The Illinois Technology Association has formed a new non-profit organization whose goal is to attract, grow and retain diverse tech talent in Illinois.
ITA's philanthropic arm, called TechForward, officially launched earlier this month and wants to "create the next generation of industry leaders" through supporting STEM education initiatives across the state. Through fundraising, TechForward will offer grants, scholarships and programming to help increase tech education for K-12 students in Illinois. The group will also focus its efforts on diversity and bringing its programming to underserved communities.
TechForward expects to raise funding from donors---likely tech businesses---who want to give back to programs that train students in STEM, said Trisha Degg, VP of talent programs and Operations at ITA.
"I want TechForward to be the organization that every single tech company comes to when they're ready to give back to STEM education," she said.
One organization TechForward will support is the Middle School Tech Ambassador Program, which introduces young people in rural areas of Illinois to technology workshops and other STEM resources. Another is the Chicago Tech Academy, a STEM-focused high school on the southwest side.
Along with Degg, TechForward's board members include Hans Bodine, CEO, Carlease.com; Rick Bowman, CEO, Shiftgig; Glen Fulton, President, Englewood Development and Technology; Adam Hecktman, Director of Technology and Civic Innovation, Microsoft; Fred Hoch, Co-Founder, TechNexus; Kelly Jones, SVP of Partnerships, Regroup Therapy; Julia Kanouse, CEO, ITA; Susan Lorenc, Partner, Thompson Coburn; and Drew Mauck, CEO, 3Points Communications.
