NPower New Jersey Tech Fundamentals Fall 2018

TECH FUNDAMENTALS FALL 2018 GRADUATION CEREMONY

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2018 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

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RBC CAPITAL MARKETS 30 HUDSON ST. JERSEY CITY, NJ 07302

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TECH FUNDAMENTALS FALL 2018

GRADUATION PROGRAM WELCOME Bea Tassot, New Jersey Executive Director, National Liaison for Military Strategy and Programs, NPower

ALUMNI SPEAKER Erick Escalante Pumagualle NPower New Jersey, Tech Fundamentals Spring 2018 Data Center Technician, Spartech Solutions

CLASS SPEAKER Janpaul Acevedo NPower New Jersey, Tech Fundamentals Fall 2018

CLASS HONORS Kendall L. Givens, Career Placement Manager, NPower Anna Perrotti, MS, Recruitment Placement Manager, NPower Nicollette Vaillant, MSW, LSW, Social Support Manager, NPower AWARDS RBC CAPITAL MARKETS INNOVATION AWARD Eric Peltzer, Chief of Staff, RBC Capital Markets Technology, RBC Capital Markets

NPOWER CORE VALUES AWARD

NPOWER GRIT AWARD

Melody Brown, Director of Human Resources, NPower

Nicole Flowers, Senior Manager, Cloud Infrastructure, Accenture

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER Jeremy Sonnenburg, Head, Global Technology, RBC Capital Markets

PROGRAM COMPLETION CERTIFICATE CEREMONY Mailien Nguyen, Assistant Technical Instructor, NPower Kendall L. Givens, Career Placement Manager, NPower CLOSING REMARKS Bea Tassot RECEPTION

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COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER JEREMY L. SONNENBURG Head, Global Technology, RBC Capital Markets

Jeremy L. Sonnenburg is a managing director at RBC where he is the head of Capital Markets Technology. Jeremy sits on RBC’s Global Markets Operating Committee and Innovation Leadership Council.

Jeremy joined RBC in 2010 from Barclays Capital where he was the head of Commodities Trading Technology for North America. Prior to Barclays, Jeremy worked at Credit Suisse leading a strategic change team. He started his career as a consultant at Andersen Consulting (now Accenture).

Jeremy is a graduate of the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin where he studied the management of information systems.

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ALUMNI SPEAKER ERICK ESCALANTE PUMAGUALLE NPower New Jersey, Tech Fundamentals Spring 2018 Data Center Technician, Spartech Solutions

“I am so thankful that NPower gave me a chance to start life over. I went from an average public safety worker to an inspired IT professional. After my service in the Marine Corps, I served the public in several government positions. I was totally dependent on my military background to obtain a “good job.” NPower changed that!

I learned that personal development with technical training in the IT field will become the best days of my life.”

“Life has no limitation, except the ones you make.”

—Les Brown Erick Escalante Pumagualle is an alumnus of NPower New Jersey Spring 2018. He served in the US Marine Corps for eight years where he worked in the Aviation Supply Element at the Marine Air Station. Upon separation from the Marine Corps, Erick worked several jobs before being accepted into the NPower program. Through NPower, Erick obtained his CompTIA A+ certification and interned at MARS Global Services. Some of Erick’s responsibilities at MARS included reimaging users’ workstation laptops, monitoring and updating work notes in the ServiceNow ticketing system, performing laptop verification with hardware asset management, and troubleshooting Plantronics headset hardware.

Just two weeks after graduating from the NPower program, Erick was hired

by Spartech Solutions. As a help desk technician, he monitored user computer systems through remote access, installed small network cabinet, and provided onsite support. Recently, Erick was promoted to a data center technician where he is responsible for the installation of servers and switches, cabinet cable management, and onsite technical support. In November 2018, Erick began attending the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University where he is preparing for the Security+ certification. He plans to become a penetration tester in the future.

