NPower Missouri Tech Fundamentals Spring 2020 by NPower

missouri

TECH FUNDAMENTALS

SPRING 2020

missouri

NPOWER MISSOURI

A NOTE OF REFLECTION 2020 has truly been an unprecedented year. With a health pandemic that has, in some way, touched every one of our lives and with heightened racial injustices both in the St. Louis area and around the country, the NPower Spring 2020 Graduates have remained determined and focused to build the skills and obtain the certifications needed to excel in tech careers. Our entire team has been continuously inspired by their commitment to excellence and agility and motivated by the trust they put in NPower for support in building successful careers. While times are challenging at this moment, we at NPower, are hopeful for the road ahead. One of the important lessons we learned during this pandemic is how vital a role technology plays in keeping us connected—to learn, to work and to communicate. Technology has enabled millions of people to work from home in a matter of weeks. And this proves how critical tech jobs are in every company and will be in the future. We celebrate the achievements of our graduates transitioning to a virtual learning environment and completing this challenging program. We acknowledge the unprecedented grit required to navigate the rigors of training against a backdrop of an ever changing world. The NPower Missouri family proudly remains committed to supporting each and every graduate in their transition to tech professionals.

To the NPower Spring 2020 Graduates, thank you for sharing this part of your professional journey with us. We know a bright future awaits you. We honor you. We applaud your accomplishments. We are excited for your next season. Congratulations!

With gratitude,

Wendell Covington Executive Director, NPower Missouri

TECH FUNDAMENTALS | SPRING 2020

We would like to extend a special thank you to the partners who have hired our students and hosted virtual internships, as well as the many volunteers who helped pave the way.

missouri

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, Missouri, and Michigan. Our six-month program fuels a diverse pipeline of digital professionals hired into entry-level and mid-level jobs by Fortune 500 companies throughout the U.S. Our 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. 2

NATIONAL

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, Inc.

Dean Del Vecchio EVP, Chief of Operations and CIO The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America

Viola Maxwell-Thompson President and CEO Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF)

Diane Schwarz VP, Chief Information Officer Johnson Controls

Guillermo Diaz, Jr. Chief Executive Officer Kloudspot

Stephen M. Murphy Sr. Managing Director, Financial Services Technology Global Lead Accenture

President Dwight Shepherd Consulting

Gail Fierstein | Secretary Head of People CaaStle

Michael Fey Co-Founder & CEO Zero Abstraction

Vittorio Cretella | Treasurer Chief Information Officer Proctor & Gamble

Debra King Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer Corteva Agriscience

Steven Ballantyne COO Watermark Insights Randy Barnhardt

US MARINE CORPS (RETIRED)

VP, Cloud & Innovative Solutions SHI International Corp. Craig Cuffie SVP, Chief Procurement Officer Salesforce

Jennifer Kleinert Chief Operating Officer, Enterprise Infrastructure Operations & Technology Citi Thomas Knowlton CEO CSR Talent Group

Dwight D. Shepherd

REAR ADMIRAL (RETIRED)

Anupam Singhal Senior Vice President and Business Head Tata Consultancy Services

Mark Patterson SVP, Chief of Staff to Chairman Josh Sutton & CEO Chief Executive Officer Cisco Systems Agorai Frank Pedersen Partner Apply Digital Christopher J. Perry President Broadridge Financial Solutions Dan Petrozzo Partner Oak HC/FT Larry Quinlan Global CIO Deloitte

Peter Trizzino Senior Vice President, Global Sales Dell Technologies Sangy Vatsa Executive Vice President & Chief Technology and Digital Officer FIS Global Bertina Ceccarelli Chief Executive Officer NPower

MISSOURI

Yvena Atkins Strategy Manager Accenture Matt Holton Senior Vice President, Operations & Technology, NAM Mastercard Matt Horner SVP, Global Enterprise Sales World Wide Technology Jon Joplin Vice President of Technology Express Scripts

Gerry Lewis President and CEO Ascension Information Services (AIS) Brian Mize Department Manager, Global Cyber Security Information Security Office Enterprise Holdings, Inc. Valerie Patton SVP, Inclusion and Talent Attraction, ED, St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative St. Louis Regional Chamber

