NPower St Louis Class 2 Graduation by NPower

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CLASS 2

ST. LOUIS GRADUATION CEREMONY MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2017 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

Class 2 Graduation Ceremony MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2017 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

MONSANTO COMPANY, BUILDING A – CAFÉ A 800 N LINDBERGH BLVD, ST. LOUIS, MO 63167

Welcome Alumni Speaker Student Speakers

Class Honors Award Ceremony

Damion Jones, Monsanto Asia Slaughter, Class 1 Alumni Brian Oliver Nicholas Gilliland Amenta Christian-Robertson Trina Clark James, Executive Director, NPower St. Louis NPower Defying All Odds Award Brett Boyle, Instructor, NPower Adande Lane, Guidance Specialist, NPower St.Louis NPower St. Louis Regional Advisory Board Better Way Award Patrick Munter, Director, KTech, Infrastructure Services, KPMG Valerie Patton, Senior Vice President-Inclusion and Talent Attraction and Executive Director, St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative, St. Louis Regional Chamber Monsanto Leadership Award Anju Gupta and Ladan Kamfar, Monsanto

Commencement Speaker Awarding Certificates Closing Remarks Reception

James D. Swanson, Chief Information Officer, Monsanto NPower Program Staff Trina Clark James All Attendees

Commencement Address

James D. Swanson Chief Information Officer, Monsanto

James (Jim) Swanson is Chief Information Officer for Monsanto, a leading sustainable agriculture company focused on helping farmers grow better harvests while conserving natural resources, such as water and energy. Jim, who began his tenure at Monsanto as CIO in 2013, leads a global team of over 1,000 information technology employees for the company’s operations, which span about 60 countries. Jim is responsible for enabling Monsanto’s digital transformation to an information-based company and delivering IT capabilities across all of Monsanto’s global business. The Information Technology organization has been recognized externally for contributions to Monsanto’s business through data science and digital transformation as well as supporting the development of emerging IT talent. Jim is a member of Monsanto’s Corporate Strategy Leadership Team, Global Business Operations Leadership Team and Executive Team Operations Council.

Prior to joining Monsanto, Jim held executive and scientific roles at Merck, Johnson & Johnson, and SmithKline Beecham which included a two year secondment in Europe. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Bioscience and Biotechnology and a Master’s degree in computer science, both from Drexel University in Philadelphia. He is a member of the St. Louis CIO Board, Washington University’s Information Technology Advisory Council and the External Advisory Committee of the McDonnell International Scholars Academy at Washington University. Jim relocated to St Louis with his wife, Dana and three daughters, Hailie, Madison and Emma. He spends his free time, running, biking, skiing, scuba diving and boating. He also enjoys volunteering with the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight Organization, United Way Ready by 21 and the American Heart Association.

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Alumni Speaker

Asia Slaughter St. Louis, Class 1 Before NPower I was a student in school earning my bachelor’s degree in educational studies; however, due to financial difficulties with my institution, I had to take a year off from school. While feeling overwhelmed and disappointed in myself I had to come up with a plan B fast and that is when I discovered NPower. Something that stood out to me when researching NPower was how it is a completely free technology program that is geared towards youth in urban areas and helping them start careers in the IT field. In addition to the program being free, it also guarantees an internship as well as sessions on professional development. All these great attributes led me to choose NPower. My future plans after graduating are to get a full time job in IT either as help desk support or a database manager for ERP client software E2 Shop Tech system. I also plan to continue my education in the IT field and learn how to code.

Student Speakers

Brian Oliver

“ 4

Responsibility demands sacrifice.

”

Nicholas Gilliland

“

Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it.

— Steve Jobs

”

Amenta Christian-Robertson

“

If there is no struggle, there is no progress. — Frederick Douglass

”

About NPower NPower creates pathways to economic prosperity by launching digital careers for military veterans and young adults from underserved communities. We empower under-represented talent to pursue tech futures by teaching the digital and professional skills demanded by the marketplace, and engaging corporations, volunteers, and nonprofits in the long-term success of our students. NPower is the link between non-traditional job seekers and companies hiring diverse technology workers, creating an alternative fast-track to IT jobs on a national scale and engaging employers in our curriculum design.

