The NSCA Education Foundation recently announced the launch of the $100K NSCA Ignite Challenge, sponsored by Shure Incorporated and an anonymous integrator donor, to raise money for the association’s workforce development program. [related]
Through the NSCA Ignite Challenge, Shure will match manufacturer donations up to $25,000 and the anonymous integrator will match funds raised by other integrators up to $25,000, with the total pot of $100,000 going directly to the NSCA Ignite workforce development program.
Solutions360 became the first company to donate to the NSCA Ignite Challenge, with a $10,000 contribution to the manufacturers’ side.
NSCA started its Ignite program a few years ago to increase awareness of the communications technology industry among students and young professionals.
“Shure has always placed a high priority on being a good corporate citizen,” said Kevin Smith, the company’s U.S. director of integrated systems, in the announcement. “We are deeply committed to the Ignite initiative to help raise awareness and create a pipeline between educators and our industry organizations.
“The partnership with NSCA provides us with an opportunity to support the next generation and aid in the continued growth of the audiovisual industry,” he said.
Inside the NSCA Ignite Challenge
With its donations, Shure and the anonymous integrator are challenging other manufacturers and integrators to support the NSCA Education Foundation as well by making contributions that equal $50,000 between the two groups.
If the challenge is met, then Shure and the anonymous integrator will match each group’s donations—and a total of $100,000 will be raised for the Ignite initiative.
“Shure always raises the bar,” said NSCA executive director Chuck Wilson in the announcement.
“The Foundation Board is appreciative of its continued commitment, as well as that of our anonymous donor. The last time we did a similar challenge, other companies made their pledges quickly. We’re hoping for a similar result this year.”
The donations will be used to support Ignite, fund the systems integration industry’s workforce development program (reaching out to STEM program leaders, educators, guidance counselors, technical colleges, and higher-education institutions to attract the next generation to our industry) and support internship programs.
Additional funding will be used to make continued updates to igniteyourcareer.org, host events to attract new industry talent and develop marketing-related materials to raise industry awareness.
“Ignite was born out of the growing demand for additional talent in our industry,” said Kelly Perkins, program director for the NSCA Education Foundation, in the announcement.
“Our only goal with the Ignite initiative is to make sure that young people getting ready to start their careers are aware of how great this industry is. This [NSCA Ignite] challenge will help us provide our industry with the programs we need to make this a reality,” she said.