Scott Richert CIO Mercy

Reggie Swanigan CIO Together Credit Union

Michael Rupinski President ZeroDay Technology Solutions

Nicole Tate Area Vice President, Global Client Enablement World Wide Technology

Gary Smith Director, Architecture & Engineering, KTech KPMG

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

TECH FUNDAMENTALS | SPRING 2020

REGIONAL ADVISORY BOARD

NPOWER MISSOURI

TECH FUNDAMENTALS SPRING 2020 STATISTICS The curriculum for this program includes a NetAcad learning module courtesy of the Cisco Networking Academy.

37% WOMEN

84% 88%

missouri

CERTIFICATION RATE

INTERNSHIP PLACEMENT RATE

*Placement in Progress

ST. LOUIS, MO

FLORISSANT, MO

I had yet to accomplish anything to be proud of, and I was beginning to feel like a failure. I debated whether or not college was for me. I was tired of people telling me that I'm not going to amount to anything. When I asked others in my circle if I should try to get into IT, they put me down as not smart enough, which I took as a challenge. While working at a restaurant, a friend brought up NPower. After being granted the opportunity to be a part of something great, I immediately immersed myself in the program. Fast forward six months later, and I'm on the verge of completing my IT training! I've earned the respect I longed for, and I'm now able to stand tall and proud for overcoming challenges.

I am a 23-year-old student from St. Louis, Missouri who enrolled in NPower because going to a university had become too expensive. I was pursuing my B.S. in science and cybersecurity. A friend who is an alumnus told me about NPower. In just six months, he was working in the technology field, with no prior knowledge or experience. I realized I could do the same, while saving thousands of dollars. I applied for this amazing opportunity and was accepted. NPower provided resources, tools, and reliable staff on our IT journey. I plan to continue my education with NPower to learn coding. I would also like to obtain my Network+, Security+, and several other certifications. I am grateful that I was able to develop my technical skills and work on selfdevelopment and thank NPower for making this possible.

Before enrolling in NPower, I was working part-time while considering college or a trade. I was interested in technology but had no idea how to enter the field. An alumnus from NPower, who worked as a technician at Mastercard, informed my mother about the program and forwarded me the website and other information. I saw the opportunity and applied, believing I wouldn’t be chosen as I have only held one job and no had no previous experience in IT. But NPower proved to me that I was underestimating myself and accepted me! I have grown so much in a short time. Not only have I learned skills involving technology, but also the proper etiquette of professionalism and how to operate in a workplace. I’ve developed skills in problem-solving and communications, as well as a passion to know more and more about the tech world. After graduation, my plan is to expand my list of certifications and apply them as I delve further into what I believe will be a fruitful career.

TECH FUNDAMENTALS | SPRING 2020

TAMIM AKBARZADA DEMETRIA BALLARD MICHAEL BELL 22 23 21

missouri

KENA BEYENE 21

DARIUS BLACK 23

DÉJA BLUE 24

ST. LOUIS, MO

SHREWSBERRY, MO

FLORISSANT, MO

I came across NPower at an opportune time through a mutual friend. I had been in and out of college courses in computer science for a few years and had some incentive to go back. It wasn’t until I heard about a program that provides specialized technical instruction and training for IT that I decided to make productive use of my next six months. Obtaining the tech training for free was a huge motivator; however, what convinced me I was in the right place has to do with the wonderful staff. The combination of technical, professional, and emotional support has been a fruitful and humbling experience. I’m excited about the coming opportunities and look forward to furthering my professional career with NPower programs.

Overall, I would say that NPower has had a major impact on me. Before I joined, I was unhappy working at Shake Shack. My work hours were unstable, and I felt unappreciated and useless. To be honest, my first day with NPower was nothing like what I expected. I thought it was going to be like a quick summer course where you learn some things, but with no guarantee that you can use the information to move up in life. I was truly moved by the help and resources the staff offered; they actually cared about us and our success. I realized there was so much I needed to learn; I had to put in extra study time, but the struggle made me stronger. I'm proud I made it this far. I proved that even if I’m not the best now, I can still succeed in life as long as I focus and keep going. I’m unsure about where I’ll end up in IT, but as long as I remember what I learned, I should be just fine!