Board of Directors David Reilly Chairman Chief Information Officer, Global Banking and Markets Bank of America Matt Horner Vice Chairman Vice President and General Manager, U.S. East and Europe Sales and Operations World Wide Technology

Vittorio Cretella Retired, Chief Information Officer Mars Inc. Mike Fey President and Chief Operating Officer Symantec Richard M. Greenbaum Managing Director, Global Head Technology Infrastructure Citi

Stephen M. Murphy Senior Managing Director, Infrastructure Services Accenture Ramana Murthy Magapu Vice President and Head of Banking and Financial Services, North America Tata Consultancy Services Frank Pedersen

Joshua S. Levine Treasurer Managing Director Kita Capital Management

Michael P. Gregoire Chief Executive Officer CA Technologies

Christopher J. Perry President, Global Sales, Marketing and Solutions Broadridge Financial Solutions

Gail Fierstein Secretary Senior Vice President Pearson

Moira Kilcoyne Former Co-Head of Global Technology and Data Morgan Stanley

Karen Peterson Chief Executive Officer, EdLab Group National Girls Collaborative

Steven Ballantyne Chief of Staff PowerSchool

Thomas Knowlton Partner TCC Group

Dan Petrozzo Managing Director Double Partners, LLC

Larry Quinlan Global CIO Deloitte Diane Schwarz Vice President and Chief Information Officer Textron Woody Sessoms Senior Vice President Global Enterprise and Enterprise Business Segment Cisco Systems Dwight D. Shepherd Rear Admiral (Retired) Senior Executive CSRA Defense Group Josh Sutton Vice President Publicis.Sapient Bertina Ceccarelli Chief Executive Officer NPower

Regional Advisory Board Terrence Adams Colonel Scott Air Force Base Anju Gupta Director, Digital Partnerships & Outreach Monsanto Gil Hoffman CIO Mercy Matt Holton Senior Vice President, Operations & Technology, NAM Mastercard

Matt Horner Vice President and General Manager, U.S. East and Europe Sales and Operations World Wide Technology Jon Joplin Vice President of Technology Express Scripts Gerry Lewis President and CEO Ascension Information Services Patrick Munter Director, KTech, Infrastructure Services KPMG

Valerie Patton Senior Vice President, Inclusion and Talent Attraction and Executive Director, St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative St. Louis Regional Chamber

Jerry Walker Director of Information Technology City of St. Louis Treasurer's Office

Michael Rupinski President ZeroDay Technology Solutions

Erica Wilson Vice President, IT Infrastructure Controls & Risk Scottrade, Inc.

Nicole Tate Senior Business Development Manager World Wide Technology

Lina Young CIO and Senior VP Global Business Services Peabody Energy

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Class 2 Graduates

76% 100% Graduation Rate

Placement Rate

Jeremy Addison Through a random set of circumstances, I ended up on a different path than intended. Before the NPower program, I was lost, trying to find my way in the world. Life is funny that way. Because once you think you’ve got everything figured out, here comes a fork in the road. The thing is, I’ve always had an affinity for technology. And even at a young age, you could say I saw a future in it, but I didn’t know exactly how to make it happen. When I got older, I lost the passion I had for it when I was young, even questioned whether I truly ever wanted it in the first place. I believe NPower chose me. I was apprehensive at first, but with some convincing, I took a leap of faith and made the right decision. What stood out the most was the overwhelming support, not only from the NPower staff but also from my classmates. After completing the entire six-month program I intend to utilize everything I’ve learned in the IT field and eventually become a donor to help NPower impact as many future students’ lives as possible, just as they’ve impacted mine.

Marlin Akins Since I was eleven years old, I have been fascinated by technology. My first electronic device was a laptop, and through the years, I learned the basic functions of its operation. I now have the potential to translate what I learned into a career. Earning my CompTIA A+ Certification is one of the goals I plan on achieving to help my family and me financially. My family always keeps me motivated. NPower was a very accurate choice for my continued education. The staff at NPower taught me how to plant my seeds, water them, and watch them grow. My instructor helped me keep that drive and ambition towards reaching my goals. I now know that the knowledge, preparation, and character-building that NPower provided is the key to success in this field. “Always trust the process!”

