NPower Missouri Tech Fundamentals Spring 2018

GRADUATION CEREMONY

TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2018 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

missouri

ANHEUSER-BUSCH INDOOR BIERGARTEN 12TH AND LYNCH ST. SAINT LOUIS, MO 63118

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TECH FUNDAMENTALS CLASS 3

GRADUATION PROGRAM WELCOME Julio Suarez, Senior Director, Community Affairs, Anheuser-Busch

ALUMNI SPEAKER Patrick McClendon NPower Missouri, Tech Fundamentals Class 2 Global Service Desk Analyst, World Wide Technology

CLASS SPEAKERS John Griffin NPower Missouri, Tech Fundamentals Class 3 Jamila Scales NPower Missouri, Tech Fundamentals Class 3

CLASS HONORS Trina Clark James, Executive Director, NPower Missouri AWARDS NPOWER DEFYING ALL ODDS AWARD Adande Lane, Guidance Specialist, NPower Devin Thompson, Assistant Technical Instructor, NPower NPOWER REGIONAL ADVISORY BOARD BETTER WAY AWARD Jerry Walker, Director of Information Technology, City of St. Louis Treasurer’s Office Erica Wilson, Vice President, IT Infrastructure Controls & Risk, Scottrade, Inc. ANHEUSER-BUSCH OWNERS AWARD Kim Buie, Director, IBS Performance & Planning Management, Anheuser-Busch

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER Tishaura O. Jones, Treasurer, City of St. Louis

PROGRAM COMPLETION CERTIFICATE CEREMONY NPower Program Staff CLOSING REMARKS Trina Clark James RECEPTION

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COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER TISHAURA O. JONES Treasurer, City of St. Louis

Tishaura O. Jones is the first woman to serve as Treasurer in the history of St. Louis. She is the city’s chief investment and cash management officer, and manages the city’s parking division.

Treasurer Jones was recently elected to her second term.

During her time in office, she has saved the city millions of dollars through streamlining treasury operations, increased transparency in city government, modernized the parking division and opened the city’s first Office of Financial Empowerment, offering free financial literacy classes and counseling.

She also launched the College Kids Children’s Savings Account Program, which provides college savings accounts to all kindergarten students in St. Louis Public Schools. Each account is opened with $50 in seed money that is provided by residual revenue from the city’s parking division. That means every time someone pays a meter, parks in a city owned garage or pays a parking ticket, they are helping to send a child to college.

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Treasurer Jones has a Master’s degree in Health Administration from the Saint Louis University School of Public Health, a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Hampton University, and is a graduate of the Executives in State and Local Government program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

Prior to being elected Treasurer, she was employed as Vice-President of Municipal Finance for Blaylock Robert Van and was an adjunct faculty member at the AnheuserBusch School of Business at Harris-Stowe State University.

She is also the proud mother of Aden.

ALUMNI SPEAKER PATRICK MCCLENDON

NPower Missouri Tech Fundamentals Class 2 Global Service Desk Analyst, World Wide Technology

Prior to being accepted into the NPower program, I was working at St. Louis County Parks, pursuing my master’s in business administration (MBA). I was blessed to be referred to the program by the manager of the NPower program, Anthony Lemons. The reason I focused all of my time and energy on 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. “It is nourishing to be happy about your life, but it is a continuous journey toward being satisfied with your life.” My future plans after graduation include enhancing my skills, gaining experience, and earning advanced IT certifications and business as I work to secure a consulting or analyst position.

“

The key to being successful is to be able to develop who you are for what you are striving to become. The only way to achieve great accomplishments is to have a passion for what you do; but if you have not found it yet, keep looking and do not settle.

