COEUR d'ALENE - Working together to expand North Idaho's technology industry, communication mobile platform company iShoutOut has pledged $100,000 to the University of Idaho-Cd'A's technology initiative. The Coeur d'Alene-based company recently made its first installment of $25,000 to the center.

"This very generous funding from iShoutOut provides the foundation for our new program, Dign'IT, to achieve the goal of creating a vibrant tech industry across the Coeur d'Alene-Spokane corridor," said Charles Buck, associate vice president and center executive officer for Northern Idaho-Coeur d'Alene.

Both iShoutOut and UI Cd'A share a vision to lead the expansion of the region's technology industry. According to a Bureau of Labor statistics study earlier this year, five of the top 10 most in-demand jobs in 2020 will be in information technology.

"Business and education both benefit when they work together," said Rick Sparks, COO for iShoutOut. "We want to ensure that we provide a place for our local students and Vandal graduates to live and work as they begin, continue and conclude their education."

The region already benefits from a robust and emerging IT industry base, but comprehensive programs for training current and future employees and entrepreneurs for the industry are not in place. UI is working closely with existing regional IT companies, like iShoutOut, to ensure that programs focus on the skills required for industry success.