Before NPower, I was a college graduate seeking employment in a field that I considered promising. With countless job rejections, I started to pursue my dreams in music. I was exposed to multiple software and hardware during an internship at a studio and developed an interest in IT after troubleshooting ProTools when working on a song I created. I went on to work for nonprofits such as STL Youth Jobs and OpenSTL which led to a chance encounter at work one evening. A woman I shared my space with told me about NPower and urged me to apply, so I did, and it was the best decision ever! NPower gave me training in Cisco, ITF-U61, A+, and networking. Most importantly, NPower reminded me how I can achieve whatever my heart desires. I love my fellow students and instructors. I have perfected my five-minute pitch, learned how to approach possible and future employers, and how to manage money and credit. I will use my new skills in networking, cybersecurity, audio engineering, and web development, as well as obtain certifications.

JERIS BOYD 20 SAINT LOUIS, MO

NATHANIEL BRANDON 24

CLARK BURROW 20 SMITHTON, IL

I had recently graduated from college with an associate’s degree in IT before joining NPower. After earning my first certification in college, I went on to fail every exam I took, though I came close to passing. I learned that my certification was quickly losing value in the IT industry. Even though the failures motivated me to work harder, I was discouraged. I recalled a recruiter from NPower visiting my high school, and I knew then NPower would be a part of my continuing education plan postcollege. From day one, NPower has been with me every step of the journey to becoming a better IT professional. Skills such as network topology, operating systems, cabling terminology, and cloud computing infrastructure are just a few areas of new knowledge. I've earned my certification for ITF Fundamentals, and I'm on track to land an IT career and become financially secure in a failing economy. As an alumnus of NPower, I know I'll always have the perfect opportunity to learn from the best in my journey to become the best.

When I was 10 years old, I decided I wanted to get into gaming. Not Before I found NPower, I was a just any gaming—PC gaming. college graduate with an This required me to build my own associate’s degree, working an computer, so I worked to save insignificant job and unsure how money and did my own research to move to the next step. Since on how computers work. After high school I’ve worked with two years of working for whatever programs on computers, and I money I could get and through would play around with the some thoughtful planning, I set out settings. My grandmother knew I to buy the parts. It took me a had an interest in computers and solid day of reading manuals, but told me about NPower. Once I joined NPower, I found something eventually I got it. I finally went to push the dreaded power button new to learn each day. The to see what would happen, and instructors are great and the then suddenly I felt the life of the lessons clear. The social support computer rush through the system counselors reach out and help and the roaring fans kick up. It with issues. The professional development days were informative was running and it was electrifying! in helping me create a professional I had never been happier with myself. Today, I look at myself as work approach. Overall, the a highly outgoing young man cohort has been positive and engaging. Once I graduate, I want who wants an IT career, looking technology in the face on a to pursue a career in the IT field. daily basis—the same way I did 10 years ago.

TECH FUNDAMENTALS | SPRING 2020

HAZELWOOD, MO

missouri

AARON BUSH 25

JORDAN BUTLER 23

CLAIRE CARR 23

ST. LOUIS, MO

Before NPower, I was working in a warehouse, thinking about going back to college to obtain a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. I was referred to the program because I had an interest in technology and science, and college wasn’t really working out. I like NPower because it's similar to going to college for a degree, but without the huge bill. I hadn’t attended any classes in a year, yet I feel NPower helped me reclaim my focus and increase my professionalism. The thing that stuck with most about the program was that if I committed myself to learning about IT I would have an entire network of opportunities. I’ve grown professional; I didn’t like wearing professional attire, and now I just wear it in my own style. After graduation, I plan to complete my internship at Accenture, make connections, join advanced NPower classes, keep learning, and earn more certifications. My ultimate goal is to be self-sufficient and independent.

Before joining NPower, I was finishing my last semester at Indiana State University, going for a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering technology. I joined NPower instead of finding a fulltime job after college to gain technical, hands-on skills and experience that I couldn’t obtain from college. NPower has provided me with the necessary knowledge and experience to succeed and grow as an IT professional. After graduation, I plan to continue with NPower and complete my Security+ and Network+ certifications while simultaneously working in an entry-level IT position.

