NPower Missouri Tech Fundamentals Fall 2018 by NPower

TECH FUNDAMENTALS FALL 2018 GRADUATION CEREMONY

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2018 5:30 PMâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;7:30 PM

missouri

EMERSON BUILDING AA - AUDITORIUM 8000 WEST FLORISSANT AVE. ST. LOUIS, M0 63136

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TECH FUNDAMENTALS FALL 2018

GRADUATION PROGRAM WELCOME Trina Clark James, Executive Director, NPower Missouri

ALUMNI SPEAKER Kayla Patterson NPower Missouri, Tech Fundamentals Spring 2018 Associate Engineer, Corporate IT Services, MasterCard

CLASS SPEAKERS Emily Stone NPower Missouri, Tech Fundamentals Fall 2018 Jared Williams NPower Missouri, Tech Fundamentals Fall 2018

CLASS HONORS Adande Lane, Program Director, NPower Missouri AWARDS EMERSON VALUES AWARD To Be Announced NPOWER DEFYING ALL ODDS AWARD Brett Boyle and Courtney Walker, NPower

ST. LOUIS REGIONAL ADVISORY BOARD BETTER WAY AWARD Michael Rupinski, President, ZeroDay Technology Solutions Valerie Patton, Senior Vice President, Inclusion and Talent Attraction and Executive Director, St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative, St. Louis Regional Chamber

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER Jake Fritz, Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Emerson

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

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER JAKE FRITZ

Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Emerson

Jake Fritz is vice president and chief information officer for Emerson. In this role, he manages information technology strategy for the company’s global operations, including information security, digital customer experience, hardware, software, and services, as well as its telecommunications and data center infrastructure. He was appointed in August 2015. Prior to his current role, Fritz served five years as vice president of infrastructure and operations for Emerson’s corporate information technology organization, where he was responsible for managing data center services, client services, service desks, and the company’s global IT centers. Fritz joined Emerson in 2001 as an IT strategic planner. He was then progressively promoted to a number of positions within Emerson’s corporate IT organization, including manager of vendor relations and enterprise initiatives, manager of corporate information systems, and director of software engineering. He also served as head of information technology for Emerson’s Power Transmission Solutions business unit. Before joining Emerson, Fritz worked as an IT specialist at IBM in Southfield, MI, and as an analyst at Andersen Consulting in Detroit. Fritz graduated with a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Michigan and holds a master’s degree in business administration from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina.

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ALUMNI SPEAKER KAYLA PATTERSON

NPower Missouri, Tech Fundamentals Spring 2018 Associate Engineer, Corporate IT Services, MasterCard

“Everything will be ok in the end. If it’s not ok, then it’s not the end.” —John Lennon My time at NPower has been a wonderful and intriguing experience. NPower has been a great help and pushed me to strive towards my goal as a cybersecurity 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 learn 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 definitely recommend the NPower program to anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in technology.

missouri

CLASS SPEAKER EMILY STONE

NPower Missouri, Tech Fundamentals Fall 2018

“

Experience teaches only the teachable.

”

—Aldous Huxley

CLASS SPEAKER JARED WILLIAMS

NPower Missouri, Tech Fundamentals Fall 2018

“

Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations. The best is yet to come.

”

—Zig Ziglar

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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. Our state-of-the-art curriculum equips students to meet marketplace demandâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;engaging businesses, volunteers and nonprofits in their long-term success. We invest in the growth of our alumni with continued professional development and credentialing.

missouri

BOARD OF DIRECTORS David Reilly | Chair Chief Information Officer, Global Banking and Markets Bank of America Matt Horner | Vice Chair Senior Vice President, Global Enterprise Sales World Wide Technology Gail Fierstein | Secretary Senior Vice President Pearson Steven Ballantyne Chief of Staff PowerSchool Vittorio Cretella Former Chief Information Officer Mars Inc.