Myron Barbee Before starting NPower, I was working two jobs struggling to make ends meet and ending a period of homelessness. I was thinking about going back to school but I was financially unable to. Learning about NPower helped me make a career move for the better. This program has been a gift from above. After quitting my second job, I didn’t know what I was going to do. After receiving a phone call from a different program explaining NPower, I knew this was just the program for me. Between the networking, the internship, the mentorship, and even the A+ Certification training, this program has been a blessing and everything was free! The only thing I had to do was “trust the process” (a quote used throughout the program).

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Irma Barragan I chose NPower because I believed it would be a great opportunity to start a career in IT. I have liked seeing the support students have for each other. Before NPower, I was working in retail after I hope to get an entry-level job in IT. I have interests in cybersecurity and web design that I may pursue.

Mamadu (Gando) Barrie It was a hot, summer afternoon as I pulled up in my white Nissan Frontier on the parking lot of Harris-Stowe State University. I was scheduled for an NPower interview. Wearing my best professional attire, I made my way steadily to the rendezvous point. I interviewed with Ms. Marie and Ms. Adande. The most memorable question asked to me from Ms. Adande was: “What would we say about you after you left the program?” I said: “I made the right choice.” As she smiled at my knockout response, I knew that I had won the interview. Before that turning point in my life, I was lost in college and changing majors with no clarity in sight. I was looking for my niche, and this program came at the right moment in my life—it was God-sent. Now, after finding this program, I have a renewed love and passion for IT. After this program, I plan on pursuing my Bachelor degree at WGU in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance. Thank you to the NPower staff and students for their love and support.

Francisco Brown I have always loved technology ever since I was a child. When I was introduced to NPower, my dreams of working in technology became a reality. NPower has changed my life for the better. It has helped me grow as a person and see the world differently. I am grateful for the many opportunities I have gained from this program.

Giorgio Bunton I was introduced to technology at an early age. I was the kid that was known to fix any electronic device that was placed in my hands. After several years, I switched over to fixing cell phones, mostly Apple products. I always wanted to find a school for technology so I could learn more about the field, but couldn’t find a school until I heard about NPower. I knew this program could lead me in the right direction to a brighter future. Throughout this program, I have learned a lot about technology but what stood out the most is that technology is bigger than what you think. I plan on extending my learning within technology after NPower.

Demetrius Burns-Jackson Before the NPower program, I had dropped out of college to start working. I chose NPower because it felt like my last chance to strive for better. The thing that stood out the most with the program for me is the staff’s concern for my wellbeing. The staff cared. It’s not just a job to them; it’s your life that they are changing and they take their impact more seriously than you and get you to open your own eyes.

Amenta Christian-Robertson NPower has played a pivotal role in my life and has contributed to my technical, professional and career development. I have always had a strong passion for technology. The corporate site visits have allowed me to see firsthand where skill, hard work, and dedication can lead. I am most fond of my internship opportunity. NPower provided the necessary tools, knowledge, and experience to succeed in the IT field and life. Thanks to NPower, I now know that the key to my success has a lot to do with character, preparation, aptitude, and confidence. I plan to continue with the NPower program and complete my Network + and Security+ certifications. I would like to thank Mr. Lemons, Ms. Marie, Ms. Adande, Mr. Brett, Devin, and Ms. Trina for this wonderful opportunity to better myself as an individual.

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Brittany Coats My mom was my biggest champion for anything that I wanted to do. Any crazy idea, she always supported me. I have had so many goals, dreams, and ideas of what I wanted to do, but had no idea where to start. When she passed away, I had no drive or desire to do anything, until last year when I found MERS Goodwill youth program. My mentor, Melissa LaBerta, helped me focus on what I wanted to do. Through my journey with her, I found NPower's Tech Fundamentals program. I had no clue what this program would be, but it has been one of the best experiences of my life. IT was one of those goals that I didn’t think was tangible because I never found any opportunities. NPower has allowed me to learn tech starting with the basics and with the other students who have similar goals. Now I am currently interning at World Wide Technology putting everything this program has taught me to good use. I am the most excited and hopeful I have been in a long time.

Takala Cooper Before I heard about NPower, I just graduated from high school. I was always interested in technology and electronics, and it seemed like a good path to start a career due to the high demand for people in the information technology field.