Before and during NPower, I have been employed as a prep cook at Eleven Eleven Mississippi. I have always been curious about technology and was referred to NPower by a friend. Since joining NPower, I have learned valuable lessons on diligence, commitment, and how teamwork is a huge part of the foundation to creating your own success. This opportunity has motivated me to pursue a career path in IT and obtain more advanced certifications. With my support from a patient trainer, I have obtained the CompTIA ITF+ certification and look forward to learning as much as I can as a new technologist.

GARLAND EDMONDS 25

ST. LOUIS, MO

BELLEVILLE, IL

Before NPower, I had just completed my certification for C#.Net and was looking for an opportunity to get my foot in the door when I saw that NPower had an opening for an internship. During my interview, I learned it involved training, but I would have more certifications and an internship out of it. Luckily, this was something I was looking for since I lacked basic knowledge. I only knew about programming, which wouldn't make me a good IT professional. This program helped me, not only with IT, but with becoming a better person. They taught me things that I will never forget and will use throughout life. My goal is to become an entrepreneur and start my own IT business. I have become a driven and motivated IT professional— thanks to NPower!

From as early as I can remember, computers and problemsolving have been passions. After graduating from high school as valedictorian, I decided to pursue an education in STEM and decided to major in computer science at St. Cloud State University. After attending for two years, I was homesick. I returned to St. Louis for a year-long break Once I was ready, I attended the University of Missouri St. Louis, majoring in computer science and minoring in mathematics. I found NPower through Indeed and decided to take a chance. What surprised me most was how much I didn’t know. Every day I was learning something new about hardware, software, operating systems, and network systems in Cisco Packet Tracer. With this wealth of knowledge, I can reach greater heights. Next, I will pursue web development at community college to further my knowledge; I plan to attain a computer science degree.

I worked at a bank in my hometown for two years. Although I loved that job and the environment, I wasn’t growing the way I should have been. I decided to return to school. I had a passion for IT and knew I should go back to school for it. Then a family member told me about the NPower Tech Fundamentals program. I knew it was perfect for me. NPower has helped me expand my technological skills in ways I never thought possible. NPower has also taught me how much my character and professionalism can impact opportunities and my success in the workforce. I plan to continue to increase my knowledge by getting my Network+ and Security+ certifications.

TECH FUNDAMENTALS | SPRING 2020

LAMYRA CHATMAN BRANDY COLEMAN 20 25

AUSTON FOUNTAIN 23

missouri

ST. LOUIS, MO

There comes a point in life where you question your direction and decisions. I was working as an Amazon driver, and while that work was fine, it wasn’t fulfilling. I knew I needed a career change, so I set out for new opportunities. I discovered NPower while conversing with a former coworker who is an NPower alumnus. He told me how it was a wonderful program that looks out for you and teaches you technology and how to build yourself professionally to make yourself more marketable to top-tier companies. I’ve expanded my knowledge of applications and software development, troubleshooting, network and programming concepts, database fundamentals, and more. I am open to working for different companies in positions that will help build more skills. I also plan to start my own business in the technology field.

DIMITRI JOHNSON 23

MARSHON JOHNSON 23 ST. LOUIS, MO

FLORISSANT, MO

Before NPower, I was trying to find my way in life, not knowing what to do or where to go. I was enrolled at a community college before trying to obtain a certification in EMT training and working full-time as an orthodontic lab tech. My life was busy as I tried to find a balance. Although I didn’t make it to the end of EMT training, I am genuinely proud of myself for making it to the middle of the semester. After that experience, I began to think about my future. I wanted to find a career with benefits and a stable income so I can live independently. That’s when I stumbled upon NPower. I knew that this would be an opportunity of a lifetime and I would be a fool to let it go. I’ve gained a great knowledge of hardware and software computing skills, which has helped me personally and professionally. What I most enjoyed was the group projects and handson activities. After graduation, I plan to find an entry-level IT help desk job and implement the skills that I’ve acquired. My ultimate goal is to become an IT support analyst within five years and continue to expand my knowledge.

