Donate Equipment, Train IT Workers

Military veterans will have access to IT training and certifications funded by a program that auctions off used computer equipment.

The CompTIA Educational Foundation is asking companies to donate used technology equipment -- cell phones, laptops, keyboards, monitors and fax machines -- that it will eventually sell in an online auction. Proceeds from the Bids 4 Futures Auction will be used to train and certify participants in the Creating Futures program, which the foundation developed to provide career opportunities to people who are under-represented in the IT industry, including veterans, individuals with disabilities, minorities, women and at-risk youth.

Donations, which are 100 percent tax deductible, can include:

• Cell phones

• PDAs

• Desktop systems

• Docking stations

• Fax machines

• Keyboards

• Modems

• Monitors

• Notebooks

• Copiers

• Printers

• Scanners

• Service parts

• Software

• Tablet PCs

• Video/sound cards

• Postage machines

• Telephones and telephone systems

• Office furniture

Those interested in more information about making donations or applying for training can visit the foundation's Web site.