The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) issued the following statement from Geoffrey Lane, Senior Director of Advocacy, regarding the association's support for the STEM OPT program.
“CompTIA is proud to join our peers in support of the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. The STEM OPT program provides undergraduate and graduate students in the United States on F-1 visas the opportunity to receive up to 36 months of OPT employment authorization, if it is related to their STEM area of study. This is an important program that helps attract many of the world’s smartest students to the United States in the hope that they might use their skillsets acquired in American universities for the betterment of our tech industry and economy. Last year, CompTIA research found that there were nearly 12 million tech jobs across the United States, but another 3.7 million postings for tech openings. This disparity is the result of a skills gap that is a hurdle to economic growth. In an increasingly tech-driven marketplace, these minds are needed now more than ever. If we’re to close the skills gap and realize the economic power tech can create, Washington must make every effort to attract and retain the job creators that the STEM OPT program produces.”
About CompTIA
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is a leading voice and advocate for the $5 trillion global information technology ecosystem; and the more than 50 million industry and tech professionals who design, implement, manage, and safeguard the technology that powers the world’s economy. Through education, training, certifications, advocacy, philanthropy, and market research, CompTIA is the hub for advancing the tech industry and its workforce. Visit www.comptia.org to learn more.
About CompTIA Public Sector & Advocacy
CompTIA supports policies that positively impact the ability of the IT industry to develop, manufacture, and sell solutions in the global marketplace. We work to promote investment and innovation, market access, effective cybersecurity, consistent privacy regulation, streamlined procurement, and research and development. As the leading provider of vendor-neutral IT certifications, we also support efforts to promote a well-trained technical workforce. Visit www.comptia.org to learn more.
Steve Ostrowski
Senior Director, Corporate Communications
(630) 678 - 8468
sostrowski@comptia.org
Roger Hughlett
Director, Corporate Communications
(202) 503 - 3644
rhughlett@comptia.org
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Access Now$2 trillion – Estimated direct economic impact of the U.S. tech industry, representing 8.8% of the national economy.
582,000 – Number of tech business establishments in the U.S.
9.1 million – U.S. net tech employment at the end of 2022.
286,400 – Estimated number of new technology jobs added in the U.S. in 2022.
4.1 million – Number of postings by U.S. employers for tech job openings during 2022.
