CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - June 16, 2010) - Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer met with students at the Chicago Academy of Advanced Technology (CAAT) on June 10, 2010. Mr. Ballmer affirmed Microsoft's commitment to support the school, providing software, hardware, and a cash grant. "Microsoft is grateful for the opportunity to support the Chicago Academy of Advanced Technology, where innovative teaching strategies and access to technology are changing today's approach to education," he said.
CAAT was founded in 2009, created through the joint efforts of the Illinois Technology Association (ITA), the outreach organization of the ITA, the Illinois Technology Foundation (ITF), the City of Chicago, Chicago Public Schools, and The Center for Polytechnical Education. The Chicago Public School, run by the Center for Polytechnical Education, provides underprivileged students with a full high-school curriculum and the development of technology skills.
The program provides students with the necessary skills to compete in the workforce of the future. Mike Porter, General Manager -- Central Region, Microsoft, serves on the ITA Board of Directors. "Microsoft is dedicated to education and ensuring graduates possess the skills needed to compete in our technologically evolved workplace."
"We anticipate CAAT students will be the Chicago area's future leaders," Mr. Ballmer stated. "By supporting students and programs like these, Microsoft hopes to expand the pipeline of future technology talent in the United States."
"A key part of the approach we're developing at CAAT is the involvement of mentors into the classroom and curriculum. Having Steve visit as we close our first freshman year was like bringing an uber mentor into the school," said Terry Howerton, Chairman of the ITA and co-chairman of the high school.
Mr. Ballmer presented the new Surface technology to the students, giving them a chance to see the latest technology under development. Microsoft is donating a new Surface unit and 10 HP TouchSmart All-In-One PCs to CAAT. Microsoft employees will also begin working with students on new software development and other projects in the 2010-2011 school year.
The ITA and ITF are proud to work with Microsoft, Chicago Public Schools, The Center for Polytechnical Education, the City of Chicago, and industry leaders to continue the success of this education model, building the future technology leaders of Illinois.
For more information about CAAT, visit https://www.chicagotechacademy.org/. To find out more about the ITF, visit http://www.illinoistechfoundation.org/itf/. Visit the ITA at http://illinoistech.org/.
About the ITA
The Illinois Technology Association (ITA) is a driving force behind the growth of Illinois' vibrant technology ecosystem. We are relentless in championing the development and application of technology, from start-up companies to industry leaders, leveraging the transformative nature of technology to revolutionize industries. ITA uniquely capitalizes peer-to-peer collaboration, networking, and access to experts across the breadth of business to cultivate the Illinois technology industry. The unique and powerful integration of these valuable and experienced resources differentiates the ITA as the source of accelerated growth for the technology industry of Illinois.
Contact Information:
Contacts:
Dorothy Radke
Marketing & Communications
ITA
+1.312.924.1044
dradke@illinoistech.org