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CLASS SPEAKER JANPAUL ACEVEDO

NPower New Jersey, Tech Fundamentals Fall 2018

“My experience at NPower was filled with fun, challenges, and new learning experiences. This program molded me and pushed me forward to accomplish all of my goals and dreams. Coming to NPower was a life-changing decision which has prepared me for not only the IT field but also for the real world by expanding my communication skills. I give thanks to all the hard working staff that helped keep me motivated and pushed me every step of the way. Today, I can say I am a certified IT professional.�

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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 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 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

NEW JERSEY

REGIONAL ADVISORY BOARD

Vivian Brady-Philips Executive Director Jersey City Housing Authority Jacquie Cleary CEO Atlas MASTER GUNNERY SERGEANT

John Escalante NYC/NJ Representative Marine For Life

Nicole Flowers Senior Manager, Cloud Infrastructure Accenture Rik Jones Director, KTech, Technology Services KPMG Radhakrishnan Mahalingam Partner/Vice President, FSS Cloud Application Innovation Delivery Leader IBM Global Business Services, US

Chris Murphy Director, Platform Services TD Ameritrade Ambrose Nardulli Chief Technology Officer, Application Infrastructure & Operations for Commercial Banking JPMorgan Chase & Company

Joshua Richards Director, Identity and Access Management Pearson John Sasso Associate Director, Service Delivery Lead, Technology Experience Support Ernst & Young LLP

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STATISTICS

TECH FUNDAMENTALS FALL 2018

81% 70% 202

GRADUATION RATE

BLACK / LATINX ENROLLMENT

VOLUNTEER HOURS

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

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INTERNSHIP Gadget Software

JANPAUL ACEVEDO 22, Clifton, NJ

Before starting NPower, I was just a regular college student with hopes of graduating but not truly knowing what I wanted to do with my life. I still remember watching an NPower commercial on TV where I made a choice that would change my life forever. I fell in love with what NPower offered and how they pushed students to get certified, putting them on the right path to start their careers. It was a long journey going through this course, and at times it was tough for me to find balance. I was taking this course while also working and going to college, but somehow I did not quit and got it done. This course offered so much more than just Tech Fundamentals.

It helped me prepare for the real world and real-life situations, taught me to speak more confidently and instructed me to project myself; the list goes on. This course has molded me and has pushed me to be the best I can be.

NPower is something I like to call a once in the lifetime opportunity and will always hold close to my heart.

After graduation, I plan on completing my bachelor’s degree while also flourishing the skills and knowledge that NPower has taught me.

INTERNSHIP TD Ameritrade JOB IN THE MILITARY Specialist I am a multi-channel transmission system operator in the New Jersey Army National Guard. I wanted to serve my country while pursuing my civilian career. Prior to joining NPower, I worked in financial services. I have always had a passion for technology which led me to a career change. I heard of NPower through the Veteran Services at my college and thought it would be a great opportunity. It was a struggle at first, attending NPower while being a full-time college student but the hard work paid off. I learned something new every day, and when it was time to take the 901 and 902 exams, I was confident that I would pass with the knowledge and training I received.

NPower provided me with a solid foundation for starting my IT career. After graduating, I will continue my education with my second bachelor’s degree in information technology and work on the CCNA certification. I plan to secure a technology role in the financial service industry and become a Commissioned Officer in the Army National Guard.

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RAYAS ALI

South Ozone Park, NY New Jersey Army National Guard Currently Serving

INTERNSHIP Deloitte JOB IN THE MILITARY Field Radio Operator, Marksmanship Instructor, Shipboard Firefighter

IVAN ALVARADO Bloomfield, NJ U.S. Marine Corps Served 4 Years

At the age of 18, I enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps to serve my country and help build a strong foundation for my family. After serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom, I transitioned into the civilian world where my true challenges would begin. After years of working in various jobs, I came across NPower.

With trepidation in my heart, I filled out their online application and was contacted shortly after that for a request to interview. Once I began to see the actual benefit of what NPower offered its students, I became filled with excitement about the possibilities before me. They offered me much more than I could have ever hoped for and when they took me in, they made me feel as if my service to this country was truly appreciated.

During my time at NPower, I learned new things about myself and the technologies I use daily. I got the tools necessary to start a promising career that would help financially secure my family’s future. I feel indebted to NPower and their staff, as they have shown a genuine love for what they do and the lives they touch.