Victoria Crigler Before the NPower program, I worked as a general clerk processing health insurance applications. I already had experience on the technical side from prior occupations, but I didn’t realize the actual dedication it took to know how to maintain health equipment or the security aspect associated with the supervision of health insurance applications. I chose NPower to enhance my knowledge in the IT field. Furthermore, what stood out to me on my journey is the NPower staff. The staff is patient, genuine, enthusiastic, and very engaged in the process of helping each student prosper at the rate of learning that makes them comfortable. They prepare you for networking, which is very helpful in this field because IT can be beneficial in various areas of any organization. My plan after graduation is to find a full-time position as a helpdesk support professional. I’m also looking forward to earning more certifications beyond the CompTIA A+ shortly allowing me to further my career in the IT field and be open to more opportunities as the industry expands.

Norman Davis Before I joined NPower, I was in between jobs searching for my calling. With bills way over my head and negative influences telling me quick ways to succeed, I needed a career but found it hard to choose because Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a talented jack-of-all-trades. That first step was landing a spot in the NPower Tech Fundamentals program. Two main things that stood out were the way that NPower teaches and gets the information across and the opportunity to improve my business and professional skills (i.e., networking, public speaking, and self-marketing). One of my future goals is to take all of the information that I am learning from NPower and my internship at Mathews-Dickey Boys and Girls Club and use it to earn certifications and ultimately create a leading technology company.

Cortlin Davison Before being accepted into the NPower program, I was a floor tech- straight out of high school working full time with nothing to show for it. My mother always pressured me to go to school, but that was not the path I wanted to take. Before the opportunity NPower presented itself, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d always been the type of person who wanted to learn as much as possible. So this program was a perfect chance to earn my A+ Certification for free. Even though this hasn't been the smoothest experience, I've learned a lot more than I thought I would. After this program, I hope to get a job that gets me closer to my dream of being an entrepreneur.

Dirk Denning Before joining the NPower program, I had a career as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service. Upon realizing it was not the career path for me, I discovered the NPower program which gave me the opportunity to gain knowledge toward my goal of earning a degree. The program attracted me because of the direct focus on IT as opposed to unrelated content, allowing me to quickly obtain the knowledge needed to enter the tech field. After finishing the program, I aspire to become a cybersecurity professional, using my skills to ensure online safety and privacy of my fellow man.

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Lamar Ford I was interested in NPower because it provided the opportunity to expand and explore a perspective on life I never imagined. The one thing I can say I like about technology is that it never stops growing and always changing. Phones and games help with communicating and interacting with other people. Great communication results in a strong bond and a better understanding of your peers. Understanding technology helps with the entire world’s future, not just mine.

Yahshua Friend Before NPower, I was fresh out of high school looking for simple labor to get by. I had no plans for college because I didn't want to rack up debt without gaining work experience. When I learned that NPower could help me earn my certification and lead to a career with no debt, I signed up. Right off the bat I could see the promise and care the faculty and teachers had for their students. I made new friends and learned a lot about technology. After NPower, I plan to use my experience and new knowledge to facilitate my career, working towards my financial goals and support my dream to be a musician. NPower has given me a chance in this competitive world and opened my eyes to the possibilities that await me.

Nicholas Gilliland Before I joined NPower, I had just started my first semester at St. Louis Community College and waiting tables at Benedetto’s. I had a passion for technology and wanted to be a “techy person.” I knew if I wanted to be great at something I had to surround myself with it twentyfour-seven. My mom heard about NPower’s program and I realized it was the perfect opportunity for me. Because my passion for technology was very broad, I had taught myself some programming languages and had an interest in cybersecurity but had no clue where to start before NPower. The program covered the essentials by starting with technology fundamentals and sharing a little bit of cybersecurity. I learned so much and still learn every day. Right now, I am blessed to say I am an intern at World Wide Technology working towards securing a full-time position.

Markell Harmon For the record, NPower gave me the inspiration I needed to believe that the corporate world is more than just crunching numbers and fixing problems in IT. Before the program, I was just starting life following my graduation from McKinley CLA, changing careers and chasing girls until my feet hurt. A passion for technology hit me young. Growing up in the city of St. Louis helped me find an interest in building computers and working with different technologies. After completing this course to earn my CompTIA A+ certification, I want to take my skills and ideas to a whole new by starting my own company and growing it to a multi-franchise organization of hardworking individuals who want nothing more than to be an asset to the world. Nothing satisfies me more than to watch teamwork make the dream work. So when people bring their ideas and creativity together, it’s a feeling of smoothing the flow; even enough for the wheel to roll through the rough course ahead. I was always told “work smarter not harder,” and that’s what I intend to do.

