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Program Overview

Problem Statement

The San Francisco Bay Area has the fastest growing income gap in the nation (Brookings Institute). In Hayward, for example, 15% of residents live under the federal poverty level of $24,600 for a family of four with 16-24 year olds experiencing the greatest concentration of poverty.

IT Biz will harness the power of technology to provide low-income and at-risk youth in California with the training and support needed to access quality technology jobs, start their own independent technology businesses, and escape cycles of generational poverty.

Program Description

The IT Biz program will use Cisco, Google, and AGILE curriculum to train students throughout California in preparation for apprenticeships and placement in the IT Industry. Our goal is to prepare program participants for secure entry-level, well-paid employment or contractual opportunities at local technology companies.

The IT Biz Program, will deliver the following:

  • Technology Training: The core of IT Biz is it's 8-25 week certification curriculum ranging from Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) and Google IT to AGILE Scrum Master. These certifications will assist them in obtaining paid apprenticeships through San Francisco City College and other educational opportunities at their local Junior College. We are a Cybersecurity and Networking pre-apprenticeship program certified by California to prepare students for paid Cyber Security or Network Engineer apprenticeships. These apprenticeships are delivered at Corporate job sites and start at $15 per and progress toward $39 per hour over 18 months.

  • Entrepreneurship Training: For those clients seeking self-employment, we partner with Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center as they assist clients in developing the financial management, operations, marketing and communications skills needed to successfully secure and deliver subcontracts with technology companies.

  • Life Skills and Placement Services: Graduates will receive ongoing support in life skills, career placement, and/or business development.Love Never Fails will provide life skills, case management, and resume and interview preparation support and access to a career closet for interview ready business attire. Love Never Fails will host job fairs throughout the community to allow graduates to practice everything they are learning and meet new people.

Classes are held online and post COVID will move to a hybrid offering across the state.

We also offer a 4 hour introductory course titled Introduction to Cybersecurity and Programming (iCAP) which is a great way for our target population to build confidence and become exposed to the concepts.

IT Biz will not focus on advanced certifications typically offered at the Junior College level. Instead, we will focus on entry-level certificates and use them as a platform to build participant competence and confidence. We believe that participants who have access to a small class setting and supportive staff will experience greater success and build the confidence they need to explore advanced certifications in the future should they choose to do so. IT Biz will forge partnerships with JC’s in California to provide a continuum of support and care as each graduate pursues their career goals.

Partners

Business Partners include:

  • Cisco Systems

  • San Francisco City College

  • East Bay Interagency Technology Council

  • Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center –Small business development education

  • Hope Center-Facilities

  • SoulJen Solutions

Acceptance Criteria

Students who have experienced the following hardships should apply:  Low income, unemployment, foster care, human trafficking, domestic violence, abuse, disability, undocumented, and homeless.  

Fees

This program is grant funded.


Programs

  • Get Connected (30 Hours)- Learn basic computer skills such as social media, Internet navigation & simple networking.

  • Introduction to Cybersecurity (15 Hours) - The introductory course for those who want to explore the world of cybersecurity.

  • Entrepreneurship (20 hours) - Jumpstart your great ideas with a course designed to help you execute on them.

  • Introduction to Internet of Things (IoT) (20 hours) - Start your IoT learning journey here. No experience required.

  • Google IT Automation with Python (168 hours) - Learn in-demand skills like Python, Git, and IT automation to advance your career.

  • Google IT (250 hours) - The launchpad to a career in IT. This program is designed to take beginner learners to job readiness in under six months.

  • COMING ONLINE SOON – Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) 250 hours

Never forget you are valued, supported and loved!