CompTIA Newsroom

Expanding to Schools Nationwide to Create the Next Generation of Technologists

Downers Grove, Ill. — As part of its NextUp initiative to interest teens in tech careers, CompTIA is partnering with the Technology Student Association (TSA) to expand STEM opportunities, competitions and leadership development. CompTIA will work with TSA to enhance their national footprint via competitions, leadership programming, teacher professional development, marketing and technology applications.

TSA’s membership includes more than 250,000 middle and high school students in more than 2,000 schools spanning 48 states. TSA holds more than 60 STEM competitions at their national conference each year, where middle school and high school students compete in a wide range of contests – from debates about technological advances and their impact, to learning how to code, to designing video games. Plus, every contest involves a leadership training component, so that students not only learn new skills in preparing for the event, but practice leadership as well.

“Funded by CompTIA and managed by Creating IT Futures, NextUp added the Technology Student Association as one of its primary partners, sparking curiosity and passion for technology in teens,” said Todd Thibodeaux, CEO, CompTIA. “Last year with our partners, we reached more than 2,000 middle schoolers. With our new partnership with TSA and their 250,000 teen members, we’re greatly expanding the influence of NextUp and helping more teens understand the possibilities that a tech career can provide. We see huge potential in TSA, envisioning a future where every school can provide hands-on activities to create the next generation of technologists.”

“TSA welcomes the opportunity to work with CompTIA to collectively address the challenge of filling the STEM pipeline. TSA student members want to become the critical thinkers, problem solvers and technologically literate leaders of tomorrow. Our partnership with CompTIA will help make their journey a reality,” said Rosanne White, executive director, Technology Student Association. “TSA provides a pathway for its members to enhance their personal development, address real-world challenges, engage in leadership activities and consider a STEM career. Through this partnership, CompTIA joins dedicated educators, school administrators and parents, who are helping TSA’s 250,000 young members succeed.”

Schools participating in TSA take the study of STEM beyond the classroom to give students the chance to pursue academic challenges among peers with similar goals and interests. Under the direction of their technology and engineering teacher, these students work on competitive events and attend conferences on the local, state and national level. The size of TSA programs at the local and state level vary.

While TSA is heavily active in 35 states, TSA is particularly interested in growing its membership in Arkansas, Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon and Rhode Island. CompTIA staff, members and partners will work with TSA to expand its school participation in those states.

CompTIA members can get more directly involved with TSA by volunteering to participate in or be a judge for the national competition in Atlanta in June. Potential volunteers for the national competition should contact Lynda Haitz, TSA program manager, at lhaitz@tsaweb for more information. Volunteers who want to work more at the state level should contact their local TSA leaders. All state TSA websites are listed at http://tsaweb.org/state-conferences.

About the Technology Student Association (TSA) 
TSA is a national 501(c)(3) organization for students engaged in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). TSA offers a variety of STEM competitions and opportunities for students and teachers. TSA is supported by educators, parents, and business leaders who believe in the need for a technologically literate society. Visit the TSA website for more information.

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 Contacts:

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

Steven Ostrowski
CompTIA
630-678-8468
sostrowski@comptia.org