CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwired - June 24, 2015) - The Illinois Technology Association (ITA) is kicking off its 6th year of the ITA Tech Challenge program, continuing its mission of retaining top tech talent in Illinois and Chicago.
To date, ITA and the Tech Challenge program has met with more than 2,500 technology-focused students across the Midwest. Each year, dozens of offers are extended to Tech Challenge participants for internships or entry-level positions.
"The ITA is working hard to recruit and retain computer science and engineering students in Illinois and Chicago and we want them all here!" said Fred Hoch, CEO of ITA. "Through programs like the ITA Tech Challenge we are connecting local companies to top talent within in the Midwest."
The ITA Tech Challenge has two phases:
Phase 1: Qualifying Exams (September - October)
Starting in September, qualifying exams will be held on the campuses of 10 participating universities. This initial event lasts approximately two hours and includes a presentation from an Illinois-based technology company. New this year for qualify exams -- cash prizes! The Top 3 scorers at each qualifying exam will receive: $300, $150, and $50 respectively.
Phase 2: The Final Challenge (November 5-6, 2015)
After all qualifying exams are taken, the overall Top 50 scorers are invited to Chicago for the Final Challenge exam and interviews with area technology companies looking to hire interns or entry-level talent. ITA covers the costs of hotel and provides meals for the Top 50 during their time in Chicago. In addition to interviews, the Final Challenge offers more cash prizes. The #1 scorer wins $5,000! Second through fifth receive: $2,000, $1,000, $500 and $500 respectively.
Full details can be found at itatechchallenge.com.
This year's ITA Tech Challenge participating universities are: DePaul University, University of Chicago; Illinois Institute of Technology; University of Illinois at Chicago, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; Illinois State University; Indiana University, Bloomington; Northern Illinois University; Northwestern University and University of Michigan.
Thank you to this year's ITA Tech Challenge Presenting Sponsor, CDK Global; Supporting Sponsors, Backstop Solutions Group, Cleversafe, Corptax, kCura, Trustwave, IMC Financial Markets; and Participating Sponsors, 10th Magnitude, Optiver, Spot Trading, Trunk Club and Uptake.
Sponsorship inquires should be sent to Trisha Degg, Talent Programs Manager at trisha@illinoistech.org.
About the Illinois Technology Association
The Illinois Technology Association (ITA) is a business services organization dedicated to growing technology companies. ITA provides strategic programming, consulting and resources, enabling its members to grow, build and elevate their business. For more information, visit illinoistech.org, follow @ITAbuzz on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.
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Contact Information:
Contact:
Michelle Cox
Illinois Technology Association (ITA)
+1.312.924.1044
michelle@illinoistech.org
