GRANTEE:                I/Tech Computer Services Corp.

ADDRESS:                10 N. Jefferson St. Suite 401

                                    Frederick, MD 21701

AMOUNT:                 $3,000,000

DURATION:             January 5, 2004 - January 5, 2007 (36 months)

POPULATION SERVED:  This project aims to train at least 1,200 individuals (785 employees of Wachovia and 350 employees of FleetBoston) in areas within the Information Technology sector, specifically: Database Development; Programming; Security; Telecommunications; and Web Development. 

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:  This project will provide a vast variety of industry standard certifications to help incumbent employees strengthen their skills set, preparing them to take on the positions currently occupied by H-1B visa holders.  Training will be at the highest level, directed by partnering employers, and customized to the needs of individual students. 

Partnering employers plan to provide $3,365,288 match in project support while an additional $1,362,000 will be provided by training providers to help continue training after the grants completion.

This project expects to reduce the combined usage of H-1B visas by participating employers from 250 to 50-70 by the end of the grant period.  Of the total participants, it is anticipated that 90% will graduate their respective programs.  This project also expects to facilitate salary increases for the 750 trainees.  Further, at least 175 individuals will test for an industry recognized technical skills certifications.  Certifications offered will include all available standard Windows, Cisco, and Oracle certifications, augmented by a wide variety of other industry recognized certifications depending on the specific concentration of training.  Areas of training will be chosen by the partnering employers based upon need and H-1B usage. 

The businesses and business needs will drive the selection of trainees.  Partnering employers will be responsible for evaluating and selecting employees based on who is best situated to advance into one of the H-1B skill shortage areas.  In most cases, these employees will have occupied positions at this level but were displaced due to advancing technologies.  Trainees will be individuals who have worked at the partnering employer for more than two years.  The majority will possess a bachelor’s degree and some may have a Master’s or other advanced degree. 

KEY PARTICIPANTS:  I-Tech Computer Services Corp., Computer Education Services Corp.  (CESC), Wachovia, FleetBoston.

MEDIA CONTACT: Lisa Stebbing

                                   (301) 360-3501