Guillermo Diaz, Jr. Chief Information Officer & SVP Cisco Systems Mike Fey President and Chief Operating Officer Symantec Richard M. Greenbaum Managing Director, Global Head Technology Infrastructure Citi Thomas Knowlton Vice President, Partner TCC Group Stephen M. Murphy Senior Managing Director, Infrastructure Services Accenture

Ramana Murthy Magapu Vice President, Head of Banking and Financial Services, NA Tata Consultancy Services Frank Pedersen Chief Operating Officer Consumer Dynamics Christopher J. Perry President, Global Sales, Marketing and Solutions Broadridge Financial Solutions Dan Petrozzo Managing Director Double Partners, LLC

Larry Quinlan Global CIO Deloitte Diane Schwarz SVP, Chief Digital and Information Officer Hunt Consolidated, Inc. Dwight D. Shepherd REAR ADMIRAL (RETIRED)

VP Client Relations GDIT Defense Division Josh Sutton CEO Agorai Bertina Ceccarelli Chief Executive Officer NPower

MISSOURI

REGIONAL ADVISORY BOARD

Terrence Adams Colonel Scott Air Force Base

Matt Horner SVP, Global Enterprise Sales World Wide Technology

Anju Gupta Director, Digital Partnerships and Outreach Monsanto

Jon Joplin Vice President of Technology Express Scripts

Gil Hoffman CIO Mercy Matt Holton Senior Vice President, Operations & Technology, NAM Mastercard

Gerry Lewis President and CEO Ascension Information Services (AIS) Patrick Munter Director, Network Operations KPMG

Valerie Patton SVP Inclusion and Talent Attraction St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative

Jerry Walker Director of Information Technology City of St. Louis Treasurerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office

Michael Rupinski President ZeroDay Technology Solutions

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

Nicole Tate Director, Global Sales Development & Communication World Wide Technology

Lina Young CIO and SVP Global Business Peabody Energy

STATISTICS

TECH FUNDAMENTALS FALL 2018

67% 86% 89%

GRADUATION RATE

INTERNSHIP PLACEMENT

BLACK / LATINX ENROLLMENT

The NPower Tech Fundamentals program includes mobility technology learning modules courtesy of the Cisco Networking Academy. 9

INTERNSHIP KPMG Before NPower, I was a Subway manager struggling to find the missing piece in my life. I lived paycheck to paycheck and knew nothing about technology, even though I was developing a cell phone repair company. After joining NPower, I learned how to troubleshoot PC hardware, software and mobile devices. I made some new friends and developed my networking skills. After graduation, I plan to continue my education as an engineering drawing specialist and land a position with Microsoft. NPower showed me that I have great potential, and I can achieve anything I set my mind to.

EDOH ALOGAVI

Age 23

COMPTIA A+ CERTIFIED INTERNSHIP TBA Before NPower, I was a high school graduate looking to find my next steps. Throughout high school, I was never really sure if I wanted to pursue business or technology. Honestly, I lucked out finding this program by chance while looking for summer technical programs to give me a competitive edge in college. I was always curious about the professional aspects of the IT field. My time at NPower provided me insight into the technical field. This program has shown me that there are many ways to go about getting into the workforce and that it is possible to get a job that combines both business and technology. Working to earn the CompTIA certification and gaining insight into the professional side of IT has given me hope about where I will end up financially. After graduation, I plan on becoming a cybersecurity specialist. Deciding to become a member of the NPower family is one of the best choices that I have ever made, and I do not regret it one bit.

CAMERON BAXTON

Age 18

INTERNSHIP TBA

ZACKERY BENTON Age 19

missouri

I began the NPower program two months after I graduated high school while also working at a local church as a custodian. In high school, I completed an internship at a video game store, learning how to repair game consoles. I enjoyed it, but there was no clear career path. My high school career counselor emailed me and said a recruiter from NPower was coming to the school and that I should meet with them. My time in the program has improved my ability to communicate and increased my knowledge to earn the CompTIA A+ certification. After graduation, I would like to have a position that allows me to challenge myself and further my IT education, and perhaps one day I can go back to learning more about video gaming.