HIRED AT Foresters Financial Before NPower, I graduated with a BS in computer science but had struggled to find a career path due to an unsuccessful job search. With the lack of projects and resources at my university, I felt unprepared to go into the IT industry and thought that I should get more hands-on experience. At the time, I considered going to grad school, but I did not have the financial credit to pay for tuition. Moving forward, I applied to NPower at a career fair in my school after being intrigued by the program’s free tech training and the chance of getting certified. When I got accepted, I was excited.

During my time in NPower, I did not only learn about technology, but I also learned that professionalism and networking are keys to unlocking doors to success. The site visits helped me understand what it takes to be in the professional working environment and being exposed to those successful individuals in the industry motivated me. The staff at NPower and students, with unique backgrounds influenced me to work harder.

RAYMOND ALVARO

25, Jersey City, NJ

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INTERNSHIP Investors Bank

VICENTE BASALDUA 25, Englewood, NJ

What brought me to NPower? The need for a career change. My original plans were to go to graduate school, but I had too much student debt, and I did not want to add more to what I owed. It felt like being stuck between a rock and a hard place. My mentor suggested NPower, and I thought it was an excellent place to check out. The program was an eye-opener; learning to disassemble my first PC was a little tricky, but it was satisfying. Throughout the cycle, I learned more about the IT industry and how to be careful with components when you are troubleshooting them. A+ certification training was very eye-opening, and the other paths of IT made me think that I should not stop after getting certified, but should go for even more certifications.

I don’t want to limit my options when it comes to a career. In all honesty, NPower has been a blessing. It made me open up to new career paths instead of being stuck in one field. The one thing I’m sure of is that I am looking forward to my new career within the IT industry.

INTERNSHIP TBA Before NPower, I was attending a four-year college hours away from home.

I played football while on track to graduating with a bachelors in sports management, but after a few semesters, I knew it was not for me. I wanted something that grabbed my attention. After looking for where to go next, NPower came recommended to me, and I knew the program was what I needed. It guided me to a new career path, helping me get into the work world with its networking, internships, mentorships and the A+ certification training. I feel confident while doing something I enjoy.

DEVON BAZIL

20, Newark, NJ

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INTERNSHIP TD Ameritrade JOB IN THE MILITARY Infantry, Gun Crews, and Seamanship Specialists

EITAN BECHOR North Bergen, NJ U.S. Navy Served 4 Years

I joined the U.S. Navy right after high school, not yet knowing what profession I would eventually pursue after my service. My passion for the culinary arts led me to earn my bachelor’s degree at the Culinary Institute of America, and for the next ten years, I built a career as a chef and restaurant manager.

Recently, I began my search for a career change and a quality-of-life improvement when I learned about NPower’s training programs. At first, it was hard to believe that a nonprofit organization was offering free IT classes for veterans, but following my acceptance into the program, I knew I was on the right path.

Over the course of my studies at NPower, my interest in cybersecurity and related technical challenges have grown. Now I am building a plan to continue my learning and earn further certifications to achieve my goals in this field.

I am very thankful for the opportunities NPower continues to offer alumni, and this big step in my life and career wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the incredible staff. With my CompTIA A+ certification and my upcoming internship at TD Ameritrade, I am confident that I am strongly positioned to grow and be successful as an IT professional.

INTERNSHIP CMIT Solutions Before NPower, I wasn’t sure where I wanted to do after high school. I had an interest in computers, but I didn’t have the proper knowledge to pursue a career. What brought me to NPower was my need for tech skills and knowledge. I wanted to attend a college for both traditional and software engineering, but I didn’t feel confident going in blind and starting far behind my classmates.

My time at NPower gave me a chance to learn more about tech and to help me put a foot through the door into my career. After graduation, I plan to continue my pursuit of a career in IT. I plan to finish my community college program and then transfer to a four-year college, working towards a degree in both computer science and engineering.

JOSIAH BOATSWAIN 20, Newark, NJ

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INTERNSHIP Tech World JOB IN THE MILITARY Radio Operator and Mechanic I served a total of 20 years in the U.S. Army and New York Army National Guard. I signed up for the 82nd Airborne as Radio Operator and Mechanic.

While in the military, I attended school to become a telephone wire and cable installer also known as a “wire rat.” I also learned multi-channel radio and satellite communication, computer programming, data entry, A+ PC service and Microsoft Office. I took several business courses in college, yet despite all these courses they did not launch me into tech.

