Daily News

Steve Wozniak, Steve Vinter Visit Tech Foundry

SPRINGFIELD — Tech Foundry was recently visited by two luminaries in the tech world. Steve Vinter, director of Google Cambridge, toured the facility on Thursday, and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak stopped by before his sold-out event at the MassMutual Center.

Founded by Paragus Strategic IT CEO Delcie Bean, Tech Foundry is a nonprofit education and job-placement program for high-school students looking to work in the world of information technology.

“It’s very inspiring for our students to have up-close access to individuals who’ve been so wildly successful in this field,” Bean said. “It drives home the message we’re trying to send that anything is possible. It also speaks to the commitment of Mr. Vinter and Mr. Wozniak and their passion for the next generation of IT innovators.”

Tech Foundry aims to create a homegrown workforce for the many area businesses looking for tech professionals. Upon completing the program and graduating high school, the goal is to place students in an entry-level IT job in the $30,000-$40,000 range.

In the long term, Tech Foundry aims to turn Western Mass. into a technology hub, attracting companies such as Amazon and Google to open satellite offices the area.