ITEST is designed to increase the opportunities for students and teachers to learn about, experience, and use information technologies
within the context of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), including Information Technology (IT) courses.
It is in direct response to the concern about shortages of technology workers in the United States.
Supported projects are intended to provide opportunities for both school-age children and for teachers to build the skills and knowledge
needed to advance their study, and to function and contribute in a technologically rich society.
ITEST has two components:
- youth-based projects with strong emphases on career and educational paths;
and - comprehensive projects for students and teachers.