Before NPower I worked many tough labor jobs, for little pay. I was in and out of different colleges, always changing my major, never able to figure out what I wanted to do. I had an interest in IT, but after all that schooling and ending up with nothing, I felt burnt out. After being referred by a friend about the program I applied. Since my first encounter with the NPower staff, I knew that this program was for me. Unlike my previous professors, I could instantly tell that they cared and wanted to help me be the best I can be. After graduation I plan to use my new skills to not only start a career that I’m passionate about, but to continue to learn more as well.

ROBERT KEELY 22

ST. LOUIS, MO

I am currently 21 years old, and almost all my life I’ve known myself to be destined for greatness. Whatever I put my mind to, I seem to accomplish, and learning something new is not exempt. When it comes to furthering my education for a proper career path, I saw and still see NPower as the perfect opportunity. Learning is a forever process, and so is growth. And this is why the IT field is everexpanding. I am inserting myself into this field, and I plan to grow with the industry. This has been an opportunity that I will forever appreciate, and I am thankful to all instructors and staff. I’m proud to have NPower a part of my story!

I grew up in a working-class family. My life has been okay. My family made sure I never went a day being homeless. However, many times my family struggled to make ends meet. When I became an adult, I went to college and later on I went to UMSL. Due to lack of funds to cover tuition, I was forced to drop out and look for a job to help pay for my education. While searching on a job board I found NPower. The program drew me because they were offering free training and a paid internship. It seemed like a great opportunity because I was majoring in IT. In the program, I not only learned about computer hardware, networking, and security, I also learned about professional development and interviewing. But the part I enjoy most is my teachers and fellow classmates. After I graduate, I want to get into cybersecurity to protect people from cyber attacks.

DARRELL LOMAX 25 ST. LOUIS, MO

My interest in information technology began in 2019 when a friend told me that IT is a growing field with many job opportunities. I was introduced to the NPower program and was able to get my IT Fundamentals, A+ certifications. Now, I look forward to starting my career and reaching my goal of becoming a network engineer.

TECH FUNDAMENTALS | SPRING 2020

ERIK JONES 21

KAYLA MARBLE 20 ST. LOUIS, MO

T’ASIA MUHUMMAD 25 ST. LOUIS, MO

DE’SHAJUANA OWENS 20 EAST ST. LOUIS, IL

missouri

I entered NPower seeking a change I’ve met great people through in life and committed to seeing NPower who care not only about that change happen. Before tech, but about people as well. NPower, life had begun to unravel I loved having two different in crazy directions, and emotionally instructors switch from time to I was not well. I had to step into time, making each lecture even high gear to become the change I more interesting. I love the diversity both desired and deserved. I’ve and the dynamic environment, always had a love for problemand I appreciate all the materials solving and helping others, and and resources offered in and my new skill set allows me to offer outside of class. Originally my my services in new, innovative cohort started in person, but we ways. Attending NPower has played moved to a virtual platform such a significant role in my life, due to COVID-19. Even with a both physically and emotionally. crisis, I was able to adapt to a new I’m grateful for the professional workspace with the help of our development and all the amazing social support managers. The people I’ve met. After graduation, professional development team I plan to become an IT specialist also worked hard to ensure that I at my current company and feel ready for the workplace. progress into a management role. Thank you NPower—I look forward to seeing us grow!

Feeling lost and confused after graduating from high school, I realized I didn't have plans for moving ahead, besides my parttime job. At 20 years old, I had decided to work and see how far I could get up the corporate level in retail, which in return only led to my becoming unhappy with the work I was doing. I then came across the NPower application through Indeed for a six-month learning/internship program about Information Technology. I realized that I could add this skill and quickly discovered a career that I genuinely enjoy. NPower has helped me take in more information on other careers and job opportunities dealing with IT, along with best practices on customer service. As an aspiring IT professional, I will follow my curiosity further into graphic design and digital art to become an animator. I want to thank every instructor and mentor for helping me open my eyes more to see a bright future!

