CompTIA Presents Best Practices Award to Focus: HOPE Information Technologies Center.

Innovative program has prepared 700-plus individuals for careers in technology

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. -- A Detroit-based organization that has prepared more than 700 individuals for careers in information technology (IT) has been honored for its efforts by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), the leading trade association for the world's IT industry.

Focus: HOPE's Information Technologies Center (ITC) received a CompTIA Industry Best Practices award at the association's recent Breakaway conference in Las Vegas, Nev., July 30-August 2.

"Focus: HOPE is delivering training and education solutions that insure employability opportunities and career success for students in the ever changing field of technology," said John Venator, president and chief executive officer, CompTIA. "More than 700 students have graduated from the program and are earning competitive wages in rewarding, professional careers. Focus: HOPE is at the forefront of efforts around the country to develop the steady stream of skilled technology workers needed to keep America competitive in the global, knowledge-based economy of the 21st Century."

Focus: HOPE students have demonstrated success in passing the CompTIA A+ certification examinations. CompTIA A+ is the skills benchmark for entry into a technology career. Since May 2006, the ITC has graduated 88 students from PC Technology and 90% are CompTIA A+ certified. In three classes, each student passed the certification exam.

"I'm so proud of our students, instructors and staff for making this award possible," said Linda Hanks, manager of ITC. "We have high standards and our students and staff keep rising to meet those expectations."

The ITC provides training in the areas of PC technology, network administration and server administration. Students must have a high school diploma or GED to enroll. Upon graduation, students move into entry level positions with companies like Tech Team Global, Comcast and EDS.

Information technology is one of three education programs offered by Focus: HOPE, a nationally recognized civil and human rights organization founded in 1968. Education is also offered in the areas of manufacturing and engineering. The organization also has a food program that assists 42,000 seniors, mothers and children each month, a child care center, community arts projects, neighborhood revitalization initiatives, and conference facilities. Through Focus: HOPE, thousands of individuals - especially women and minorities - have become financially independent. For more information, please visit www.focushope.edu.

About CompTIA

In 2007, the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Just as the IT industry it serves has grown, CompTIA has also enjoyed remarkable growth over the past 25 years. The organization was founded by representatives of five micro-computer dealerships working together to find better ways to do business. Today, CompTIA has more than 22,000 member companies in over 100 countries around the world; and serves as the voice of the world's $1 trillion-plus IT industry. CompTIA is committed to advancing the long-term success and growth of the IT industry by helping organizations maximize the benefits they receive from their investments in technology; and by helping individuals to obtain the skills and credentials they need for productive careers in IT. For more information, please visit www.comptia.org.