Retention of Illinois Talent
ITF works to retain top technology talent in Illinois by engaging with industry leaders in the state through initiatives including:
- The Annual ITF Fifty for the Future Awards recognizes exceptional students with an interest in and potential to use technology in innovative ways. Fifty for the Future provides encouragement and recognition to students who pursue innovation through technology, providing access to business leaders to showcase their talent. Winners are chosen through a rigorous nomination and judging process, focused on high school through university and graduate level programs. The celebration is attended by industry leaders, judges, winners and their families, and other supporters of the technology industry. Over 250 students have been recognized over the past 4 years.
- ITF Mentoring and Educational programs bring college-level students together with industry leaders to expand networking, industry knowledge and an early introduction to the hiring community
- High school students attending Chicago Academy for Advanced Technology (CAAT) are partnered with an industry expert to support and encourage high achievement in all subjects and prepare for an impactful career.
Early Introduction and Access to Technology
ITF works with students in K-12 programs in the Chicagoland area to provide an early introduction to technology and career routes. Initiatives include:
- Donation of Learning Tools: ITF facilitated the donation of over 1,000 pieces of equipment to CPS schools in 2009.
- Awareness of Opportunities: ITF participants presented middle school students through a series of seminars with high school graduation options in technology, including certification in technology, specialty programs, and universities. To date, ITF has presented to over 5,000 students.
- Communication between High School and University Programs: ITF facilitates DeVry and CPS relationship ensuring the joint enrollment program receives full scholarship awards
- Scholarship Program: ITF created our first, of many, scholarship programs with Proviso Township in 2009.
Curriculum Alignment
ITF works with university-level professionals to ensure the needs of the hiring community are actively addressed in the classroom. Initiatives include:
- In partnership with Robert Morris University, ITF developed and implemented new leadership courses and is currently under development with IIT for 2010 for the same; Over 20 technology executives led the program to train upcoming graduates on leadership skills
- Launching an Annual Technology in Healthcare Summit scheduled for October 2010 to meet the needs of the fastest growing segment of the IT economy, bringing together leaders in the healthcare field and educators at the university level to ensure the curriculum matches the needs of industry.
Supporting Professionals with Disabilities
ITF works with professionals with disabilities to assist them in their career search. Initiatives include: - ITF holds quarterly networking events are held bringing together professionals and the hiring community
- ITF works to educate the hiring community about development of professionals with disabilities in their organizations
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