”

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CLASS SPEAKER JOHN GRIFFIN

NPower Missouri Tech Fundamentals Class 3

“

Just keep swimming

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—Dory, Finding Nemo

CLASS SPEAKER JAMILA SCALES

NPower Missouri Tech Fundamentals Class 3

“

When you want it more than the opinions of others, you’ll get it

”

—Humble the Poet

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OUR STORY NPower is a national nonprofit that offers an alternative fast-track to tech careers for military veterans, military spouses and young adults from underserved communities in New York, Texas, California, Maryland, New Jersey and Missouri. Our six-month program fuels a diverse pipeline of digital professionals hired into entry-and mid-level jobs by Fortune 500 companies throughout the US. NPower’s state-of-the-art curriculum equips students to meet marketplace demand— engaging businesses, volunteers and nonprofits in their long-term success. We invest in the growth of our alumni with continued professional development and credentialing.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS David Reilly | Chair Chief Information Officer, Global Banking and Markets Bank of America

Mike Fey President and Chief Operating Officer Symantec

Matt Horner | Vice Chair Senior Vice President, Global Enterprise Sales World Wide Technology

Richard M. Greenbaum Managing Director, Global Head Technology Infrastructure Citi

Joshua S. Levine | Treasurer Managing Director Kita Capital Management Gail Fierstein | Secretary Senior Vice President Pearson Steven Ballantyne Chief of Staff PowerSchool Vittorio Cretella Former Chief Information Officer Mars Inc.

Ramana Murthy Magapu Vice President and Head of Banking and Financial Services, North America Tata Consultancy Services Frank Pedersen Chief Operating Officer Consumer Dynamics

Michael P. Gregoire Chief Executive Officer CA Technologies

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

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

Karen Peterson Chief Executive Officer, EdLab Group National Girls Collaborative

Thomas Knowlton Partner TCC Group

Dan Petrozzo Managing Director Double Partners, LLC

Stephen M. Murphy Senior Managing Director, Infrastructure Services Accenture

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 CEO Agorai Bertina Ceccarelli Chief Executive Officer NPower

MISSOURI

REGIONAL ADVISORY BOARD

Terrence Adams Colonel Scott Air Force Base

Jon Joplin Vice President of Technology Express Scripts

Gil Hoffman CIO Mercy

Ladan Kamfar Digital Collaboration Lead, Digital Partnerships & Outreach Monsanto

Matt Holton Senior Vice President, Operations & Technology, NAM Mastercard Matt Horner Senior Vice President, Global Enterprise Sales World Wide Technology

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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 Michael Rupinski President ZeroDay Technology Solutions Nicole Tate Director, Global Sales Development & Communication World Wide Technology

Jerry Walker Director of Information Technology City of St. Louis Treasurer’s Office Erica Wilson Vice President, IT Infrastructure Controls & Risk Scottrade, Inc. Lina Young CIO and Senior Vice President Global Business Services Peabody Energy

STATISTICS

TECH FUNDAMENTALS CLASS 3

78% 84% 37%

GRADUATION RATE

INTERNSHIP PLACEMENT

FEMALE ENROLLMENT

The NPower Tech Fundamentals program includes mobility technology learning modules courtesy of the Cisco Networking Academy.

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Before NPower, I had just moved back to St. Louis after living in LA. I was not sure of what to do with my life at that time. Luckily, my cousin, Devin Thompson, worked for NPower and he informed me about the program.

He told me about the great opportunities that the program offered to the youth of St. Louis. I wasted no time and signed up. I gained a skill set in technology that is much needed to keep up with the speed of the world. I also learned how to set up a homegroup and a server. After graduation, I plan to get a job in the field of IT and also be in the NOW.

HALID ABERA Following my graduation from high school, I had plans of going to college.

Unfortunately, attending school was postponed due to suffering a gunshot injury. I lost my drive for school but by that next year had enrolled in St. Louis Community College, Forest Park. I was there for several weeks before getting incarcerated. Over the next two years, I had enrolled in another school where I did well and won awards. To my surprise, the school was closed during my final semester! Discouraged once again, I started working for a cleaning company. I heard the Bishop at my church mention NPower. I reached out to the program, and the rest is history. My time at NPower has been LONG and challenging but fun. The teachers were resourceful and knowledgeable, and I learned plenty of things like the essential components of a computer and their functions, networking, viruses, and Windows. After graduation, I plan to acquire more certifications in the IT field and to tell others about the NPower program because it is helpful and can give people the opportunity to change their lives.

MIKAYLA ALLEN

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REGINALD ALEXANDER

Before I began NPower, I had just graduated high school and started attending classes at a community college in Illinois, but I was unsure of what I wanted my major to be. Luckily, a good friend of mine and NPower alumnus informed me of how great the program was and how they need more diversity in the IT industry. The program has not only taught me more about IT fundamentals, but it has also shown me how to be independent and accountable. I had to come to class on time. I learned how to become financially stable and not dependent on other people. These are valuable skills that I will need to stay afloat in life. After graduation, I plan on working at Mercy and pursuing my career in IT. I wish everybody the best in their endeavors and hope they find their desired job in IT as successful individuals.

