For Immediate Release

Doug Schwinn – Tech Collective Scholarships to promote IT studies among females and minorities.

Providence, R.I. – Feb. 17, 2009 – Tech Collective, the Industry Partner for Information Technology and Biosciences in Rhode Island, today announces it is accepting applications for two Doug Schwinn – Tech Collective Scholarship awards. The two scholarships will be awarded at $1,000 each to female or minority high school students entering IT or Computer Science studies.

According to a study conducted by the National Science Foundation, women comprised of only 22% of Computer Science undergraduate degrees granted in 2004-2005. In the workforce, statistics show only 1 in every 4 women hold IT roles. Figures decline for minorities. A 2008 report by the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering found that African Americans, Latinos and Native Americans represented 30% of college attendees, but comprised of only 12% of undergraduate STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) degrees.

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“The gender and racial gap in Rhode Island’s high-wage and high-tech career opportunities is a serious problem,” said Jo Ann Johnson, manager of youth and education programs for the Tech Collective. “The Doug Schwinn – Tech Collective Sscholarships are designed to promote industry awareness as well as female and minority involvement within it. We need more diversity within the IT industry, and we need to give students who feel they might not traditionally belong in or afford to enter IT fields the resources to do so. The Tech Collective would also like to recognize the investment and generosity of Mr. Doug Schwinn for funding these scholarships.”

Doug Schwinn is the former CIO of Hasbro and Treasurer of Tech Collective’s Board of Directors. His contributions to the Tech Collective have been in several capacities and include committee participation, sponsorship and a compelling leadership role in the operations of the organization.

Applications for the scholarship must be submitted by March 30, 2009, with awards to be announced in May or June and distributed for Fall 2009 semesters. Applicants must be legal Rhode Island residents and attending a Rhode Island college or university. Scholarship applications and additional information are available through the Tech Collective website (www.tech-collective.org) as well as at local high school guidance offices.

About Tech Collective:
Tech Collective is the technology industry association of Rhode Island. Focusing on Community Building and Workforce Development, we are driving technology growth, innovation and prosperity by uniting industry, government and education. Tech Collective builds and strengthens community by creating partnerships, offering thought-provoking forums and organizing state-wide participation in events like Forward Thinking, Bio Ed, GRRL Tech and Technology Laureate’s Night. In promoting and developing a highly-skilled Rhode Island workforce, Tech Collective drives technology-based education and training programs for students in grades K -16 as well as for incumbent and transitioning workers. For more information about Tech Collective initiatives and events, visit www.tech-collective.org.

Contact:
Giselle LaFrance
Tech Collective
(401) 829-8321
glafrance@tech-collective.org