INTERNSHIP TBA Before NPower, I had just graduated from high school and had an interest in technology, but did not have the finances to pursue a traditional degree. I was introduced to the program by staff visiting my high school. My time at NPower has given me the opportunity to learn about software and different applications. I also learned a lot about myself. After graduation, I plan on working with a major company and also working to get my bachelor’s degree in business administration.

STEVEN BERGHOLD

Age 18

INTERNSHIP TBA Before NPower, I was a recent high school graduate and underemployed. I was in the process of deciding what I wanted to do next as far as continuing my education. Then out of nowhere during graduation practice, I was introduced to NPower by the recruitment and admissions manager. From that encounter, I decided to take part in this program to become an IT professional and learn more about the technology field. Through my experience, I have had the chance to grow as a person and create bonds with individuals I communicate with on a daily basis. I have gained IT experience and communication skills, which will help me reach greater heights in the future while pursuing a career.

DAVID BINDER

Age 18 INTERNSHIP MasterCard

Before NPower, I was finishing my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Harris-Stowe State University. I decided to change my career path before it started. In one of my classes, there was a section on cybersecurity that caught my attention. I researched what I needed to do to become not only a cybersecurity professional, but a go-to consultant, to help protect valuable information.

NICHOLAS BOOKER

Age 22

My time at NPower refined the basics I needed to become more professional and technical in IT. After graduation, I plan to continue my journey to become a cybersecurity analyst and further develop my knowledge in IT. I also plan to pursue my Security+ certification, and master’s in cybersecurity. Growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, where the culture is about making money and being successful, my fifth-grade teacher Ms. George gave me a creed that I live by to this very day “It doesn’t matter how you get it, as long as you get it.” I’m not taking the traditional path in building my career, but I am going to be successful.

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INTERNSHIP TBA Before the NPower program, I worked a job that I did not enjoy, burning and cleaning car transmission parts. I heard about the NPower program through my cousin whose child’s mother participated in an earlier cycle. I decided to research the program and realized it was something I wanted to do. I was in between temp jobs and trying to decide whether to go back to technical school. NPower was the right choice and has been a wonderful experience for me; I made new friends and met new people, and even old co-workers. After being in this program, I hope to pursue my career in hardware and software such as HTML/CSS, Windows or as a Cisco technician.

PHILIP BOWDRY

Age 23

INTERNSHIP Boys Hope Girls Hope International I have always been interested in how things work, whether it is an electronic toy or a computer. I just had to figure it out. I feel that NPower has been the perfect gateway to technology and learning how everything in the technology field functions. A family friend who completed the program introduced me to NPower. My grandmother strongly encouraged me to give the program a try, thankfully I did. The time I spent in the NPower program provided me with IT skills and the professional development necessary to be successful inside and outside of the IT community. After graduation, I plan on completing my CompTIA A+ certification and earning as many certifications as possible to increase my skills.

KIA BROOKS

Age 23

INTERNSHIP World Wide Technology Before I was a student at NPower, I was a full-time intern at the St. Louis Dream Center. I served in their worship/media department, and that is where I found my passion for technology. I learned about the program from a friend that was in the same department as me. It instantly sparked my interest, and after a few weeks, I received an interview. NPower has helped me to become a more confident and professional technician. After I graduate, I plan on furthering my knowledge to become an expert network engineer and one day own my own IT company.

EMEARA BURNS

Age 20

missouri

INTERNSHIP TBA

LELAND CASH

Age 25

Before starting NPower, I worked at Dierbergs Market as a courtesy clerk with an associate of arts degree from St. Louis Community College. I learned about NPower from my mother who informed me of the benefits of the program. At first, I was unsure of what to expect, but after learning more details about the internship opportunities, I felt very clear about what why the program was a significant next step. During my time in NPower, I found the instructors, staff and even my classmates to be a great support system. I received much help in answering questions, taking notes and preparing for the CompTIA A+ test. After graduation, I have a plan to attend UMSL to obtain a bachelor’s in computer science. I plan to apply everything that I have learned through the process with a career in graphics and design.