I was sitting in one of my last classes at Harris-Stowe State University— an IT course—and one of my classmates came in and said, “Have you heard about that new IT program upstairs called NPower? I can’t do it because I’m too old, but you should.” I did not inquire about it at that moment, but I do remember passing the classroom. I would see the students, and they all seemed so lively and enthusiastic. I came in one day and asked some questions. Brett Boyle gave me a brief explanation of the program and directed me to Trina Clark-James. The rest is history. I joined the class looking for this to be a supplement to my business degree, but I am leaving with it being just as important. Thanks, NPower.

TAMEZ AMERSON

Before NPower, I was a student at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, but I was unhappy there. As a result, I left the school. I was at a loss on what to do with my life until I remembered that I had a flyer for NPower. The chance to learn new skills, obtain resources, and gain opportunities to turn them into a career attracted me to the NPower program. My time in the program has given me not only a new skill but also tools to get into the career field of my dreams. After graduation, I plan to complete the Midwest Cyber Center apprenticeship program, go back to school, and advance in my career at one of the companies that I learned about through NPower.

D’ASIA ANDERSON Before NPower, I had just received my GED, yet had no luck finding a job and, I didn’t have a clue what career I wanted to pursue, and it seemed like I was going to be working at fast food restaurants for the rest of my life. I learned about NPower from Mr. Tim, a mentor in my GED class, whom I owe a huge THANK YOU. Joining the program taught me a lot! It is a tech program, so I learned about technology, but I also learned the importance of communicating and how essential communication skills are in the workplace.

After graduation, I plan to start a career in IT and slowly work my way into the area of software development.

MARSHAUNE (SEAN) BURRIS

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PARIS COBB

I am from St. Louis, Missouri. I have a one-year-old daughter, and she is my world. I grind hard for her to make sure that she never wants for anything.

Before NPower, I move around from job to job. My latest post was working for World Wide Technology as a Fork Lift Driver. It was a great company to work for, but I found myself wanting more so my pastor reached out to me and wanted me to join the Sound booth Ministry. There, I connected with someone that introduced me to NPower. I signed up, had my interviews, and got accepted into the program. NPower not only provided me skills to do different things in the field of IT, but it also taught my classmates and me about credit, banking, and other things that we need in our everyday lives. I would recommend this program to everyone even if they are not interested in the IT field because you learn great tools to have under your belt. After graduation, I plan to start school at Harris-Stowe State University and major in business administration with a minor in IT, and then begin my new journey in the IT field with a full-time job.

I have always been interested in technology, art, engineering, and the medical field. While pursuing my engineering degree, I decided to take a break.

During that downtime, I was working as an administrative assistant for Gateway Parking and was thinking about my next move to advance my career. My mom works for Fathers’ Support Center. She spoke with a former student that graduated from NPower and thought that I would be interested in joining the program. During my time at NPower, I enjoyed the staff and my class. I have learned a lot of technical skills such as the fundamentals of hardware and networking. They also catered to my professional development which I am grateful to have gained. After graduation, I plan on pursuing more certifications and eventually, go into the profession of cybersecurity. Completing the NPower program is a good stepping stone for my family and me. It has given me the opportunity to give back to others and be an example to other technologists as a black woman pursuing a career in the IT field.

KIERRA COLENBURG

Before I started NPower, I was working a delivery job and recording music.

I learned about the program from two of my friends. They graduated from Class 1 and encouraged me to give the program a try. I learned several tools like how to perfect a resume, partition in the virtual box, and the inner workings of the motherboard. After this program and in my near future, I plan to record music and start my clothing line. I am working to find a steady job to support my life for years to come.

KEITH DARDEN

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Before NPower, I was working two jobs. The first position was part-time where I worked Monday through Friday and in the second job I was mentoring youth on Saturdays. Being in this program, I’ve learned technical terms and various things about the hardware and software of the computer. I learned about this program through a couple of people at my church, and I thought it would be a great program to learn about technology.

STACEY DAVIS JR.