DALLAS BUTLER

Newburgh, NY U.S. Army and NY Army National Guard Served 20 Years

Then, as I was between jobs, the New York Department of Labor sent me a flyer about NPower New Jersey—my perfect storm—the right training and certification, with hands-on experience to start my IT career. In my days at NPower, I have never seen a company or organization with a staff who work as hard as this group. They do all they can to make sure you are successful.

“Thank You, NPower” for my last Hail Mary!

INTERNSHIP TBA Before starting NPower, I was unhappy with the types of jobs I was coming across, so I knew I had to decide on whether to go back to school. One day as I was looking for a new job or find a school that offers IT certifications, I came across NPower. I called it the “too good to be true” school because I couldn’t believe everything provided was free. I guess you can say I was skeptical but I dove head first into the program and haven’t looked back since.

The program has been the perfect opportunity to launch a career in the IT field which happens to be something that I’ve wanted since I was a young kid. Now I am on the verge of getting my first IT job with the help of the NPower staff giving me great mentoring lessons, showing me professionalism out in the field as well as helping me achieve my A+ certification. I will always be grateful for the opportunity given to me.

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MARIO DIAZ

22, North Bergen, NJ

INTERNSHIP JPMorgan Chase & Company

BRAILINSON DISLA 21, Newark, NJ

NPower has been an uphill battle, but one that I have won. Before the program, I was at a point in life where I would think, at least once a day, about how I could ‘vanish from existence at any time’—it was terrifying.

However, that all changed. As I went through the program, I found myself on a journey along dedicated peers and a supportive staff. I have been able to work extensively on personal qualities to which I now attribute my passion, drive and positive outlook in life. Also, I have been able to acquire different skills that will not only help me thrive in the field of IT but also in my future long-term endeavors. As the program ends, my career takes off.

I cannot wait to discover what the future holds for me, and I look forward to continuing my extensive use of resources as I pursue my goals of going into the field of cybersecurity, specifically for penetration testing.

INTERNSHIP Gadget Software Before starting my course at NPower, I was working twelve-hour shifts in landscaping, yard work, and property design; I had to do it all, no matter the weather. I have attended two separate colleges due to a lack of interest in the studies I had taken up and because I could not see a future in what I was studying. Over the past couple of years, my stepbrother had been living with me, and I have had the opportunity to learn many different things from him in regards to technology. For example, I learned what different types of technology can do and how they support bigger systems. A few months ago, a friend of mine graduated from NPower and secured a position at a hospital that I visited. Talking with him introduced to the idea of NPower, and after hearing about the program and what they were offering, I could not help but think about the countless opportunities that could extend my knowledge of technology. This program has helped me achieve my goal of growing in the world of technology and more. Not only can I significantly apply myself to the class, but I can also immerse myself into the work with the vast amount of resources available to me thanks to the great staff at NPower.

MICHAEL DUGGAN

20, Caldwell, NJ

The technological skills, internship and the networking that I have participated in has been life-changing. Without NPower, I would still not have a clear vision of the future, and no idea which way to go or what to do.

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INTERNSHIP TBA

MICHAEL ESPINAL 22, Union City, NJ

I joined the U.S. Army at the age of 19, so I could help my mother take care of my two little sisters. I grew up poor without almost nothing, and I wasn’t going to let my sister live that life. At first, I couldn’t find a good paying job fresh out of high school so after a year of searching, I enlisted.

After my time in the Army ended, I needed to be a parental figure, so the job-searching process began, and it was a struggle. Several months later, I learned about NPower. At first, I thought the free classes were a joke or a scam of some sort but it was close by so I decided to give it a shot. When the interview came along, I thought I was going to learn a couple of new tricks at best throughout the whole course, but on the first day, I realized how little I knew about computers. That interview got me excited about the class and from week one, I learned so many things. Now I have a much clearer understanding of computers which amazes me, and I have all the people at NPower to thank for that.