INTERNSHIP Saint Louis Zoo Before NPower, I had recently graduated from high school. It was a happy time, but I felt as if I needed more. Then I heard about the NPower program through my web computer programming class and applied. I got accepted into the program and a new door opened. I felt as if so much opportunity was right at my fingertips, and to my surprise, I was right. NPower changed my entire opinion of technology, and I believe that I can do something great with an A+ certification and have a great career in IT. A quote my grandfather gave to me when I was young was, “Trust those with the same goal to strengthen your foundation.” After NPower, I plan to get a career that suits my skillset and travel the world.

KAILEN COWSETTE

Age 19

INTERNSHIP Clayton School District Growing up, I always had a connection to technology. I knew how to work computers without help. It became a passion of mine. After high school, I did not have plans for my future, but then heard about NPower from my teacher. He recommended that I visit the office and after hearing how they would help me gain more technical skills in different areas, I was hooked.

TIA FLENOY Age 18

When I joined the program, my goal was to broaden my network with IT companies and receive more certifications to expand my knowledge. I gained professionalism and tools that I can use in the tech field. Through NPower, I have learned that the IT industry is always evolving so I have to keep learning, and now I am working towards earning my CompTIA A+ certification. After the program, I plan to work in support, helping others with their technical needs.

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COMPTIA A+ CERTIFIED INTERNSHIP World Wide Technology I never thought that I would get to a place in life where I would have the opportunity to apply for an IT position within a big corporation. Before NPower, I did not apply much effort into my high school work. I thought that working multiple part-time jobs like my dad was the only option for me. Most of my family, except for my parents, would tell me that college degrees were a scam and a waste of my time. I foolishly allowed myself to believe them.

ALEJANDRO GONZALEZ

Once I decided to pursue a job in IT, I was hesitant that my parents did not have enough money to pay for college and I did not want to put them into debt. The NPower program was a big help in my life and made me change my negative view of education. It showed me that even someone like myself could accomplish big things by working hard. The program taught me the importance of building connections with people along my journey. After graduation, I plan to apply for a job at World Wide Technology.

Age 18

INTERNSHIP TBA Before NPower, I was an artist. I wrote stories, composed music and taught myself how to draw. My dream job was to become an author and a musician, and I wanted to incorporate my stories in everything I did. I dedicated most of my education to music until college. When I attended college, I quickly realized that it wasn’t going to work for me. I was introduced to NPower at a very critical time in my life. My stepfather walked in with a flyer, and the rest is history. NPower taught me that there were alternative paths to education. I believe, exploring the field of IT will allow me to take my creativity to the next level. In the future, I see myself programming a video game of my own, working with big name companies like Nintendo and traveling the world. After I graduate from NPower, I plan to take classes in coding, programming and create things as my heart desires.

TYLER HAYES Age 20

INTERNSHIP Jennings School District

RODNEY HERD

Age 22

missouri

Before I joined NPower, I bounced around from college to college. Even though I had succeeded and obtained certifications in other industries, I was not happy with my path. I had a few relatives that told me about the NPower program. I did my research, and I liked what I saw. I have seen students that actually succeeded and spoke highly of the program, so I decided to give it a try. Now that I have chosen to pursue a career in IT and further my education in cybersecurity, I feel that this could be it! Even though going through the program has been a challenge for me, I want to thank the staff at NPower. They stuck by me, helped me and pushed me to finish the program. They saw the potential in me to become a great IT technologist. After graduation, I plan to obtain a full-time position as a help desk specialist.

INTERNSHIP ZeroDay Technology Solutions Before NPower, I was not focused on what I wanted to do for a career. I have always wanted to go back to school to learn a trade but never followed through with the idea. Then, one day my mom came to me and told me about NPower. It sounded like something that may interest me, so I took steps to get into the program and make a change. Since I have been in the NPower program, I have something to look forward to, which is my career. I have learned a lot about different jobs that interest me. After the program, I am going to continue the pursuit for my CompTIA A+ certification and start making money in the IT field.