Before NPower, I had just graduated high school and working a minimum wage job that I did not like, knowing that I could not be there forever if I wanted to make a better wage. I only had a basic knowledge of computers, and I was not familiar with the field of IT. I heard about NPower from my brother, Dirk Denning, a Class 2 graduate, and decided to give the program a try. I was not sure about what I wanted to do with my future, so it was the perfect opportunity. My time at NPower equipped me with a lot of skills that I did not have before. I became knowledgeable about troubleshooting, communication skills and how to work in a team. After graduation, I am going to take more classes, get a job, and keep learning about IT.

CORY DENNING I became interested in technology around 2016 when my friend helped me build a PC. After that, I began to research computer parts and their functions.

I learned basic troubleshooting and started to learn more about careers in IT. With my newfound appreciation for the field, I began searching for an entry-level job. I worked at Imo’s for a little while and left to pursue what I thought was a better job. Unfortunately, that opportunity did not work out.

I was back at square one when I found out about NPower at the beginning of 2018. My friend mentioned that he had just started the program, so I applied immediately and was accepted. Now that I have my CompTIA A+ certification, I am ready to re-enter the IT workforce and start my career.

JACOB FILIUS

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Before NPower, I did not know where I would be in a few years. All I knew was that I wanted to be great. I was introduced to the program through SLATE. My time at NPower gave me faith. I have endured some hard obstacles in my life, but NPower was there by my side through it all. After graduation, I plan to find an entry-level job in IT to help establish a foundation in the field. One day I want to open my own IT repair and retail shop.

ZACHIAHL FORTNEY “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.” —Colin Powell After receiving my bachelor of science degree in biology at Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, I quickly learned that having a degree was not enough to get my foot in the door. Around that time, I received an email about NPower’s Tech Fundamentals program that helped prepare students to earn their technical certifications and provide them with an internship opportunity.

I signed up immediately!

Over the course of the program, I realized that NPower was so much more than a place to receive IT training. It was a place where we could consider each other family. The faculty works overtime to ensure that each student is successful in their pursuits. After graduation, I plan to further my knowledge and skills in the technological field by pursuing the Cybersecurity certification.

I could not imagine a better program with more adamant individuals, and for that, I am forever grateful. THANK YOU, NPower!

CHARLOTTE GADDIE

Before NPower, I was working for Amazon as an associate. My job was to scan papers and sort packages. I did not have a clear plan for my future, but I was sure that I did not want to be an associate my whole life. I was working for Amazon for two months when my mom told me about NPower. At first, I was not excited to join the program, but after learning more about the right opportunities and knowledge that I could gain, I warmed up to the idea of making a career in the IT field. From this program, I learned about the inside of a computer and the computer network. After the graduation, I still want to work for Amazon but in IT Support.

BYRON GLOVER

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Before NPower, I was on the path to pursuing my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at the University of Missouri, St. Louis. I had an idea about what I wanted to do for a career with the FBI, but I was not sure. I felt like I did not have any experience to offer them to stand out. That is when I heard about NPower.

My mom, who I am sure is going to love this credit, told me about the program and let me know that it would start in the winter so I should apply. I did, and once I began the Tech Fundamentals courses, I discovered that I enjoyed learning about how and why computers work and operate the way that they do.

JOHN GRIFFIN

In addition to the classes, NPower has taught me how to be better financially, mentally, and socially with the help of speakers during Professional Development Fridays. During those days we would not learn about IT, but discuss things like how to attain generational wealth and understand our emotional intelligence.

I will always be grateful for being a part of Class 3. After graduation, I intend to find a full-time IT job, while striving to obtain more certifications to work in cybersecurity for the FBI.

Before NPower, I was not doing anything with my life. I had just gotten out of high school, and I was working as a dishwasher, but I did not have a plan for myself. However, I did know that I did not want to continue in the position. I quit my job and was sitting at home thinking about making my next move. I learned about the program from a former teacher. Through NPower, I was offered the opportunity to better myself and learn more about IT. Since this was a career path that I had been interested in pursuing a while, I knew that this was something that I wanted to do. My time at NPower gave me more of a drive and made me feel like I was finally doing something good for myself. I got to network with a lot of new people and better my social skills, and I also gained the knowledge to pass the tests and obtain my first certification. After graduation, I plan to start my career by getting a full-time job in IT and gain more experience in the field.

