New ITI Report Highlights High-Tech's Education Leaders

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, ITI President and CEO, Dean Garfield, announced the release of the 2009 High-Tech Education Report that highlights the broad range of educational initiatives that information and communications technology (ICT) companies are spearheading to improve education outcomes for more young Americans and meet the needs of America's 21st century workforce.

"While ICT companies have long been recognized as leaders of innovation," said Garfield, "they've also been America's principal private sector partner working to improve student achievement. Science, technology, engineering and math education are a critical component of creating good paying jobs and advancing our country's global competitiveness."

Last year alone, high-tech companies dedicated thousands of volunteer hours and hundreds of millions of dollars to support local school districts, universities, and community colleagues. Mentoring programs, teacher training, science camps, scholarship funds, and grants are just a few of these educational efforts. In addition, many of these initiatives focus on improving education in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines, particularly for women and minority students who are underrepresented in these fields.

"By spotlighting these companies," said Garfield, "it is my hope that not only more students learn about these educational opportunities in their own backyard, but it also inspires more companies to partner with their local schools in preparing the next generation of American workers."

For more information about ICT companies leading the charge on America's innovation economy visit http://www.itic.org/governmentrelations/stem-education/.

About ITI: The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) is the premiere voice, advocate, and thought leader for the information and communications technology (ICT) industry. ITI is widely recognized as the tech industry's most effective advocacy organization in Washington D.C., and in various foreign capitals around the world.