support STEM education in Illinois and other states across the country. In 2012, CompTIA and its state-based TechVoice partners have contributed $70,000 to support community-based efforts in 14 states, including Illinois, which promote IT technology and IT workforce development, education and training. TechVoice is a grassroots partnership between CompTIA, TECNA and other technology organizations dedicated to impacting policy issues important to growth, innovation and job creation.

CompTIA's philanthropic arm, the Creating IT Futures Foundation, provides training and certification opportunities to people who have historically been under-represented in the IT workforce, including individuals with disabilities, at-risk youth, women and military personnel and their spouses.

About CompTIA
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 http://www.comptia.org/home.aspx or follow CompTIA at http://www.facebook.com/CompTIA and http://twitter.com/comptia.

SOURCE CompTIA