Michael Hobbs Before NPower, I worked at Casey’s General Store part-time making pizzas, delivering goods, and working the register. What made me choose NPower is the drive to better myself and turn something I love into a stable career. The curriculum, guest speakers, and visits to different companies really inspired me and confirmed I made the right move. Now that I have successfully completed the NPower program, I will aim higher. The next steps for me will be learning about programming and cybersecurity, making every day safer and technology more reliable. As everything that we use daily moves to the digital world, I want to help ensure that our information stays secure.

Robert McCauley Before NPower, I was trying to find IT training and working a job installing fire systems and security cameras. I was trying to get a foot in the door. I was given a flyer for NPower by my girlfriend and decided this would be my last ditch effort at trying to get into the IT field. What stood out to me most during my journey is the dedication of the staff, they actually care. I’ve been in a previous program and felt like the staff didn’t even care about the students’ success. So, I was really happy to experience the quality staff at NPower. In the future, I plan to continue my growth in the IT field by earning my network and cybersecurity certifications. My big goal is to manage an IT staff.

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Patrick McClendon Prior to being accepted into the NPower program I was working at St. Louis County Parks and pursuing my Masters in Business Administration (MBA). I was blessed to be referred to the program by the director of the NPower St. Louis program, Anthony Lemons. The reason I focused all of my time and energy within this program was for my immediate family, especially my grandmother, Ira McClendon. She gave me the fire I needed to work towards passing my CompTIA A+ Certification exams and enhancing my career. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is nourishing to be happy about your life, but it is a continuous journey toward being satisfied with your life.â&#x20AC;? Plans after graduation include enhancing my skills, gaining experience, and earning advanced certifications within IT and business as I work to secure a consulting or analyst position.

DeJuan McKenny Before I joined NPower, I was enrolled at Quincy University and had the dream of becoming a professional athlete. However, I matured and decided to switch paths in my life for the better. I moved back home and quickly started working various jobs. During that time, I wanted to finish school but did not want the financial burden of increasing my student loans. One day, my stepdad mentioned to the NPower program. I was on the fence about joining the program, eventually coming around and decided to take a chance and join the program. After being in this program for 22 weeks, I feel like it gave me a jumpstart on my career.

James McMiller Before the NPower program, I was in high school. I graduated in the spring of 2017 and came straight to NPower. I chose NPower because the program had multiple benefits that would help me in the long run. The main thing that stood out as a student was the ability to work toward earning a certification.

Dakota Merriman I graduated high school only a few weeks prior to joining NPower. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do after graduation, but I did know that I wanted to keep moving forward. As part of that desire to move forward, I decided to join NPower. I had a lot of fun learning new things and getting to meet interesting and friendly people. After, I want to build myself professionally and enter a four-year university.

Jay Mitchell I am a native of Kansas City, MO who is now a proud St. Louis NPower student taking advantage of everything life has to offer. As a public school performing arts student since elementary school, comedy, singing, dancing, and acting were the forefront of my passion going into high school. After graduating from Central Visual and Performing Arts, I found myself on the front lines of the Ferguson Movement when the murder of Michael Brown Jr. hit the world by storm. Years later, still fighting for justice, I now found myself right back where I started, involving myself in the lives of students in the St. Louis Public Schools district. Wanting to give back, I joined the league of NPower students in serving to make a difference in the lives of others while working to become certified through the A+ program. My future goal is to operate a non-profit organization that helps the next generation recognize the potential that lives within the minds of those who expect more out of their future.

Christopher Morris Before the NPower program, I was working at Hollywood Casino as a host/cashier. After joining NPower, I realized that I had to give up something to be successful in this program. I chose to take it seriously. What really stood out to me is that the staff is supportive not only in a school aspect but everyday life situations and I appreciate them for everything they have done for me! After the program, I plan to land a job as an IT technician at Apple or in a school district to help support the students.

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Brandon Naumann I was busy with high school and modifying games before coming to NPower. The Tech Fundamentals program was suggested to me at my high school because of my interest in technology, and I joined right after graduating. During my time with NPower, I've been taught the most important parts of a computer, how to set one up physically, and how to use task scheduler just to name a few. During the program, I also met people with similar interests and discussed both computers as well as other unrelated topics. If I hadn't enrolled in the NPower program, I would likely be working a low-end job as I had no plans to go to college. This has proven to be well worth my time and energy. It's through this program that I hope to become a storage management specialist or a database administrator, two fields I am most passionate about.