DREMARQUES HOPKINS

Age 24

INTERNSHIP TBA Before NPower, I searched for jobs online, but I could not find one that caught my interest. I decided to talk to my brother, who is a graduate of Ranken Technical College, and currently an IT specialist. He advised me to research the IT field for myself. My mom came home one day and brought a piece of paper to me. It was the NPower Tech Fundamentals program flyer. I knew it was confirmation for me to pursue a career in the field of technology. During the program, I learned to troubleshoot computers and the basics of hardware and software. After graduation, I plan to move forward and continue my education at a technical college.

JONATHAN LAGRONE Age 26

INTERNSHIP World Wide Technology Technology has been an interest of mine since I was a child. Before NPower, I was an associate at ALDI, contemplating my next move. One afternoon, a co-worker of mine educated me on the opportunities that were available with the program. My time at NPower has been challenging, but a great experience, to say the least. Upon learning tech fundamentals for the CompTIA A+ certification, I developed professional skills such as social networking abilities. I also learned about hardware, software and computer operating systems. After graduation, I plan to use my skills to begin a career in networking.

STEPHEN LANG

Age 25

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INTERNSHIP TBA

FREDERICK LITTLE

Age 20

Before I heard about NPower, I was working 30 to 40 hours a week at Sky Zone in Fairview Heights, IL. I have always been interested in technology and done a little tech work for my parents, connecting Wi-Fi and troubleshooting the family computer. A family friend introduced me to the staff at NPower. When I heard about it being a technology-based program, I was all for it. My time at NPower gave me the knowledge to troubleshoot printers and learn shortcuts on an OS. It was a lot to take in, but in the end, it was well worth it. The best advice I could give anyone in future classes is to come to class, ask questions and study until it sticks. The more studying you do, the more it will become second nature. After graduation, I plan to work for a huge company as a part of an IT team. Using what I learned at NPower will come in handy once I get my foot into the door of success.

INTERNSHIP Boys Hope Girls Hope International Before I joined the NPower program, I had just graduated from high school. As a senior, I struggled to decide if I wanted to attend college because it was way too much money and I knew that I did not want to be in debt. I always knew that I wanted to pursue a career in technology, taking several advanced computer classes in high school. I came across NPower when my college counselor gave me a flyer, knowing my interest in technology. It did not take me long to decide to join because it was a free opportunity. My time at NPower not only taught me about hardware, networking and software, but it also pushed me out of my comfort zone. I learned how to communicate and work in a professional environment. After the program, I plan on becoming an IT generalist and getting hired full time by a company while still pursuing certifications.

GARRICK LLOYD

Age 18

INTERNSHIP TBA Growing up, I had always been interested in technology. I took a computer class in high school before I graduated. My mom introduced me to NPower; she knew someone who had graduated from the program. The training program showed me so much more about IT that I didn’t know. While working on my skills in class, I also received useful tips on interviewing and how to manage my credit. My primary goal is to become a graphic designer. I like thinking about what I could do with movie and game animation. I am also interested in cybersecurity as a secondary route, and there are so many more ways to have an IT career.

ISAIAH LOVE

Age 18

missouri

INTERNSHIP TBA

MONTEL MAGITT

Before starting NPower, I was so complacent, unfocused and beginning to lose faith. I always had a will for success, but I did not have a plan for how to achieve it. I learned about NPower from a friend. At that time, I remembered a famous Tony Robbins quote, “success leaves clues, you just have to be willing to pick them up.” I figured that NPower was a clue for me, so I began investing time and trusting my mentor’s advice to help guide me through the program. The training challenged me to become more ambitious for success. I am thankful for the pathway NPower has provided and for the friends that I have gained along the way. After I finish the program, I plan to get my first full-time IT position.

Age 23

INTERNSHIP TBA Before NPower, I was in high school struggling to figure out my next steps. My college advisor came to me one day and brought NPower to my attention, and I found it interesting, so I applied. When I got accepted into the program, I did not know anything about IT, but now I know about printers, different hardware and how to troubleshoot software. My plan after I graduate is to pursue a career in technology, and I also plan to continue earning my degree.