ST. LOUIS, MO

SEAN RITTENHOUSE COLE RODGERS 24 25 O’FALLON, MO

When I first arrived in the U.S., I Before I joined NPower I had felt lost. I wanted to pursue my attended community college but own American dream, but I didn’t left, feeling my life still had no know where to start. I was working direction. I ran into an ad for at a pleasant job, but I wanted NPower on a job board and applied. a position that would challenge After an interview, I officially me and allow me to grow. After became a trainee. I was interested researching career opportunities, in the program because of its I found NPower and realized that offer to help teach me the this was it—my opportunity to information I need to obtain tech grow in a challenging field while certifications that would get my being backed by experienced foot in the door for a career in IT. teachers in a safe environment. There were also promises to My time at NPower was a rich provide tips and skills for working and fulfilling learning experience, I in a professional environment. am incredibly grateful to the I’ve learned about the different NPower family for quickly adapting aspects of working in IT, such as and giving trainees the tools we hardware and software installation, need to continue class during the troubleshooting, coding, setting pandemic. After graduation, I up networks, cloud services, plan to get an entry-level position virtualization, and more. I have also that will allow me to gain more learned how to best present myself experience as well as take coding in a professional environment, classes. I plan to attend next from proper attire, to avoiding year’s cohort for cybersecurity. office politics and respecting cultural differences, to operating with honesty and integrity. My plan is to get into a good company and start building my skills and resume.

ST. LOUIS, MO

For the past seven years I have been working for a labor union, and while I’m thankful to be employed, it has never really been my passion. Long hours and being undervalued as a worker were enough to push me towards dedicating my time to a new career. I found NPower on Indeed and knew I had to seize the opportunity. Meaningful employment opportunities with the possibilities of advancing my position with a career in IT have been top of my priority list, and NPower showed opportunities for future professionals to make that a reality. During the pandemic we had to transition to a virtual platform, which helped us develop different skills, expand our horizons, and learn and work from home. NPower provided an experience that I am proud to be a part of! I will seek more certifications and learn more IT strategies to help advance my understanding of computers, while developing innovative skills and techniques to bring this knowledge with me.

TECH FUNDAMENTALS | SPRING 2020

PAULA PAREDAS 25

ALEX SCHMITT 26

missouri

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, IL

Finding support in pursuing your dreams and career is difficult, now more than ever. My experience at NPower has made my dreams become an opportunity for both acceleration and excellence. I learned about NPower though a family friend and Indeed. I have gained new skill sets related to computer hardware, networking, and various ways to troubleshoot operating systems. My instructors gave me the confidence to attain these skills as well as many others. NPower has given me the chance to develop as a professional, building my confidence not only as a future IT candidate, but also giving me a mindset that will help me excel. I plan to find a career in either network administration or cybersecurity. I couldn't recommend NPower enough to anyone willing to advance!

OLIVER SPENCER 24 ST. CHARLES, MO

When I was growing up, I struggled with learning and in socializing. I never really felt like I belonged. In high school and college, I had trouble communicating. Even after completing community college, I felt unsuccessful. Hunting for a job was difficult, and explaining myself in interviews even harder. I had a habit of going onto job board websites and applying for anything. Though not recommended, it is how I found NPower. My gut said that this had great potential. It was a doorway into technology. Immediately I began learning about hardware. As I progressed, I learned more about hardware and software; I also strengthened my communication and presentation skills. There was enormous energy; seeing people strive for success was thrilling! NPower has helped me see my own potential. I am eager to go out into the world to start my career in software administration, and I feel confident knowing NPower will be right behind me every step of the way.

JASMINE THOMAS 24 ST. LOUIS, MO

I entered the NPower Tech Fundamentals program to learn more about computers and how they work. I was working at a retail store as a stocker when my coworkers told me about NPower. I resigned from my job and started class. I have learned so much from the instructors about IT and how often we use it on a daily basis.My time at NPower has made me think about how I feel that I am doing something I have always wanted to do. I met new people, became more open and broke out of my comfort zone. I have passed all my tests and achieved my certification in IT Fundamentals. After graduation I would like to have a full-time job in an IT department.