Jack Notice I have a high school diploma from Hazelwood West High School. Before NPower, my work experiences included FedEx, United Parcel Service, and Six Flags. I was interested in the Tech Fundamentals program because I think my future and everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future is technology-based. I enjoy playing on my Xbox and using my iPhone. Technology has made such a difference in my life. For example, when I was in high school and I had to write a paper or do a presentation, I would type it on my laptop and then send it to my phone to show my teacher at school and sometimes make a slide presentation. I can see myself using what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve learned working for a technology company in the future. I also see using the technology skills I have developed to volunteer at schools and help students.

Brian Oliver I've always felt that there were not many alternatives to college or the military available to students graduating from high school. Having a growing interest in a particular field, but not having the time or money to pursue it as a career is a depriving feeling. I was working at the Schnucks Bakery Plant in St. Louis before I was introduced to NPower through SLATE. The 22-weeks Tech Fundamentals program presented me with the opportunity to explore what basic, intermediate, and advanced qualifications I would need to be successful in the IT workforce. The instructors and staff are all amazing, qualified, intelligent, open-minded, and diverse people with whom I enjoyed being educated. After the program, I intend to work in an entry-level IT field while simultaneously attending classes to earn a Bachelor's degree and later a Master's in Cybersecurity in addition to earning several additional certifications.

Jasmine Robertson I was initially part of the first Tech Fundamentals class that began in February 2017. I was lucky to witness the beginning of NPower St. Louis but had to leave the program after a few crazy events in my life. I chose to come back to complete my certification with the second class. Before NPower, I was working for Shop ‘n Save. I joined NPower because I felt it would open doors to a career path I wanted to pursue by giving me the technological foundation needed to complete a degree in Architecture and Interior Design. What stood out the most on this journey with NPower is the staff’s willingness to help with any problem that comes up in your life. Most importantly, the staff is willing to give second chances and not give up on their students. I plan to use the education I’ve gained through this program to work hard and gain more knowledge to become more employable.

Joshua Roby Before NPower, I worked at my church and a convenience store, Farm Fresh. When another owner bought Farm Fresh, I went back to working at the church editing video and helping out in the media department. After I graduated from high school, Mr. Suggs from my church told me about NPower. I knew that this would be a great opportunity because I’ve always wanted to be a part of IT. On my journey with NPower, I realized we are all family. The staff supported and guided me in the right direction. There is nothing about NPower that I dislike. After NPower, I plan to be hired full time working for Bi-State having earned my CompTIA A+ Certification. I also would like to give back to the people that helped me as well as the newcomers. I thank the staff of NPower from the bottom of my heart for everything they have done.

Nautica Slater I haven’t always been a fan of school. For more than four years I have been a part of an academic program whose goal was to provide support and opportunities to scholars so that they can succeed in school. While in high school, I wasn’t sure what it was I wanted to do after graduation. I had an interest in many different things: basketball, child development, choir, and even communications but I knew I couldn’t see myself in those career fields. I was recommended to NPower by a mentor, Juanita Logan who works at World Wide Technology. She helped give me the determination to make something of myself, stressing the fact that NPower wanted to open doors for those who were not only interested in computers and technology, but for those who were told they couldn’t do something because of their gender or color of their skin. Whether she knows it or not, Juanita has changed my life for the better. Before this program, I would never have seen myself going down this path. I can’t wait to see what more I can accomplish.

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Andre Smith Who am I? I…

■■ Grew up in foster care for seventeen years since age 4 ■■ Am a street kid converted to a nerd ■■ Graduated after being expelled from high school ■■ Completed a year of community college ■■ Had thirteen jobs since age 16 ■■ Always played with computers/ports ■■ Joined NPower and my life has changed ever since

Destiny Suggs I am an East St. Louis native who attended East St. Louis Senior High School Class of 2016. Before the NPower program, I spent a year at Jackson State University studying marketing. I chose NPower because of the opportunities that came with it. I have always dabbled in technology and found NPower to be a wonderful opportunity to open new doors, network with others, and expand my knowledge about technology and the huge role it plays in everyone’s life today. During my journey, the environment is what stood out the most. The motivation and my classmates kept me going throughout the program. NPower has become another family for me. After graduating, I plan to return to Jackson State and seek IT opportunities in Mississippi.

