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FRAMINGHAM, MA -- (Marketwired) -- 05/01/13 -- IDG's Computerworld Honors Program, honoring and documenting visionary applications of information technology moving businesses forward and benefiting society, has selected Jacobs as the recipient of the first-ever 'Engaging Youth in IT' Award.

The award for 'Engaging Youth in IT' was launched by the CIO Executive Council (Council) in partnership with Computerworld. Encouraging youth to study information technology is a focus for Council members -- chief information officers from companies worldwide -- as student enrollment in IT studies has been declining -- down 59% since 2002, according to DARPA. The award is one component of the Council's initiatives to educate and interest young people in potential IT careers.

Jacobs has been selected as the winner of the inaugural award. Based in Pasadena, Calif., Jacobs is one of the world's largest providers of technical and professional services. It is being honored for multiple interactive approaches to interest young people in all aspects of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); ranging from long-standing initiatives for K-12 students, to internships, to a four-year apprentice program, to Jacobs "STEM ambassadors" operating around the world.

"We are very proud of the work we've done at Jacobs to inspire today's youth about STEM literate careers while driving a pipeline of amazing talent into our organization around the world," said Cora Carmody, Sr. VP of IT at Jacobs. "It means a lot to us to contribute value to STEM professions and to be in the company of such outstanding organizations. I hope this recognition encourages more private sector businesses to invest the time and passion in programs at the multiple levels needed to close the skills gap."

technology-goddesses.org%2f">Technology Goddesses, a program begun by Carmody in partnership with Girl Scouts of the USA, has provided programs to nearly 3,000 girls over the past decade. Skills taught through the program include leadership, email and Web, cloud, Web and desktop applications, audio visual and Web design, animation, programming and geocaching/GPS technology. Some of the "Goddesses" have grown up to join Jacobs as IT professionals. "Technology Goddesses piqued my interest in pursuing a degree in a technology related field," says Nancy White, who participated in 2002 as a 12-year-old and is now a Jacobs programmer/analyst. "The program showed me what I could create with technology. It helped me to stretch my mind and think out of the box. Technology Goddesses is what prompted me to take technology classes in high school and beyond."