INTERNSHIP TD Ameritrade Before NPower, I was enrolled at Saint Peter’s University studying computer science. It was all thanks to my sister for showing me this field. I wanted to be a video game programmer; unfortunately, the school became expensive, and I was unable to afford it and had to leave. My sister told me about NPower and how they provide a course to obtain a certification, and I immediately applied. It felt like a dream come true once I got accepted. I knew this was the program for me. Not only did NPower give me an opportunity to pursue my dreams but it also showed me more fields within IT. Now my goal is to be a cybersecurity analyst, and with NPower, I can achieve it.

JAILENE FANTAUZZI 24, Paterson, NJ

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INTERNSHIP KIPP NJ

ANTHONY GARCIA

Before starting NPower, I was working at an unsatisfying job with no room for growth. I always had a love for IT but did know how to pursue a career in the field. When I heard about NPower, I thought it was too good to be true.

I could not believe that an organization like this could exist, so like most things in my life, I entered with a bit of skepticism. Thankfully, the program quickly threw any uncertainty I had out the window as the class started and all I had to do is trust the process. With the help of NPower, I was able to not only get my A+ certification but rekindle my passion for IT. I could not be any more grateful for the opportunities NPower has provided.

22, Paterson, NJ

INTERNSHIP TBA JOB IN THE MILITARY Intelligence Analyst I served in the U.S. Army for 13 years as an Intelligence Analyst. Most of my career was spent overseas, where I applied my trade in Europe, Asia and the Middle East including two deployments to Iraq and one tour of Afghanistan. Due to injury and family demands, I separated honorably from the military, but I faced the paralyzing prospect of starting my life and career over again. Thankfully, I was blessed to enroll in the NPower program which gave me a jumpstart at obtaining a whole new set of marketable skills and internship opportunities that ensured I could be successful once more. With leadership experience combined with my new IT skills, I am ready and able to overcome whatever challenge the future holds.

ALEC GILLIS Bronx, NY U.S. Army Served 13 Years

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INTERNSHIP JPMorgan Chase & Company

ZIBIN GUAN

Before starting NPower, I was looking for an internship opportunity. I had recently graduated from college with an IT degree from NJIT when NPower gave me the opportunity of free training. The most valuable experience at NPower is not the training but rather the connections made with people.

We went to site visits at TD Ameritrade, Deloitte and Fidelity. We asked a lot of useful questions from experts in the IT field which helped us understand what IT is and what the future of IT may be. After graduating from NPower, I plan to do my best in my internship at JPMorgan Chase & Company and hopefully become a permanent employee.

21, Edison, NJ

INTERNSHIP JPMorgan Chase & Company I have had some exposure to computer science in the past, gambling with the idea of the field’s range without actually progressing and honing any skills. Since discovering NPower and enrolling in their A+ certification program, it finally feels like I’ve found some direction in my now blooming career path. The training, coupled with the peers I met and knowledge acquired, has made for a gratifying experience. Now I intend on pursuing a position as a server administrator, and I am working on learning the skills to get there. The road will continue to be arduous, but with this firm first step forward, I can only see growth ahead.

IDRIS HOFFMAN

24, Jersey City, NJ

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INTERNSHIP TBA JOB IN MILITARY Field Radio Operator

CHRISTOPHER LEONI

Manhattan, NY U.S. Marine Corps Served 4 Years

I decided to join the military during my senior year of high school. Two weeks after graduation, I was on a bus headed to Parris Island, Marine Corps basic training. I learned fundamental life values while in the Marines, but when I got out, I had a hard time finding work that would equate my prior training to employer standards. I decided to attend film school in Manhattan, and my veteran’s advisor introduced me to NPower. At first, I didn’t think I was the right fit because I knew close to nothing about IT, but I had always been interested in learning. Upon further research, I learned the working environment at NPower was similar to some of my Marine Corps training. With that in mind, I signed up, and two weeks later I was interviewing to be a student. Within my first week of class, I had already learned how to disassemble and reassemble an entire computer! I am now more than confident to dive into the IT field and see what other opportunities are within reach. All this would not be possible without the supportive staff at NPower that catered to the needs of the whole class.