ERIC UEBARI 20 ST. LOUIS, MO

WILLIAM “PABLO” WASHINGTON 26

D’VYNE WILLIAMS 20 BELLEVILLE, IL

Before joining NPower, I was pursuing my IT degree. I struggled in college because I didn’t feel confident and became worried about my future in IT. As a result, I failed exams and finished my two years of college with no certifications or job offers. A classmate recommended NPower and gave me information about the program and how it can benefit me. I realized that this could be a turning point. Since joining NPower, I have felt more confident than ever before because of the excellent instructors and staff. The program presented me with the opportunity to redeem myself by providing me with the necessary tools, knowledge, experience, and faith to go out there and succeed in the IT field. I've enjoyed meeting trainees with different backgrounds looking to redeem themselves and make the most out of their futures. It made me feel that if they can do it, I can do it, too! After the program, I intend to work in an entry-level IT job and increase my knowledge and experience, while returning to NPower to take courses for Network+ and Security+.

Before NPower, I was enrolled in a certificate program at community I joined NPower due to the college. The program ended recommendation of my college abruptly, so I started looking for professor. I was finding the job other options. I went to a career search and interview process prep class and was given information grueling and unsatisfactory, and about NPower. NPower gave me while I’ve always felt I had the qualifications, determination, and not only technical skills, but also new technical fields to explore. willpower to succeed, I wasn't The part I enjoyed most was landing the right opportunities. I managing security threats. NPower wanted to transition from six helped me grow personally; I years of criminal justice work to a position in IT. After learning about learned things to implement in everyday life that have made NPower, I immediately knew it things easier. Professionally, I feel would be perfect. The instructors for the ITF and A+ are phenomenal there is no job I could not get. After graduation, I plan to make sure and always willing to help. The I have all three certifications. My professional development Friday ultimate goal is to continue to program is truly outstanding. further my IT education to become Thanks to NPower, I feel more an entrepreneur! confident in speaking and in my skills, not only during interviews but also as a future leading IT professional. After graduation, I plan to finish my criminal justice degree and start a career in computer forensics.

TECH FUNDAMENTALS | SPRING 2020

ST. LOUIS, MO

LYELL CHAMPAGNE JR.

missouri

SHANICE MOORE

TERRANCE DAVIDSON

SIMEON GIBSON

missouri CONGRATULATIONS! TECH FUNDAMENTALS

TAMIM AKBARZADA

DIMITRI JOHNSON

DEMETRIA BALLARD

MARSHON JOHNSON

MICHAEL BELL

ERIK JONES

KENA BEYENE

ROBERT KEELY

DARIUS BLACK

DARRELL LOMAX

DÉJA BLUE

KAYLA MARBLE

JERIS BOYD

SHANICE MOORE

NATHANIEL BRANDON

T'ASIA MUHAMMAD

CLARK BURROW

DE'SHAJUANA OWENS

AARON BUSH

PAULA PAREDES

JORDAN BUTLER

SEAN RITTENHOUSE

CLAIRE CARR

COLE RODGERS

LYELL CHAMPAGNE JR.

ALEX SCHMITT

LAMYRA CHATMAN

OLIVER SPENCER

BRANDY COLEMAN

JASMINE THOMAS

TERRANCE DAVIDSON

ERIC UEBARI

GARLAND EDMONDS

WILLIAM "PABLO" WASHINGTON

AUSTON FOUNTAIN

D’VYNE WILLIAMS

SIMEON GIBSON

WATCH THE RECORDING

npower.org/graduation/spring2020

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TECH FUNDAMENTALS | SPRING 2020

SPRING 2020

missouri

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–$60,000 and are positioned to advance their career path, enabling them to earn more than their peers in lower-wage jobs. Higher earning potential is the key to breaking generational cycles of poverty, positioning our students and their families to achieve long-term economic success.

WE ARE THE FUTURE OF WORK

81%

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

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 nearly 4,000 veterans and young adults are hired at over 200 companies and nonprofits as interns and full-time employees. NPower is on a mission to create pathways to economic prosperity by launching digital careers for young adults and military veterans. Part of this goal is our ‘40 by 22’ initiative, which aims to advance more young women of color in tech careers. This initiative is supported by Citi Foundation’s Pathways to Progress initiative.

