In today’s economy, tech know-how is no longer optional. Within 10 years, an estimated nine out of 10 jobs will require digital skills.footnote1 This trend is what drives the mission of the nonprofit NPower, which provides training that assists veterans and young adults from low-income communities to break out of low-skill jobs and build careers in technology.
The organization works with local employers in seven states to help program participants gain relevant skills, internships and real-world experience. Through its rigorous Tech Fundamentals program, which includes 16 weeks of classes, paid internships and 120 hours of professional skills development, NPower prepares students for industry-recognized IT certifications. Alumni enjoy ongoing career counseling and mentoring, plus access to more advanced training. Four out of five students graduate, and 81% of those graduates either pursue further education or secure a job, with an average salary increase of 361%.
As part of its $1.25 billion, five-year commitment to advance racial equality and economic opportunity, Bank of America provides operational support to NPower’s New Jersey branch, where almost half of the students are military veterans. In particular, the funding helps support the paid internships that provide participants with critical real-world experience and professional contacts. After helping hundreds of students in Jersey City, NPower has expanded its tuition-free Tech Fundamentals course to Newark as well.
