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Nominations Open for Illinois Technology Foundation "50 For The Future"
Top Regional Companies and Institutions Partner to Find Industry's Best and Brightest Students
| Source: Illinois Technology Association (ITA)
CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - February 22, 2010) - The Illinois Technology Foundation (ITF), the
philanthropic arm of the Illinois Technology Association (ITA), a
not-for-profit organization dedicated to fueling the technology workforce
of the future, has begun accepting nominations for 50 For The Future, a
program honoring Illinois' most promising technology students.
Now in its fourth year, 50 For The Future recognizes students with interest
and potential in the use of technology in innovative ways. 50 For The
Future encourages students and, early in their academic careers, connects
them with business leaders. The program is open to students enrolled in
institutions of higher learning throughout Illinois.
More than 30 of the region's top technology companies, industry
organizations, and academic institutions have become involved in the
competition, offering their senior executives as judges.
"A company's greatest asset is a diverse array of talented people.
Attracting and developing talent is a top priority," said Karenann Terrell,
corporate vice president and chief information officer for Baxter
International Inc., and a judge for this year's 50 For The Future. "This
program represents a valuable way to identify and nurture up-and-coming
talent. I'm honored to be on the front line of this effort."
Nominees will be judged on their potential as tomorrow's leaders in
business and technology. The top 50 competitors will be honored at an event
on April 13 attended by the competition's judges, the instructors who
nominate the students and student family members.
"50 For The Future raises awareness of the talent and creativity that
resides within Illinois' students," said Dr. Greg Morris, ITF board member
and co-chair of 50 For The Future. "The collaboration among our partners
has been amazing, and this year's nominees will reap the rewards."
"We look forward to celebrating our winners and to helping each student
nominated take a leap forward with their careers," said William R. Waas,
ITF Chairman.
Submissions for nomination close on March 4.
For more information on 50 For The Future, including nominee submission
forms, visit www.50ForTheFuture.org.
About the Illinois Technology Foundation
The Illinois Technology Foundation's mission is to support the development
of a technology talent pipeline that begins in elementary school, is
refined in high school, and is fully developed in our region's higher
education graduates. The Foundation facilitates relationships and efforts
across industry, academia, students, and government, developing and
managing targeted programs within the talent pipeline. Through action,
leadership, and collaboration, the Foundation supports and nurtures the
technology talent to ensure a viable and a regional wealth creating
economy. The Foundation is the philanthropy arm of the Illinois Technology
Association (ITA), a membership organization of more than 500 Illinois
technology companies who support the development of a stronger technology
talent pipeline in the region. Additional information is available at
www.illinoistechfoundation.org.
About the Illinois Technology Association
Illinois Technology Association (ITA) is passionately committed to the
successful growth of our member-companies and the regional technology
industry. ITA champions the interests of start-ups and industry leaders,
innovation agents and students as independent and collaborative thought
leaders who leverage the power of technology to transform business. Through
fostering strategic development, peer-to-peer leadership, networking, and
access to experts across the breadth of business, membership in ITA
accelerates the realization of success. For more information about ITA,
please visit www.illinoistech.org.