The Web Association Secures Donors For Scholarship Drive

CLEVELAND, OH (PRWEB) December 03, 2007 - Today The Web Association announced its lineup of donors for the 2008 scholarship drive, benefiting students with an interest in pursuing careers in web technology.  The non-profit group, which was founded in January of 2004, was originally created to provide educational and networking opportunities for the growing web community in the Northeast Ohio market.  In 2006, it expanded that mission to engage students from area high schools and colleges to illustrate the many high-tech careers that exist in the region.  The first scholarship awards were made in May of 2007, and the organization hopes to expand the program with more support from the business and academic communities.

Supporting the scholarship drive through donated items are local firms including American Greetings, Optiem, Brulant, Myers University, Party411.com, and Practical Web Strategies.  Additionally, several national firms have made contributions, including New York City-based Collective Media and About.com; Chicago-based Centro; Woodland Hills, California-based United Online; and Columbus, Ohio-based ClearSaleing.  The donated items, which include two football tickets to see the Ohio State Buckeyes play in either this year’s Rose Bowl or BCS National Championship Game, will be auctioned off at a silent auction held in conjunction with the organization’s annual holiday party next week. 

“We’re thrilled at the response thus far to our scholarship initiative,” said Jon Eggleton, current President of The Web Association.  “We saw a lot of successful ‘Brain Gain’ activities taking place in the region, and viewed a scholarship program as an opportunity to make our own mark.”  Since the organization committed to expanding its mission last year, it has seen attendance from students steadily increase at various events.  “Many students have told us they had been interested in high-tech careers before, but weren’t sure what opportunities existed for them locally.  We want to open doors for them at local companies while also educating the students on the specific skill sets in demand,” Eggleton added.

The holiday party and auction will take place on Tuesday, December 4^th from 5:30PM – 9:00PM at The Winking Lizard of Lakewood.  The Web Association will be announcing its winter programming lineup at the event as well..webassociation.org, or call (216) 373-0078.