BRADLEY HEADY

Before joining NPower, I worked three jobs. I discovered the program while trying to find an internship with the police force. I had no interest in IT, but I researched it and realized how much the field was growing so decided to join the program. NPower has not only helped develop my IT skills, but it has also taught me to stay committed.

SASHA HENDRIX

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COLBIN HUBBARD

Before NPower, I had a physically and mentally draining job at UPS while also working an internship at a music studio. Both situations were stressful, and I felt like I was not going anywhere with either of the positions. They were not my passion, and I wanted to do something more. During that time, I questioned the direction in which I was heading. My desire to learn about the components of a computer and to build a computer for my recording studio attracted me to NPower. I was informed about the program from the Teacher’s Assistant, Devin Thompson. During my time with NPower, I learned that even the professionals do not know everything, to never be afraid to ask questions, to be open-minded to collaboration, and to showcase your abilities. I also learned that trial and error could be the best teachers in life. After graduation, I plan to earn more certifications so that I can become an asset to a company, land a salary paying job that pays at least $35,000, and move forward from there.

Before joining NPower, I was working as an assistant manager at 7-Eleven.

While there, I started to notice that technology is a vast industry and used in every business, which got me interested in learning more about the industry and inspired me to begin learning about computers and technology on my own. As my interest grew, I researched places that I could go to learn more about information technology as a career. Fortunately, I found NPower.

This has been the perfect place to learn more about IT and start my journey in the field. NPower provided me with opportunities to develop both my technical and professional skills. Now I can analyze/ solve problems and conduct myself professionally. After completing this program, I plan to continue pursuing more industry certifications.

IAN KELLER

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SAYED KAZIMI

I was born and raised in Saint Louis, MO. Computers have always been my passion. I grew up collecting old computer parts from my schools and building my own machines, which helped me learn how to install operating systems. I was pursuing a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering then I switched to computer science at St. Louis Community College. Simultaneously, I was also trying to pass the CompTIA test to gain certification. Unfortunately, I ran into financial hardship and time issues while working full-time as a kitchen manager to support my brother and myself. I was introduced to NPower by alumni of the program. I was given an opportunity to show that I can succeed in this field.

With the help of NPower, I was able to pass the entry-level exams and obtain the A+ certification. I also began an internship with World Wide Technology using the NPower network. After graduation, I plan to continue to earn certifications and gain more experience towards IT consulting.

JASMINE KIMBROUGH

When I first moved back to St. Louis after my divorce, I focused on working and finding a major in college. While learning graphic design, I acquired a few technical skills that propelled my interest in technology. I decided to major in computer science since technology is continually evolving, I figured that it would be a good career to support my two daughters. I told my aunt about my plans, and she suggested that I apply for the NPower program.

Joining the NPower family was a significant step in my life, not only did the experience count towards a career, but it also taught me so many useful skills. In addition to the technical lessons, I learned to do outstanding presentations, network, and to come out of my shell and be myself. After NPower, I plan to continue college and pursue a career in either graphic design or IT consulting. Either way, I know that I will be successful.

Before NPower, I was not sure of my career path. I attended Claflin University in Orangeburg South Carolina for one year and St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley. My major was political science, but I was not sure if I wanted to continue with it. Fortunately, my mother told me about NPower, and I showed interest immediately because I was excited to learn a new skill.

Because IT is a booming field, I jumped onboard. After learning more about the benefits of the program such as earning a CompTIA A+ certification and possible job placement, I knew I wanted to join the program. Throughout the program, I learned how a computer works and how different components work as one. Once I become an alumnus of NPower, I will further my IT knowledge and hopefully earn a Network+ certification. I also plan to get more St. Louis youths involved in the IT field to create more industry diversity.

KAYLA PATTERSON

JUSTIN LIGGINS

My time at NPower has been a beautiful and an intriguing experience.

NPower has been a great help and pushed me to strive towards my goal as a cyber security analyst. With this program, I have grown professionally and improved my character. When it came to technology, it was hard for me to talk to people in the field because they were more knowledgeable than me. NPower changed that for me. They taught me to have confidence in what I know, and to be open to learning from others who know more! I also learned that failing was not necessarily a bad thing, but that it was just a chance to learn more about what worked and what did not work. I would recommend the NPower program to anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in information technology. After graduation, I plan to work full time while also furthering my education in the technology field.

