ITAWi's focus is on workforce development-related initiatives.

Some events and programs will work to connect students to internships in the IT sector, and to better understand the career opportunities in the field. This will also enable Wisconsin's businesses to obtain capable, bright and trained workers into their companies.
Other initiatives and events will work in alliance with economic development partnerships around the state.

These include:

• Powered Up
  This consortium of local business and schools works together to increase awareness and interest in IT Careers among the youth K-12, with a focus on grades 9-12. Powered Up not only helps to provide placements for high school students, but also provides job shadows, education for students and educators, provide speakers and education on IT hot topics at events, and more.
  Learn more.
• iFair
  These events, which are conducted in a tradeshow format, are geared toward youth ages 13-17. The major goal of iFair is to stimulate interest in and excitement about IT and Engineering career choices. Participants include companies, educational institutions and programs, and middle and high school students, teachers and counselors.

These are proven programs that have grown regionally with great success in our state. ITAWi is focused on sponsoring and extending the reach of these programs through Wisconsin. ITAWi is also working with the state's technical institutions, colleges and universities to provide these students with a better understanding of the opportunities in the IT sector.

• The Association is collaborating with regional players to form economic development partnerships, with meetings and summits to explore workforce development issues.
  ITAWi is working with groups like The Milwaukee 7 and The New North.
  - The Milwaukee 7 works to attract, retain and grow diverse businesses and talent in 7 southeastern Wisconsin counties.
  - The New North, with the 18 country region in northeastern Wisconsin, works to promote and help expand existing economic development efforts in that area.

The Association is planning a large-scale Workforce Development event for the fall of 2008.

Please contact us if you would like to receive information about upcoming ITAWi events.