CompTIA Initiative Looks to Inspire Future Technologists

Interest in technology careers is increasing among teenagers, but many have no model to help develop this interest. This is according to a recent CompTIA report "Opinions of young people about careers in information technology".

The survey of 1,006 teenagers aged 13 to 17 showed that seven out of ten are open to a future career in technology, but only 33% of boys and 24% of girls know someone who works in technology. .

"The needle has not really moved with children who know people - whether they are older siblings, parents, relatives, neighbors, friends or others - that does not really matter, has not changed too much," said Steven Ostrowski. . "So, they do not really have direct access to the people who are actually in the business, which can complicate the task, because what we have found over the years is to have an adult mentor - someone with whom you can talk, someone who can make you hear off-the-top questions is one of the best ways to get information about what a career in technology entails. '

To close this gap, CompTIA uses its NextUp initiative to attract teenagers with the mentors and resources they need to generate a passion for technological careers.

"NextUp was created to introduce teenagers to the many opportunities in technology careers," said Charles Eaton, Executive Vice President of CompTIA for Social Innovation and CEO of Creating IT Futures, in a press release. "Through programs of study, projects, partnerships and mentorship, we want to use their passion for technology, inspire their curiosity and build a generation of technologists for tomorrow." Our CompTIA volunteers guide students in practical STEM projects, explaining why they have to hold. "

CompTIA has also collaborated with other like-minded organizations to work better with teams. These include FUSE, a Northwestern University project that expands STEAM learning for middle and high school students, and TechGirlz, which offers practical workshops and summer camps for college girls. The Technology Students Association, composed of 250,000 students in 38 states who compete in Team STEM competitions every spring, is another partner.

"The intention was to recreate something completely, to work with someone who is already doing a good job and giving them extra resources so that they can increase and achieve their footprint" Ostrowski said.

However, CompTIA is encouraged to show interest in technology. It is "very, very good, because we have a very big gap to fill in the next five to ten years, in terms of jobs that are open and not enough people to fill them." Ostrowski said.