CITI : Grants : Overview

The Commonwealth Information Technology Initiative (CITI) is a public private partnership to increase the number of “information technology fluent” workers needed for Massachusetts ’ knowledge-based economy. CITI seeks to develop “informational technology fluent” citizens through addressing key education issues at the K-12 and higher education levels.

Launched in 2000 and led by the University of Massachusetts Amherst , CITI brought together community colleges, state colleges, and the University campuses with industry and government leaders to strengthen and modernize computer science and information technology programs at public higher education institutions across the Commonwealth.

With the current funding, CITI will build on early successes by institutionalizing and disseminating higher education ITAC programs and extending the model into the K-12 environment. CITI's current projects funded by the Massachusetts Pipeline Fund and an anonymous private-sector sponsor, bring together industry and public education institutions to improve information technology (IT) education at the K-12 and postsecondary levels. During the 2004-2005 school year CITI will maintain a specific focus on promoting information technology across the curriculum programs.

Increase the Use and Integration of Information Technology by Educators (K-12 in-service, K-12 pre-service teachers and higher education faculty) – CITI seeks to increase professional development for K-16 educators interested in building their skills, knowledge and capabilities for integrating informational technology in their daily classroom teaching.

Strengthening Information Technology Curriculum and Programs in Public Higher Education – CITI seeks to support public higher education institutions and partnerships to support ITAC and CIS curriculum development and academic program enhancement.

Build Regional Collaboration to Strengthen IT Education - CITI will work through broad, regional partnerships (such as the Board of Higher Education’s PreK-16 Regional Networks) to promote information technology “best practices” at the secondary and post-secondary levels.

Additional information on CITI and its programs is available on the CITI website at www.umass.edu/citi.





	Background on CITI The Commonwealth Information Technology Initiative (CITI) is a public private partnership to increase the number of “information technology fluent” workers needed for Massachusetts ’ knowledge-based economy. CITI seeks to develop “informational technology fluent” citizens through addressing key education issues at the K-12 and higher education levels. Launched in 2000 and led by the University of Massachusetts Amherst , CITI brought together community colleges, state colleges, and the University campuses with industry and government leaders to strengthen and modernize computer science and information technology programs at public higher education institutions across the Commonwealth. With the current funding, CITI will build on early successes by institutionalizing and disseminating higher education ITAC programs and extending the model into the K-12 environment. CITI's current projects funded by the Massachusetts Pipeline Fund and an anonymous private-sector sponsor, bring together industry and public education institutions to improve information technology (IT) education at the K-12 and postsecondary levels. During the 2004-2005 school year CITI will maintain a specific focus on promoting information technology across the curriculum programs. CITI’s goals are to: Build an Information Technology-Fluent Workforce – CITI seeks to increase the “pipeline” of students, particularly young women and students from under-represented groups, who graduate from public secondary and post-secondary institutions with the ability to use information technology skills in a variety of employment settings. Increase the Use and Integration of Information Technology by Educators (K-12 in-service, K-12 pre-service teachers and higher education faculty) – CITI seeks to increase professional development for K-16 educators interested in building their skills, knowledge and capabilities for integrating informational technology in their daily classroom teaching. Strengthening Information Technology Curriculum and Programs in Public Higher Education – CITI seeks to support public higher education institutions and partnerships to support ITAC and CIS curriculum development and academic program enhancement. Build Regional Collaboration to Strengthen IT Education - CITI will work through broad, regional partnerships (such as the Board of Higher Education’s PreK-16 Regional Networks) to promote information technology “best practices” at the secondary and post-secondary levels. Additional information on CITI and its programs is available on the CITI website at www.umass.edu/citi. CITI is funded by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. info@citi.mass.edu \| 413 . 577 . 4431 \| mailing address © 2001 CITI. All Rights Reserved.