TECH FUNDAMENTALS | SPRING 2020

(Based on NPower’s 2018–2019 national data)

THANK YOU... TO OUR EMPLOYMENT PARTNERS, SPONSORS & FUNDERS Accenture

Intelliteach

Anheuser-Busch

Jennings School District

AT&T Foundation

Keeley Companies

Bank-On Save-Up St. Louis

KPMG

The Boeing Company

Maritz

Boys Club Girls Club

Mastercard

Boys Hope Girls Hope

McCarthy Holdings

Cass Information Systems, Inc.

Mercy Technology Services

Centene Charitable Foundation

Nestle

Cisco Systems, Inc.

Nine Network

Citi Foundation

NPower St. Louis

City of St. Louis Treasurer's Office

Peabody Energy

Clayton School District

Rio Vista Foundation

The Cultural Leadership Fund Andreessen Horowitz

The Saigh Foundation

Emerson Electric Co.

Saint Louis Zoo

Enterprise Holdings, Inc Express Scripts

missouri

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

JAZZ IT UP SPONSOR

Saint Louis Science Center The School District of University City

JAZZ IT UP SPONSOR

Gateway to Innovation (g2i) Community Giveback Award Google Global Leadership Forum

JAZZ IT UP SPONSOR

St. Louis Community Foundation The St. Louis Regional Business Council Technology Partners

JAZZ IT UP SPONSOR

United Way of Greater St. Louis World Wide Technology

JAZZ IT UP SPONSOR

...AND TO OUR VOLUNTEERS Harris Stowe State University Romney Edwards

Anders CPA David Hartley

Justine Petersen Ben Feimer

AT&T Vasudeva Cherukumilli Natalya Fridman Andrea Gilby Matthew Gilman Marie Holmes Candace Jones Seema Kasthuri Matthew Loduca Joshuah Shields Gregory Weber Jason White

Operation H.O.P.E Melissa Carron Ryan Moore

Centene Maggie Fairchild

Slalom Sarah Chapin Amber Daniels Gavan Day Mark Katerberg Dan Kieffer Alana Kunkel Crystal Martin Monica Millien Sean Murphy Leslie Nance Amy O'Konsky Blair Sheppard Barb Steen Madeleine Tierney Mariah Vollmer

NPower Alumni Council Edoh Alogavi Demetria Ballard Kena Beyene Amya Douglas John Hoeft Dimitri Johnson Demetrius Kirkwood Stephen Lang Christopher Lawshe Garrick Lloyd Amenta Robertson Jamila Scales Eric Uebari Mike Vitale

TECH FUNDAMENTALS | SPRING 2020

Accenture Yvena Atkins Liz Creamer

NPOWER SUPPORTERS UNDERWRITERS | $750K+

SPONSORS | $250K+ Accenture

PARTNERS | $100K+ Ainslie Foundation

Centene Charitable Foundation

The Hearst Foundation

Prudential

Andreessen Horowitz

Cognizant

Heckscher Foundation for Children

Publicis Sapient

Ascension Information Services

Craig Newmark Philanthropies

Ira W. DeCamp Foundation

Pure Storage

Atlas Data Systems

Dell

JobFirstNYC

Salesforce

Bloomberg Philanthropies

Emerson

Mastercard

Workday Foundation

Bob Woodruff Foundation

Fiserv

Microsoft

The California Wellness Foundation

Gula Fund

The New York Community Trust

The Achelis & Bodman Foundation

CompTIA

The Meadows Foundation

American Express

Corteva Agriscience

Motorola Solutions

St. Louis Regional Business Council

Capital One

Dupont

Netscout

Vodafone

Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation

France-Merrick Foundation

Shippy Foundation

Cisco Systems

HPE

Zoom

Deloitte

Tata Consultancy Services

SUPPORTERS | $50K+ State Street

TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS

FRIENDS Johnson Controls

Agorai

CSR Talent Group

Apply Digital

GoodScout

Kloudspot

CaaStle

ITSMF

Watermark Insights

TCC Group

Thanks to our government partners, the U.S. Department of Labor, Maryland and New Jersey Department of Labor.

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