The NSCA Education Foundation announced the $100K NSCA Ignite Challenge, sponsored by Shure Incorporated and an anonymous integrator donor. These two organizations have agreed to donate funds raised by other industry manufacturers and integrators. Shure will match manufacturer donations up to $25,000; the anonymous integrator will match funds raised by other integrators up to $25,000.

This challenge will provide a sizable financial donation to the NSCA Education Foundation, specifically for its Ignite initiative, which increases awareness of the communications technology industry among students and young professionals.

“Shure has always placed a high priority on being a good corporate citizen,” said Kevin Smith, U.S. director of integrated systems. “We are deeply committed to the Ignite initiative to help raise awareness and create a pipeline between educators and our industry organizations. The partnership with NSCA provides us with an opportunity to support the next generation and aid in the continued growth of the audiovisual industry.”

With its donations, Shure and the anonymous integrator are challenging other manufacturers and integrators to support the NSCA Education Foundation as well by making contributions that equal $50,000 between the two groups. If the challenge is met, then Shure and the anonymous integrator will match each group’s donations – and a total of $100,000 will be raised for the Ignite initiative. 

“Shure always raises the bar,” said Chuck Wilson, NSCA executive director. “The Foundation board is appreciative of its continued commitment, as well as that of our anonymous donor. The last time we did a similar challenge, other companies made their pledges quickly. We’re hoping for a similar result this year.”

The donations will be used to support Ignite, fund the systems integration industry’s workforce development program (reaching out to STEM program leaders, educators, guidance counselors, technical colleges and higher education institutions to attract the next generation to our industry) and support internship programs. Additional funding will be used to make continued updates to igniteyourcareer.org, host events to attract new industry talent, and develop marketing-related materials to raise industry awareness.  

“Ignite was born out of the growing demand for additional talent in our industry,” said Kelly Perkins, program director for the NSCA Education Foundation. “Our only goal with the Ignite initiative is to make sure that young people getting ready to start their careers are aware of how great this industry is. This challenge will help us provide our industry with the programs we need to make this a reality.”