upgrade your future

Resources

The following links will help you explore financial aid information, information technology job outlook statistics, average starting salaries for information technology jobs, and organizations that provide resources and information to support the entry of more women into information technology careers.

Education and training information

The IT Empowerment Initiative for Women and Girls brings together the efforts of local organizations to move women and girls into information technology and computer science. The effort spans from career awareness opportunities to break down barriers about non-traditional fields, for the means and encouragement of achieving the appropriate education or training level to enter these fields and for support and advancement once in the field.

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is a one-stop financial aid center for all your college planning needs. ISAC helps make higher education accessible for students and their families.

I.C. Stars is a nonprofit Chicago organization that provides opportunities for inner-city young adults to harness the strength of technology for social and economic leadership.

See "Education/Training" for links to other education and training partners.

Workforce organizations and government agencies

The Occupational Outlook Handbook provides career descriptions and information on job growth trends.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics compiles occupational information along with other statistics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is the principal fact-finding agency for the Federal Government in the broad field of labor economics and statistics. Their Occupational Outlook Handbook is an excellent resource for job and career information.

The Mayor's Office of Workforce Development is a City of Chicago department with a variety of programs, job resource centers and employment services for Chicago residents.

Visit your local branch of the Chicago Public Library (see their website for branch locations) to get more information on information technology careers.

Professional organizations and support groups

The Information Technology Association of America is a national association that provides information on various issues pertaining to the IT industry, including information about the IT workforce.

The Black Data Processors Association (BDPA) is an information technology organization that works to accumulate a pool of data processing knowledge and business experience and utilizes these resources to strengthen the expertise of minority members of the data processing community.

Women in Technology International is an international organization providing education, conferences, online services, publications and a resources network for women who work in technology. The Chicago chapter hosts a variety of events. Visit their website and join their e-mail list to be notified about upcoming events.

Webgirls International provides a forum for women working or interested in new media and technology to network, exchange job and business leads, form strategic alliances, mentor and teach, intern and learn the skills necessary to succeed in an increasingly technical workplace and world.

WomenTechWorld.Org is a website that connects you to other women working in information technology. The site features female role models of diverse backgrounds who have been successful in information technology. WomenTechWorld is part of the Women Tech project run by the Institute of Women in Trades, Technology and Science.

The American Association of University Women promotes education and equity for all women and girls, lifelong education, and positive societal change. AAUW is the author of the widely read Tech Savvy: Educating Girls in the New Computer Age. The Gender Equity Fund of AAUW Illinois (www.aauw-il.org) promotes equity for women through various outreach programs including programs designed to increase the participation of women and girls in technology.

Job sites and salary information

Nearly 975,000 technical professionals, about one in five in the United States, use the techies.com service to find jobs, enhance their skills and stay informed about technology employment and training trends.

A leading job search Web site, Monster has resources and guest advice columns for people considering career changes.

Research salary and benefits information for a variety of different jobs at www.salary.com.

The Sara Lee Foundation is the Presenting Sponsor of Upgrade Your Future