DAKARI MCCAIN

Age 18

INTERNSHIP KIPP St. Louis (via GadellNet)

KANOSHA NEWBURN

NPower has been a milestone in my life. Before the program, I was a medical assistant working in a doctor’s office. I came to Harris Stowe one afternoon to sign up for school. My fiancé attended with me, and a family friend was walking me through the process. She decided to ask him what his goals were and after he finished explaining, she introduced him to the staff at NPower. After sitting in on one of his meetings, I decided to change my career pathway and pursue technology opportunities in the medical field. I always dreamed about knowing how computers are made and how they worked. I have learned more in 22 weeks than I ever thought I would. After graduation, I plan to go back to school for nursing and work in the IT field while in school. I have always planned on having dual certifications in two different areas. Being certified in two fields by the age of 20 shows that I am going in a great direction.

Age 19

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INTERNSHIP School District of University City Before NPower, I was approaching my high school graduation, uncertain about my career path. I was so focused on finishing school that I was not looking ahead to the next step in my life. I knew three things: I love technology, technology was the future and I wanted to be a mobile app developer. I had to start somewhere. I needed to learn the basics first but did not want to go to college. A close friend told me about a program called NPower.

KALEB POINTER

Age 18

After looking more into the program, I applied and committed to attend NPower. I knew that this was God’s Plan. I enjoyed my time in the program. I learned a lot from my instructors. It felt like they cared about all of the students. There were days that I did not want to get out of bed and come, but I didn’t want to miss out what we were going to learn next. After I graduate the NPower program, I want to continue to pursue certifications in IT.

INTERNSHIP TBA Before NPower, I was working at the Saint Louis Zoo in food service. I was introduced to NPower through my teacher, Patti Venturella. I was intrigued by how much they were willing to put in the effort to make each student achieve their goals. Through my time at NPower, they gave me a variety of unique skills; such as critical thinking, resume building, communication skills and so much more. After graduating, I plan to join a company where I feel like I can succeed financially and emotionally.

TONERIAL POWELL Age 18

INTERNSHIP TBA

ANTHONY RHODES Age 21

missouri

Ever since I was young, I knew I was destined to be tech-savvy. From taking apart the remote to creating and working robots with my high school robotics team, I was involved with technology in some way. My interest in it grew, and that is when I decided to go to Claim Academy to learn about software development. Once I completed that program, I found myself at a stopping point until a good friend of mine told me about NPower. The program helped me move out of that stagnant point in life and further my knowledge in networking and hardware. After graduation, I plan to have my own business and work as a software developer in a gaming company. I will forever be grateful for this awesome opportunity. Thank you, NPower!

INTERNSHIP City of St. Louis Treasurer’s Office

RAPHEAL ROBINSON

Before NPower, I was on the last leg of a four-year stint, striving to obtain a degree and earn a job in IT. Things were not going as planned and I was accruing more debt, so I decided to drop out of school. The day after calling it quits, I spoke with an NPower student and called to inquire about how to get into the program. After the conversation, I was convinced that the program would be my best move to help gain a step up in the industry. Through networking, mentorship, internships and technical training, NPower enhanced my skillset and pushed me into the IT world feeling aware, prepared and supported. After graduation, I plan to work full time and enroll in one of NPower’s advanced certification courses.

Age 22

INTERNSHIP United Way of Greater St. Louis Before NPower, I was going back and forth between being a stay-at-home mom and staying in the same dead-end job that I had been in for the past five years. I always wanted to be a journalist, but I was financially unable to chase that dream. Both of my parents have careers in technology, so they introduced me to the NPower program. At first, I was not interested. Then I started to see that I was destined to enter the IT field. This experience has been more than I could have ever anticipated. I have developed a new appreciation for technology and a new outlook on life in general. NPower equipped me with helpful tools to guide me through both my career and life journeys. After graduation, I plan to work at an entry-level job in IT and pursue my new dream of a career in cybersecurity.

SADIE SECHREST

Age 25

INTERNSHIP TBA Before the NPower program, I jumped from job to job, trying to find a career. I did not know where to start until I found NPower. The program helped me become who I am today. Now, I am a man with potential, who knows how to tackle life and be professional in the workplace. Even though I have learned a lot from this program, after I graduate in December, I still plan to go to college, because I am curious about so many other things. Thank you, NPower for helping me jumpstart my journey to success.

