CompTIA Continues to Inspire Young Women to Dream IT with Launch of Two New Websites

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., July 14, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Efforts by CompTIA, the IT Industry Trade Association, to attract more women into the information technology (IT) workforce received another big boost this week with the launch of two new websites linked to its Dream IT initiative.

"The primary barrier to interest in IT as a career is that young people – girls, especially – don't understand the full range of options available to them," said Nancy Hammervik, senior vice president, industry relations, CompTIA.

"But when they're exposed to specific job and career opportunities their interest level jumps," Hammervik continued. "We've taken the next step to reach out directly to women and girls on the wonderful opportunities available to them in our industry."

The new Career Resource Center features a robust collection of career information and resources, all aimed at delivering the message to women and girls that IT is a great place to work.

The new Dream IT website houses ready-made presentation materials that can be used by anyone interested in spreading the message about the opportunities in the IT workforce for women and girls.

Dream IT is the brainchild of CompTIA's Advancing Women in IT Community. This group includes women and men currently enjoying successful careers in IT. They share a common goal: to empower women and girls with the know-how and skills they need to launch and grow their own IT careers.

The community has a goal of reaching 10,000 girls and women with the message that IT is a great career option, offering good pay, job stability and opportunities for advancement.

"Dream IT started with one seed of hope and has evolved into a blossoming program through the collaborative efforts of many women in our industry," said Doriana Allyn, senior environmental health and safety manager for Brother International Corporation, and chair of the CompTIA Advancing Women in IT Community.

"These remarkable women have poured their hearts and souls into an initiative that creates a moment of 'I can' for the next generation by helping girls and women set off on their own career journeys."

For women and girls interested in learning more about careers in IT, the comprehensive Career Resource Center has information on IT career options, tips for securing jobs, testimonials from women now in the IT workforce and links to organizations that provide opportunities for mentoring, STEM education and career guidance.

For Dream IT "evangelists" – women and men interested in spreading the word about IT career opportunities – the Dream IT site features ready-made presentation materials and resources that can be used as is or tailored for specific audiences. More information on the Dream IT initiative and how to get involved is also available on the site.

For more information, visit CompTIA online and on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

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SOURCE CompTIA