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Before NPower, I was lost, walking on clouds, and chasing dreams of building an app for poets. The more I tracked, the more I realized that I needed steady finances to fund my ideas. I decided to develop a game plan and pursue a career in technology. The reason I joined the NPower family was for my love of technology and the loving atmosphere provided by the staff at NPower. I learned how to overcome malicious phishing attempts by others and to spot bad components in hardware. After graduation, I would like to obtain an entry-level position at an IT help desk and work my way up to owning my own consulting company.

DESMOND PORTER Young lady, You were made to do hard things so believe in yourself. Keep positive during the hard times that you go through. It is not foreign; it is leadership. Be able to see the obstacles as opportunities. Remain humble with style and grace.

Keep that beautiful smile on your face and know that it is possible to stay built during catastrophes. You are here. You made it to this point, and you would never have if it were not for the rocky mountain that you had to climb. Lastly, continue to love and cherish yourself like no one else’s business. —Note to Self Before the NPower program, I was enrolled in college and going after my dream of becoming a forensic scientist. After going through the program, I redirected my career path to the field of technology. I now aspire to pursue a career as a computer analysis within an individual victims unit. I want to find missing children and solve sex-trafficking crimes.

SELIMA-ZAHAVA SAMUEL

Before NPower, I worked at Bread Co. trying to find ways to make money to travel and audition in dance productions. My curiosity about computers, technology, and the opportunity to broaden my horizons in learning attracted me to NPower. My ultimate goal is to be happy and make more money for my family, and myself. During my time at NPower, I learned that IT could take you down many different pathways. I learned about many career opportunities I did not know existed in the field. After graduation, I plan to begin my career in the area to make more money and pursue my dreams of performing and traveling abroad.

JAMILA SCALES

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Before NPower, I was going to school at St. Louis Community College, Forest Park and working at Noodles & Company as a cashier. I heard about the NPower from my mom. She knew someone that went through the program and thought it would be a good fit for me to gain knowledge and experience in the field of information technology. The thing I will remember the most about this program is the site visits from those large companies, and that if I keep working hard, I could be there someday. I plan to use what I have learned to gain even more knowledge and experience to help others on their journey to becoming an IT professional. In the future, I would also like to open my own IT company and chase my dreams of becoming a musician.

MARLON SMITH

Before I started the NPower program, I was taking classes at St. Louis Community College. I decided to take a semester off to decide what I truly wanted to do. A few weeks into the new year, I was introduced to the NPower program by a family friend and decided to give it a try. I have been working with computers for as long as I can remember, but I have never had an in-depth knowledge of IT. The program taught me a lot of useful information and has given me the skills needed to start a career in the field of technology. I am genuinely grateful for this opportunity, as well as the knowledge that I have gained during my time in NPower.

ISAIAH STEPHEN I have always had a passion for technology and loved tinkering with it.

Before NPower, a career in technology seemed like a dream that I thought I didn’t have the skills or knowledge to attain. The program taught me valuable workforce skills and has shown me that I do in fact have the capability to be successful in a career in technology. After I graduate, I plan to keep striving to better myself and strengthen my skills. I will never forget my journey with NPower. Thank you for enabling me and many other youths to better ourselves and our futures. Keep doing what you are doing!

ALEX STRICKLAND

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I was born and raised in East Saint Louis, IL. Ever since I was a little kid, I loved technology. The more it advanced, the more I became interested in how it worked. Before NPower, I had just come back from Navy boot camp as an operational specialist at A School. I heard about the program from my father because he knew the staff well, and I also learned about it through my sister who had participated in NPower. I decided to enroll in the program while I was in A School because I believed that it would be a great start to the path that I mapped out for myself. After graduation, I plan to go back on active duty in the US Navy and change my current job with the Navy to an IT position.

DARRON SUGGS

Before NPower, I was working at entry-level jobs to help make ends meet.

I was also searching for programs to get technical skills to build a pathway into a career that would bring me both financial and job security for the future. After a friend of mine referred me to NPower, I applied and was accepted into the program. I enjoyed finally feeling a sense of accomplishment as I learned about the fundamentals of the IT field. I came to know some of the staff, and I could genuinely see how invested they were in the success of each student. Through completion of the program, I have earned my CompTIA A+ certification. With this achievement, I look forward to securing future opportunities in the IT field and taking advantage of other resources provided by NPower.

