DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Sept. 16, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Three organizations committed to creating opportunities for women and girls will receive financial contributions from the Advancing Women in IT Community of CompTIA, the non-profit association for the information technology (IT) industry.
Donations totaling $10,000 were awarded to Girls Inc. ($2,500), Grace After Fire ($5,000) and Tech Trek ($2,500), CompTIA announced today.
"Each of these organizations has clearly demonstrated a strong commitment to helping women, young women and girls in meeting the challenges that life hands them," said Sandy Ashworth, global director of channel relations and warranty for Unisys and chair of CompTIA's Advancing Women in IT Community.
"Our group has the same mission – to serve as a vital information resource, provide mentorship and networking opportunities and to raise awareness of the valuable role women can and do play in our industry."
Now in its 17th year, Tech Trek science and math camp is an initiative of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). It is designed to help girls continue their interests in science, math, engineering & technology (STEM) exploration and learning.
Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be "strong, smart, and bold" through life-changing programs and experiences that help them navigate gender, economic, and social barriers. The network of local Girls Inc. nonprofit organizations serves 136,000 girls ages 6-18 annually across the United States and Canada.
Since 2008, Grace After Fire has helped women veterans help themselves by providing the means for them to gain knowledge, insight and self-renewal. The team at Grace After Fire guides women veterans through peer to peer outreach as they re-enter their communities, the workforce and as they redefine their roles for a successful future.
This marks the third consecutive year that CompTIA member communities have made cash contributions to charitable organizations, non-profit groups and programs that are changing lives for the better through education, empowerment and opportunity.
Funding for the donations is provided by the Creating IT Futures Foundation, the charitable arm of CompTIA. The foundation helps populations that are under-represented in the IT workforce and individuals who are lacking in opportunity to prepare for, secure and be successful in IT careers.
"Creating IT Futures is proud to fund organizations that are making a difference by helping people expand their individual worlds," said Charles Eaton, chief executive officer of the foundation.
About CompTIA
CompTIA is the voice of the world's information technology (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 its educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications, and public policy advocacy. Visit http://www.comptia.org/home.aspx or follow CompTIA at http://www.facebook.com/CompTIA and twitter.com/comptia.