Technology Enhancement Certification for Hoosiers

Description

The Technology Enhancement Certification for Hoosiers (TECH) Fund is a reimbursement grant program designed to help Indiana companies meet the demands of the new information economy by rapidly increasing the number of certified information technology workers in Indiana. This program provides financial assistance to existing companies that are committed to training their workers in the latest information technology skills. Indiana companies receiving TECH funds must be in good standing with state regulatory agencies.

The Tech Fund is established under I.C. 22-4-10.5.

Eligible Companies

Indiana companies or non-profit corporations that employ Indiana residents in advanced information technology occupations are eligible for this fund. Companies must have been in operation for at least one year prior to the application date and be in good standing with the state of Indiana.

Financial Assistance

The maximum grant award for any one company or nonprofit corporation is $50,000, $2,500 per employee or 50 percent of the IT training budget, whichever is less.

Training activities eligible for reimbursement under the guidelines are those offered by industry-certified training providers and resulting in a full-time employee receiving a portable certification in systems administration, systems engineering, software development, professional certifications and other certifications in advanced e-business enabling applications.

Eligible Training Activities

Instructor-led, computer-based training and self-study costs are eligible for reimbursement provided the employee obtains the appropriate vendor certification upon completion of the coursework. Certification training eligible for reimbursement from the TECH Fund is based on the individual needs of the company.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Identified IT training need.
• Prospective grantee’s readiness to expand IT strategies.
• Compelling case that IT training investment will improve Indiana’s competitive edge.
• Quality and scope of the IT certification training.
• Membership in information technology skills alliance is helpful but not required. The IEDC encourages information technology companies, or IT divisions within companies, to join local or regional information technology associations or skills alliances.
• Additional Information: general program description, how it works, eligible entities, eligible training costs, training priorities, selection criteria, grant awards, reimbursement schedule and review committee.