BRIANNA VELARDE

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TERENCE TRAUGHBER

I have had a thousand dreams, probably more. I had four majors in college (not to mention all the ones I considered), beginning with biology and ending with a degree in English. I applied to jobs in many more career fields before I considered technology. Despite being brand new to the field, I settled on this path because I love to dig deeply into problems, understand how things work, and continuously learn new things. I stumbled upon NPower while figuring out how to pursue certifications on my own and this program seemed to be the better option. It taught me about technology, and it also confirmed that this was the right path for me. There is always more to learn, it is hands-on, it can take you anywhere (globally and into a lifelong career), and it is enjoyable! After graduation, I plan to visit my family for a while and be there when my niece is born. Then, I am diving into my technology career and figuring out where I want to go next, whether that is cybersecurity, programming, or something else I have not explored yet.

ADONIS VINING

Before I started NPower, I worked as a porter and did maintenance work for Schnucks Markets. I attended Missouri Baptist University for IT and business management but withdrew for financial reasons. I wanted to better myself, especially doing something I like such as IT. I learned about NPower through my family members. After looking into the program, I decided to pursue it. During my time at NPower, I experienced and learned a lot! I was familiar with building different workstations, but the program taught me more indepth skills in that area and much more useful things that I can use in my future career. After I graduate, I want to gain more experience with technology since it’s an evolving field. Eventually, I would like to start a small media group with a few of my friends.

Before NPower, I was a college graduate struggling to find work in something that held my interest. I learned about NPower through a family friend and graduate of NPower’s second class. Meeting the program directors made me both nervous and excited to start the program. Those emotions morphed into determination and focus as the program began.

My time in the NPower program has given me much more than I could have hoped for, but three things take precedence. It gave me a massive increase in IT knowledge; a comfortable, inviting environment to learn in; and a chance to try something new by exposing me to things that I had never experienced before. After graduation, I would like to find a job in the IT field that allows me to use the skills NPower has taught me. I would also like to enter a master’s degree program soon.

COURTNEY WALKER

Before becoming part of the NPower program, I was working full time at an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, Illinois. I felt boxed in, and I was not passionate about my work. I learned about NPower through church family and heard about the greatness of the program. At NPower, I not only learned about hardware, uploading images, and working virtual workstations, but I also learned how to present myself distinctly and professionally.

NPower helped to hone and sharpen my technical knowledge, people skills, and professional awareness. After graduating, I will go on to gain more certifications, acquire more technical expertise, and continue to climb up the corporate ladder in the IT community.

JAMES WALKER

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Before I joined NPower, I worked with my dad for a few months after I graduated high school. I have always loved computers and technology. I was planning on going to college, but I could not decide on a major. That’s when a friend told me about NPower. I am very grateful for this program and the opportunities that it has provided me. I plan on trying a few different positions to figure out exactly what direction to take. May papa bless you all in your future endeavors.

FONSHELL WILLIAMS

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missouri

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS 3!

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LAUNCHING TECH CAREERS. TRANSFORMING LIVES. NPower’s model is a solution to building a diverse tech pipeline. Our graduates launch tech jobs with an average starting salary of $41,000–$50,000 and are positioned to advance their career path, enabling them to earn more than their peers in lower-wage jobs through age 65. High earnings potential is the key to breaking generational cycles of poverty, positioning our students and their families to achieve long-term economic success.

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missouri

WE ARE THE FUTURE OF WORK Through partner and tech industry collaboration, our free training model is a workforce development solution for the future. We prepare untapped, diverse talent to fill the nearly 6 million jobs expected to require tech skills by 2020. Our graduates of over 3,000 veterans and young adults are hired at over 100 diverse companies and nonprofits as interns and fulltime employees.

80%

NPower is on a mission to place 15,000 young adults and veterans in entry-level, career-track digital jobs by 2022—and on a path to serving 50,000. Part of this goal is our newly launched ‘40 by 22’ initiative, which aims to expand enrollment of young women of color into NPower’s programming, supported in part by the Citi Foundation’s Pathways to Progress initiative.

