Illinois Technology Foundation Overview 2013

Our Mission We are a grassroots organization with over 300 passionate volunteers that are focused on developing and retaining the best IT talent and leadership in Illinois by bringing real-world career opportunities to the classroom. In doing this, we enrich the careers of students by helping them find meaningful employment that allows them to pursue their technical aspirations and make valuable contributions to their employers. We bring industry into the classroom!

Education Continuum

 Academic Outreach  Formed 2006 – Illinois Technology Association  Development of Programs and Community Relationships  ITA Formed the Foundation  2009  Non Profit 501(c)3  Foundation adopted the Academic Outreach ITA Initiative as Primary Mission  Over 300 volunteers Foundation History

Resources t Fifty for the Future® t Guest Speakers t Industry Coaches t Career Counselor Workshop t Field Trips t Women in IT t IT Advisory Councils t Equipment Donations t GoodNews Illinois

Fifty for the Future ®  Recognize the top 60 Students in Illinois  50 College  10 High School  7 th Year  $125,000 Scholarship Fund – Directions Training  200 Nominees  Grad and Undergrad  High School Juniors  Nominations Close - October 4, 2013  Award Ceremony – November 12, 2013  Judges from industry and government

Guest Speakers t Complete Form on ITF website –Who –What –When t Allow 3 weeks

Industry Coach t Everyone needs a mentor t Provide mentor for faculty t Specific Technology t Classroom support

Career Counselor Workshop t Provide workshops for counselors and others interested in IT careers t IT Career information t Student Resource Center

Field Trips t Help Arrange t Larger Groups (15 or more) –Microsoft –Cisco –Google t Smaller Groups –Local companies

Women in IT t Focus on encouraging young girls to pursue an IT career t Guest Speakers t Field Trips

IT Advisory Council t IT Professional to work with CS staff t Assign industry professional t Bring ITF resources to school

Equipment Donations t Refurbished product at Low Cost t Available for school, students & faculty t Obtain donations from local companies –Refurbish –Add Microsoft Operating system Office 2010

GoodNews Illinois t Do you have something to brag about? t Illinois wide blog t Sign up as a Contributor t It is free

Thank You!!