CompTIA Newsroom

Downers Grove, Ill. — As part of its NextUp initiative to interest teens in tech careers, CompTIA has partnered with FUSE at Northwestern University to equip 21 schools in nine states each with an interactive FUSE Studio. Each studio allows dozens or even hundreds of students to dive into challenging, self-directed projects ranging from using SketchUp to design their dream home to using a 3D printer to make jewelry to building their own solar-powered mini-car. CompTIA and FUSE also will collaborate to build three IT-focused challenges designed to expose youth to various IT professions and career pathways in fun and engaging ways.

“We are proud to sponsor these FUSE labs for so many deserving schools where students will get hands-on, self-directed STEM learning,” said Charles Eaton, executive vice president, social innovation, CompTIA. “We’re excited to include three new tech challenges to the FUSE portfolio and to connect local IT pros to mentor students at their local FUSE school.”

“FUSE has begun a new phase of industry partnerships as part of our new National Science Foundation initiative and we couldn’t be happier to have CompTIA as our first major industry partner. CompTIA and FUSE share a vision for bringing exciting and innovative tech experiences to the widest range of young people across the country,” said Reed Stevens, director and founder of FUSE and professor of learning sciences at Northwestern University.

The new FUSE Studios to be launched this fall will have the potential to serve 2,165 students and their teachers. The 21 schools in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas selected for the FUSE Studios are:

Funded by CompTIA and managed by Creating IT Futures, NextUp will build a mentoring program between CompTIA’s IT pros and FUSE students. The mentors will work in the studios to support facilitators or help to design and direct deeper learning experiences for students. CompTIA members and IT pros who live near a FUSE studio can volunteer to be mentors by contacting Joan Matz at jmatz@comptia.org.

About FUSE
FUSE is a STEAM (STEM plus Arts) education program that facilitates student exploration and learning through hands-on, interest-driven challenges inspired by real-world STEM and design practices. In FUSE, students work in a studio-like environment, learn through making, and develop 21^st century skills such as problem solving, persistence and communication. Learn more at www.fusestudio.net.

About CompTIA
CompTIA is the voice of the world’s 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 educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications and public policy advocacy. To learn more visit CompTIA online, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

About Creating IT Futures
Founded by CompTIA in 1998, Creating IT Futures is a 501(c)(3) charity with the mission of helping populations under-represented in the information technology industry and individuals who are lacking in opportunity to prepare for, secure, and be successful in IT careers. Learn more at www.CreatingITFutures.org. 

Press Contact:
Lisa Fasold
Creating IT Futures
630-678-8558
lfasold@comptia.org