Of students who enroll graduate Of alumni get jobs or continue their education

(Based on NPower’s national average 2016-2017)

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THANK YOU...

TO OUR EMPLOYMENT PARTNERS, SPONSORS & FUNDERS Anheuser-Busch

Mastercard

Ascension Information Services

Mathews-Dickey Boys and Girls Club

Boeing

Mercy Technology Services

Boys Hope Girls Hope International

Monsanto

The Centene Charitable Foundation

Peabody

City of St. Louis Treasurer’s Office

Regional Business Council

Clayton School District

Rio Vista Fund

CTA Charity Cornhole Tournament

Saint Louis Science Center

Express Scripts

Saint Louis Zoo

Fathers’ Support Center

School District of University City

GLF

St. Louis Language Immersion Schools

Jennings School District

TierPoint

KIPP St. Louis in partnership with GadellNet

United Way of Greater St. Louis

KPMG

World Wide Technology

Maritz

ZeroDay Technology Solutions

FOR HOSTING OUR GRADUATION

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TO OUR VOLUNTEERS ABNA Corporation Nicole Adewale Accenture Margaret Yancey Boeing Tiffany Franklin City of St. Louis Treasurer’s Office Jerry Walker Clayton School District Addam Jones Creative Reaction Lab Antionette Carroll Amelia Fong Erika Harano Eva Nip Alicia Weinstein Enterprise William Blankenship Greg Reynolds Equifax Workforce Solutions Michelle Camden Kristofer Frey Chris Heyer Dauffus Jackson Ken McAfee Mary Norman Curtis Shelton Curtis Sydnor Shasidhar Yerroju

Express Scripts Marcus Hawkins Alex Pearson GadellNet Chad Menard Good Journey Development Foundation Dionne Ferguson KHAOS, Inc. Candice Murrell Cox KPMG Lori Bluemner Jeffrey Brayton Andrew Dickson Adam Freund James Garland Lisa Garstang Scott Garstang Beverly George John Hellert Andrew Jones Greta Krapac Kevin Krieger Aaron Messner Andrew Milsark Patrick Munter Sade Tagbo Laura Tastad Mercy Technology Services Maryann Copenhaver Edmund Siy

Midwest Cyber Center Jasmine Owens Monsanto Tracy Avidan Ladan Kamfar Sowmya Katragadda Jayashree Rajukkannu Norman Riley New Generation Diverse Business Solutions Mea Hampton

World Wide Technology Abby Baker Heather Engert Angela Giulvezan Ashley Harris Brian Leahy Zack Pearson Nicole Tate ZeroDay Technology Solutions Ramona McCook Michael Rupinski

Operation Hope, Inc. C/O Office of Financial Empowerment Abby Buckhouse Peabody Peggy Scott Regions Bank Alicia Chestnut Tasha Pettis Bonds Scott Air Force Base Col Terrence Adams Shai’Kenya Williams-Brown U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation Stephanie Franklin Workforce DevelopmentThe Crossing Northwest Scott Emerson

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NPOWER SUPPORTERS UNDERWRITERS

SPONSORS

PARTNERS The Abell Foundation

Fidelity

Oracle

Amazon Web Services

The Heckscher Foundation for Children

The Pinkerton Foundation

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

St. Louis Community Foundation

Atos Bank of New York Mellon Bob Woodruff Foundation Boeing California Wellness Foundation Dell

The Sobrato Family Foundation

KPMG

Swords to Plowshares

The Macfarlane Foundation

Tiger Foundation

May & Stanley Smith Charitable Trust

Verizon Workday Foundation

SUPPORTERS Ainslie Foundation

First Data

NetApp

American Express

Fortinet, Inc.

SAP America, Inc.

Arista

HCL America Inc.

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

Atlas

Incandescent Technologies

TD Ameritrade

Bloomberg LP

Ira W. De Camp Foundation

Thomson Reuters

Capital One

Mastercard

Veritas

The Centene Charitable Foundation

The Meadows Foundation

Vodafone Americas

Enterprise Vision Technologies

Merck & Co., Inc

Ernst & Young

Morgan Stanley

FRIENDS Kita Capital Management

PowerSchool

Broadridge Financial Solutions

Pearson

TCC Group

Textron Inc

Thanks to our government partners, the Department of Labor and the New Jersey DOL.

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