Greetings, Family!

As the year draws to a close, we invite you to join us in making a lasting impact on the future of technology. The ITSMF Foundation is dedicated to providing college scholarships to underrepresented students pursuing technology-related degrees. Your generous contribution will directly support these talented individuals as they embark on their educational journeys.

Minority students receive 28% of all college scholarships according to College Stats.org. The Students for Fair Admissions vs Harvard case has caused many colleges and foundations in the face of increased pressure to change application criteria to eliminate race as a criterion. This means that students that are already underrepresented may continue to be. A 2022 report from the Pew Research Center reported that Black Students graduate with 9% of all STEM degrees.

Why Your Support Matters:

• Bridging the Gap: ITSMF is committed to breaking down barriers that prevent first-generation college students, non-traditional students, and students from disadvantaged backgrounds from achieving their full potential. Your donation will help ensure that financial constraints do not hinder their academic aspirations.
• Nurturing Future Leaders: Our college mentoring program provides students with the support, guidance, and professional development opportunities they need to succeed. By investing in their future, you are contributing to the growth of a diverse and inclusive technology industry.
• Magnifying Excellence: ITSMF is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of black technology students and executives. Your support helps us to foster a culture of excellence and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Meet Rubena, a senior at Georgia State University majoring in computer information systems and cyber security and analytics. Rubena is a two-time recipient of ITSMF college scholarship program and participates in the college mentoring program.  Rubena has benefited from college scholarships, mentoring and lining up a job upon graduation. According to Rubena, The ITSMF Foundation scholarship was her first scholarship ever in undergrad. Ever since winning the first scholarship her confidence went up. Before receiving this scholarship, she would review the criteria and stop herself from applying. Rubena says, “This allowed me to begin to pursue every opportunity before me. The scholarship has helped me avoid debt. I probably would have dropped out due to debt. I got to study abroad in Morocco this summer. Thanks to ITSMF I can focus on my studies. I attended S1 and made 50 new contacts.”

We contributed a historic amount in scholarship awards and stipends at the Technology Leader Awards Gala this year, $100,000. We want the 2025 TLA to be just as impactful if not more. Every dollar we receive makes a difference. Your contribution will directly fund scholarships, mentoring programs, and other initiatives that empower underrepresented students to pursue their dreams in technology.

Thank you for your continued support of the ITSMF Foundation. Together, we can create a brighter future for the next generation of black technology leaders.

Sincerely,

Johanna Jones

President & CEO

Warmest Regards,

President and CEO, ITSMF

About Information Technology Senior Management Forum

Since 1996, Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) has been dedicated to increasing the representation of Black professionals at senior levels in technology to impact organizational innovation and growth. We do this by developing and nurturing these dynamic leaders through enrichment of the mind, body and soul. At its inception, only 3% of senior-level positions in the technology industry were held by Blacks. With a half-million new computer-related jobs expected by 2028, ITSMF is committed to increasing the number of qualified Black professionals for these positions. For more information about ITSMF, visit www.itsmfleaders.org.