Kihei, Maui, Hawaii - The eleventh annual "Tech Careers: I Am The Future" will be held on October 23-24, 2008. Technology-based companies in the Maui Research and Technology Park will open their doors to approximately 60 high school students on the first day of this two day session. Day one will also include a panel of young Maui professionals with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) backgrounds in the "How I Got My Start" session and a hands-on engineering game. The second day will entail a rare opportunity to visit the Haleakala Observatories and Maui Space Surveillance System operated by the US Air Force.

As part of Maui Economic Development Board's ongoing workforce development initiatives, the goal for this event is to introduce students to career opportunities in STEM. Exposure to career options at the critical high school level enables students to make curricular and extracurricular choices that will help them prepare for these careers. The partners joining Maui Economic Development Board in this event include the County of Maui, Unites States Air Force, Akimeka, Boeing, Maui High Performance Computing Center, Oceanit, and many more.

"Tech Careers: I Am The Future" is open to all of Maui County's students. Transportation and accommodations for Hana, Molokai and Lanai students will be provided. Space is limited and some restrictions may apply. The deadline to register is October 6, 2008. For more information and to download the registration packet, please www.hightechmaui.com or contact (808) 875-2341.

The Maui Economic Development Board is a nonprofit organization chartered to strengthen and diversify Maui County's economic base. Over its 25-year history, the development of a high technology industry has been a priority in achieving its mission. MEDB administers the Women in Technology (WIT) Project which is designed to bring more females and underrepresented minorities into STEM education and careers. Tech Careers is funded by the Air Force Research Laboratory, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County of Maui.

1. Washington, DC Metro area - women account for 32.3% of the IT workforce.

2. Detroit - women account for 31.5% of the IT workforce.

3. Baltimore - women account for 28.6% of the IT workforce.

4. Philadelphia - women account for 28.2% of the IT workforce.

5. Atlanta - women account for 28.2% of the IT workforce.