IT association CompTIA is awarding $70,000 worth of grants to nonprofit organizations in 14 states, in efforts to make technology more available to people in low-income and disaster-ridden areas, as well as to promote science, technology and engineering education in schools.

CompTIA is doling out $5,000 through each of its state-based TechVoice partners; TechVoice comprises technology organizations, including CompTIA, TECNA and others, that lobbies on behalf of policy issues impacting technology.

Technology plays a significant role in everyday social activities, but we need to encourage greater interest in technology skills and education if we are to keep growing this important business sector,” said Todd Thibodeaux, president and CEO of CompTIA. To promote and expand the use of technology in more areas of the country, and thus advance the IT workforce, its necessary to garner support from and offer support for community programs that help develop IT skills and build awareness, understanding and appreciation for technology careers.”

CompTIA already has made one grant to an education collaborative in Georgia.