Tsai Swope Before NPower, I went from job to job trying to find a career. I didn’t know what I wanted to do but knew I wanted to be in IT. However, I didn’t know where to start or how to begin my search for a better future. I tried looking for entry-level positions in IT, but I could never find the right opportunity as someone who was self-taught with no prior job-related experience. Joining NPower was huge and I had no backup plan; it was this or nothing. In the past 22 weeks, I learned how to better myself as an IT professional with skills I wouldn’t have gained with just an entry-level IT job. NPower is more than just a place to learn. I joined a family that helped me grow day after day. NPower has molded me and given me the mental and technical readiness for a better future. I will always remember the skills I was taught, cherish them, and use them to gain even more knowledge as an IT and business professional.

Terron White Before I started NPower, I was a factory worker working 12 hours a day earning good pay but I didn't love the work. Then one day my mother called and asked if I was interested in learning about IT as a new field of work. After long thought, I decided to leave my job and join the program. In the first weeks, I was confused, but thanks to my classmates and my teachers, I understood the process. NPower is a fantastic program with great people that work hard to help you succeed.

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Congratulations Class 2 St. Louis!

We transform lives. Fast. NPower serves as a launching pad for both career paths and education. Among our graduates, 80% are placed in quality jobs or continuing their education within one year of completing our program. Graduates of NPowerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free technology education programs obtain entry-level IT jobs with an average starting salary of $48,000â&#x20AC;&#x201C;$72,000 and can advance along career paths enabling them to earn more than their peers in lower-wage jobs through age 65.

80% ■■ Graduation rate

■■ Of alumni working and/or in school within six months of graduation

history of success Launched in 2002, NPower’s free technology training program has grown from a pilot class of 10 students in midtown Manhattan to serving nearly 600 students a year at its regional hubs in New York, New Jersey, Texas, California, Maryland, Missouri, and Toronto, Canada.

corporate & foundation partners Support for NPower has dramatically increased in the last year, highlighted by the engagement of a growing number of leading companies and innovative foundations across North America. Through the collaboration with our partners, our free training programs serve as the leading models for IT workforce development.

Thank you for partnering with us and sponsoring an intern. Ascension Information Services Boys Hope Girls Hope International City of St. Louis Treasurer's Office Clayton School District East St. Louis School District 189 Jennings School District KPMG Mathews-Dickey Boys and Girls Club Myrtle Hilliard Davis Comprehensive Health Centers Nine Network Peabody REJIS Commission School District of University City St. Louis Science Center St. Louis Zoo St. Louis Language Immersion Schools United Way World Wide Technology ZeroDay Technology Solutions

Thank you for hosting our Class 2 Graduation

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Thank you to our volunteers. ABNA Corporation Nicole Adewale Accenture Taliya King Margaret Yancey Asynchrony Labs Tiffany Edwards Boeing Tiffany Franklin Enterprise William Blankenship Michael Collins Richard Noonan Equifax Workforce Solutions Michelle Camden Mark Felts Danielle Lucarelli Ken McAfee Mary Norman Fortinet, Inc. Ladi Adefala

Good Journey Development Foundation Dionne Ferguson Imagine[You]Media De'Santis Cross Devoran Davis KHAOS, Inc. Candice Murrell Cox KPMG Lori Bluemner Adam Freund Kevin Krieger Patrick Munter Mike Scissors Laird David England Mastercard Anastasia Stevenson Midwest Cyber Center Tony Bryan Amber Lowry

Monsanto Ladan Kamfar New Generation Diverse Business Solutions Mea Hampton Operation Hope, Inc. C/O Office of Financial Empowerment Abby Buckhouse Scott Air Force Base Col Terrence Adams Shai'Kenya Williams-Brown U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation Stephanie Franklin World Wide Technology Nicole Tate ZeroDay Technology Solutions Ramona McCook Michael Rupinski

Thank you to our local funders.

Ascension Information Services

Gateway to Innovation

Rio Vista Fund

Bank of America

Maritz

Boeing

Mastercard

St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE)

Centene Charitable Foundation

Monsanto

Wells Fargo Advisors

CTA Charity Golf Tournament

Regional Business Council

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