The Illinois Technology Foundation, an outgrowth and affiliate of ITA, is dedicated to the development of the future technology leaders of Illinois through active industry participation in the education process. The Foundation works with academic institutions, from K-12 through college level, to encourage and retain Illinois technology talent. ITF works across industry, academia, and government, developing and nurturing the talent pipeline required for the future economy of Illinois.

The Illinois Technology Foundation’s centerpiece program is the annual Fifty for the Future Awards. ITF Fifty for the Future mobilizes academia and industry to celebrate and build awareness of the future leaders of technology in Illinois. Educational institutions from high school through graduate school are invited to submit nominations for individual students which are judged by a team of industry leaders. This annual competition culminates in an evening of celebration, highlighting the students themselves and the ITF’s work with academia in the development of curriculum addressing the skills required for the future technology workers and leaders of Illinois. Look for opportunities to sponsor the annual event and participate.

More information on the foundation is available at their website: www.illinoistechfoundation.org.