Open Door Education Foundation

Causes: Arts & Culture, Education, Educational Services, Scholarships, Scholarships & Student Financial Aid, Science & Technology Museums

Mission: The Open Door Education Foundation mission is to increase the quantity of trained and qualified Americans entering the information technology/computer field.The National Association of Computer Consultant Businesses (NACCB) established the Open Door in late 1998. The NACCB is the only trade association devoted to representing the interests of IT service and solution firms. The NACCB established the Foundation as a response to the growing employment and education crisis facing the IT industry. A report released by the Council on Competitiveness stated that by almost virtual unanimity, Chief Executive officers of a cross-section of America's leading corporations have identified the need to strengthen the technological workforce as the single greatest challenge to the United States. However, according to the latest study conducted by the Department of Education, the number of American students earning degrees in computer science declined 37% between 1987-1997. Indicators from the National Science Foundation for the 1998 ? 2000 enrollment rates show a continued decline in American students seeking computer science degrees. This decade plus disinterest in IT education is a factor in why over 400,000 IT jobs remain unfilled in the United States in 2001. Due to this growing crisis facing the IT industry and the American economy, the Open Door programs will focus its attention on educating the future generations of IT professionals, their parents and their teachers about the positive aspects of pursuing an IT education and career.