IT = Technology = Innovation

IT changes the face of business, society and life every day.  IT is more than just an industry, IT is the engine within every other industry and is integral in each of our daily lives.  Every day you wake up and somehow interact with computers and software – perhaps you don’t even realize it.  From your alarm clock to your iPod, IT is found everywhere.  Technology shapes our interactions with the world and the way humans interact with each other.

If more of our youth acquire tech skills and degrees, Colorado’s overall economy will improve.  You can make a difference – encourage students to consider a degree or career related to IT; encourage others to pursue a degree or career related to IT.

Check out the IT Career Video,  Career Guide and other resources!

Things to consider about IT:

• IT is an industry in itself (i.e. software companies) and IT jobs are found in every industry (aerospace, education, healthcare, etc.)
• IT is an enabler – learning and practicing IT will open doors for you regardless of what you want to do in life
• IT jobs are open to anyone regardless of race, age, gender or background
• IT jobs provide meaning, purpose, financial stability, and they can also be a lot of fun
• Finally, you are already using technology today (computers, iPods, cell phones), why not pursue a career shaping where technology goes tomorrow

CSIA and Education
CSIA, member companies and leaders realize the essential role that technology contributes to our local and national economy.  To improve the overall economy, CSIA takes a leadership roll to grow and encourage the next generation of technology experts.  To support our technology economy we must:

• Develop local technology talent
• Increase enrollment in technology majors
• Increase STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education in K-12 curriculum
• Increase high school graduation rates (Colorado is 30th in the U.S.)
• Increase the number of total technology employees in the state

Colorado is home to more than 5,000 software companies employing more than 53,000 people with a $4.6 billion payroll.  In addition, IT experts support every major industry in Colorado, especially the high growth industries like renewable energy, biosciences and aerospace, adding another 125,000 additional IT workers.  CSIA education initiatives include:

• Outreach to teachers, parents and high school/college students about IT career trends
• Connecting IT industry leaders, key educators and student influencers across the state
• Support Colorado education programs to develop a highly-skilled workforce

Are you a member and want to get more involved in CSIA’s education initiatives?  Join the education committee >>

Below are some of the ways CSIA has been involved in education:

• Partnership with Colorado State University to further IT workforce development.  Including two scholarships in 2008 for students pursuing technology related curriculum.
• Participation in the Adams County Education Consortium’s (ACEC) regional conference to highlight the opportunities for technology careers, including tours of technology companies and panel discussions.  This conference is attended by more than 4000 eight-grade students every fall, giving them great exposure and awareness about IT and other industries.
• Active involvement with the Metro Denver WIRED Initiative and its mission to create a talent development pipeline for four growing Metro Denver industries that pay well and are sustainable.
• Tech Teacher of the Year, awarded at the annual CSIA Apex Awards, recognizes outstanding tech teachers in Colorado.
• Outreach to area schools and organizations by industry leaders and speakers.
• Support for local area education organizations such as ACEC, MESA, OWL, STEMAPALOOZA, CASMIC, Exploring IT, College in Colorado, the BETR Project and KidsTek.