CompTIA is one of the recognized leaders in training, education and certification in the tech sector. Here's some news about some broader efforts they're making with education for the IT industry as a whole.

IT Industry Steps Up Support of CompTIA Educational Foundation
Creating Futures Program
Donations help to prepare new workers for careers in technology

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., August 16, 2007—The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) Educational Foundation today announced that several leading organizations in the technology and training industries are providing strong support for its Creating Futures program.

Industry leaders HP and Ricoh are among the companies supporting Creating Futures through donations of materials, services and expertise. The donations are providing individuals with opportunities for education, training and professional certifications as the first steps on the road to rewarding careers in technology.

Creating Futures is targeted at providing IT career opportunities to veterans transitioning out of the military; individuals with disabilities; at-risk youth; and dislocated workers. The program works with employers to identify their hiring needs, then tailors education and training programs to help individuals obtain the skills employers are looking for.

The following companies and organizations are supporting the program:

• Element K®, which delivers products, technology and services that help customers plan, develop, launch and manage learning programs.
• Giant Campus, a provider of technology training, consulting, and staffing services to the youth and education markets; the U.S. Armed Forces, their families and DoD Civilians; the federal government; and private sector corporations.
• Global Mentoring Solutions (GMS), a leading provider of live, on-demand support services in several, rapidly growing markets, including workforce learning and performance.
• HP, among the world’s largest IT companies with a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure.
• MeasureUp, an assessment and certification practice test company that provides tools to reinforce learning and validate knowledge.
• New Horizons Computer Learning Centers of Jacksonville, Fla., a provider of comprehensive and cost-effective training for individuals looking to expand their IT skills.
• Pearson VUE, which delivers over four million high-stakes exams a year for clients in the licensure, certification, academic admissions, regulatory and government testing service markets.
• Prometric, the leading global provider of comprehensive testing and assessment services.
• Ricoh, a global leader in digital office solutions, contributing to the success of businesses in every corner of the world.
• SERVICE 800, an industry leader in real time customer follow-ups and industry benchmarking programs.
• Technology Training and Services Corporation (TTSC), a provider of IT training and consulting for government and industry throughout the world.
• TechSkills Cleveland, a nationally recognized innovator in technical and professional education.

For more information about Creating Futures, please visit www.creatingfutures.us

About the CompTIA Educational Foundation
Established in 1998, the CompTIA Educational Foundation continues its mission to develop qualified and productive entry level IT workers, with the hopes of eliminating the skill shortages within the industry. The Foundation receives support from individuals, industry leaders, companies and the government through contributions and grants, giving hundreds of individuals the opportunity to pursue careers in IT. Donations fund the programs: Creating Futures, NITAS, TechCareer Compass, and IT Merit Awards. For more information, please visit http://www.creatingfutures.us/ .

About CompTIA
In 2007, the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Just as the IT industry it serves has grown, CompTIA has also enjoyed remarkable growth over the past 25 years. The organization was founded by representatives of five micro-computer dealerships working together to find better ways to do business. Today, CompTIA has more than 22,000 member companies in over 100 countries around the world; and serves as the voice of the world’s $1 trillion-plus IT industry. CompTIA is committed to advancing the long-term success and growth of the IT industry by helping organizations maximize the benefits they receive from their investments in technology; and by helping individuals to obtain the skills and credentials they need for productive careers in IT. For more information, please visit www.comptia.org .