ERNEST SHELTON

Age 21

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INTERNSHIP World Wide Technology Before NPower, I was a high school student with no plans for my future. My interest in technology sparked when NPower came recommended to me through my computer science teacher, Mrs. Demuri, who saw my potential and encouraged me to pursue it.

EMILY STONE

My time at NPower has given me a better understanding of what being in the technology field will entail. It has presented me with a chance to learn more about the industry and more about who I am as a person. After graduation, I plan to continue working in IT, and with hard work, I will pave my way into a long career that will allow me to achieve my goals.

Age 18

INTERNSHIP TBA Getting paid from warehouse jobs, DJing and dancing shows were my main focuses before NPower. Honestly, I actually would not know about the program if it were not for my fiancé enrolling at Harris Stowe. If that had not happened, I would not be in this program. I am happy I was introduced to NPower because I wanted to know the ins and outs of technology. It has been cool learning and experiencing new things in the program like hardware and software. With this knowledge, I plan to reach new heights and share my knowledge with others. Now, I will be less likely to pay others to fix things that I have been trained to do. After NPower, I plan for a career in video editing.

J’TARIAN THOMAS Age 20

INTERNSHIP School District of University City

JARED WILLIAMS Age 21

missouri

Before joining NPower, I was a young man trying to figure out what to do with my life. I saw the program as a free opportunity to learn IT skills. I found out about NPower from my mother, and then I researched the program. Being around positive and intelligent people such as the instructors and students helped me mature and to become a more positive person. Throughout the program, my confidence grew, and now I feel like I can be anything if I put my mind to it. I gained much knowledge about IT by being in this program, and the process was worth the time. Before NPower, I was into technology, but I could not find a way to put my skills to use, but now I know that I can use my talents to enhance the future. It feels great to pursue a career that aligns with my passion. After graduation, I plan to find a great position and keep moving forward because now I know that there are no limitations in life. I want to thank NPower for the opportunity to pursue a great career and to become something great in life.

CONGRATULATIONS TECH FUNDAMENTALS FALL 2018!

LAUNCHING TECH CAREERS. TRANSFORMING LIVES. NPowerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s model is a solution to building a diverse tech pipeline. Our graduates launch tech jobs with an average starting salary of $33,000â&#x20AC;&#x201C;$63,000 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.

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 quality jobs or continuing education by 2023. 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 Companies

KIPP St. Louis in partnership with GadellNet

Ascension Technologies

KPMG

The Boeing Company

Maritz

Boys Hope Girls Hope International

MasterCard

Centene Charitable Foundation

Peabody Energy

City of St. Louis Treasurerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office

Regional Business Council

Clayton School District

Rio Vista Fund

CTA Charity Cornhole Tournament

Saint Louis Science Center

Emerson

Saint Louis Zoological Park

Enterprise

School District of University City

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

TierPoint

Gateway to Innovation

United Way of Greater St. Louis

Global Leadership Forum

World Wide Technology

Jennings School District

ZeroDay Technology Solutions

FOR HOSTING OUR GRADUATION

TO OUR VOLUNTEERS Accenture Elizabeth Creamer Bayer Crop Science Ladan Kamfar City of St. Louis Treasurerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office Aleshia Slaughter Jerry Walker Clayton School District Tom Nielsen Equifax Workforce Solutions Michelle Camden Ken McAfee GadellNet Chad Menard KPMG Lori Bluemner Greta Krapac Sade Tagbo Mercy Technology Services Maryann Copenhaver

Operation Hope, Inc. C/O Office of Financial Empowerment Melissa Carron Zachery Post Regions Bank Alicia Chestnut School District of University City Dr. Robert Dillon Workforce Development - The Crossing Northwest Derek Collins World Wide Technology Javon Coleman Carol Dungan Danny Gifford Ashley Harris Matt Murawski Vineet Sharma ZeroDay Technology Solutions Michael Rupinski

Microsoft Samuel Porter

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