INTERNSHIP TBA JOB IN MILITARY Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Nuclear Specialist I am a U.S. Army Reservist with a hospitality background possessing over five years experience spanning across Europe, Asia and the U.S. I enlisted into the Military after I obtained my MBA. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to secure a full-time job since 2014. I was introduced to NPower through my contact in the military. NPower accepted me into their Tech Fundamentals program at a time when nobody else was putting their faith in me. NPower taught me the ropes of the technology sector and gave me a career path. NPower has been very kind in providing me this opportunity as well as taking care of my transportation from New York where I currently reside. After graduating from the program, I plan either get into management consulting or go for the NPower Cybersecurity program. Thank You, NPower! You truly change lives!

VIKAR KAZI Queens, NY U.S. Army Reserves Current Serving

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INTERNSHIP TD Ameritrade

KEVIN KPELI 25, Newark, NJ

Before NPower, I graduated college in sports management and was looking for jobs in the field but couldn’t find the right fit or opportunity. I was introduced to IT after some tech courses in college, but I didn’t know how to go about a career. After talking to an advisor, he recommended NPower.

I did some research and was impressed by the program, so I applied and got in. Once I started the program, I realized NPower was what I expected and more. The curriculum and teachings were exceptional and challenging but pushed me to study and work hard to succeed. I learned more about IT and computers in three months than I have in my entire life—it was an enriching experience. The support and resources available, as well as the social and professional network I gained, were invaluable to my growth and success as a future IT professional. After graduation, I hope to continue developing my IT skills through more classes and certifications. With the foundation I gained at NPower, I know they are well within reach.

INTERNSHIP TBA JOB IN MILITARY Ship’s Serviceman Greetings to all of the future technologists out there. I will give a brief introduction to where I am at this point in my life as I ponder the question “Why am I studying a field that so many people have given a bad name because they say it is too difficult to learn?” I wish that my story could start with “having been interested in computers since the tender age of twelve, I started building programs for fortune 500 companies and lived happily ever after” but my story is somewhat different.

NPower has been a significant turning point for me as I’ve had to prove to myself the difficulty of learning a subject overnight is worth the effort.

Having no previous knowledge of the fundamental importance of computers and the power that they have over just about everything we do in this digital age, I am here to tell you that it has been a struggle that is well worth it. NPower gave me a chance to learn something new while opening my eyes to a new way of seeing things that wasn’t crystal clear before.

Knowledge is power, and with it, there is no end to what can be achieved. I see a brighter future ahead of me that is full of questions but the harder I study, I know I will be able to learn the answers.

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STEVEN LANE Irvington, NJ U.S. Navy & Navy Reserves Served 6 Years

INTERNSHIP Spartech Solutions

MAXWELL MCCARTHY 23, Hackensack, NJ

In February 2018, I was laid off from a warehouse job. I turned to Lyft desperate for an income again. A few months later, I happened to have a recruiter from the Harlem office of NPower sit in the back seat of my car and open a door that would change my life forever. Before I knew it, six months have flown by, and I am now at the end of the program, equipped with A+ certification and extensive knowledge that I didn’t have before.

NPower didn’t only provide me an education; they gave me a free chance to be the better version of myself I was trying to be. The staff and other classmates supported and believed in me when life made completing this course seem impossible. I gained a network of people with whom I’ve built great relationships. They’ve done so much, and I am thankful. I am ready to start my internship and soak up as much hands-on experience as possible to build a fulfilling career.

INTERNSHIP JPMorgan Chase & Company Before starting NPower, I was struggling to finish college. I had been applying to multiple jobs and internships but had not heard back from any of them. Months later my mom’s friend, who is a veteran, talked to me about NPower. I am a computer science major in college and this program added to my passion for technology.

ROBERT MCLEAN

22, West Orange, NJ

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INTERNSHIP SHI International JOB IN THE MILITARY Supply Administration

KEVIN MERCADO Jersey City, NJ U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Current Serving

I joined the U.S. Marine Corps right after high school. At 18, I was a supply administrator as a reservist. At the same time, I was in college not entirely sure what I wanted to do on the civilian side except for the fact that I loved technology. I heard of NPower though my girlfriend. At first, I had my doubts because it sounded too good to be true. Going through the program has been better than expected and I learned a lot more than I anticipated, not only about technology but also about life in a professional workspace thanks to the great staff of NPower. I am thankful that I came across NPower as they helped me jump start my career and set me up on a path of success for years to come.

INTERNSHIP City of Newark Before NPower, I attended DeVry University after high school majoring in Criminology. I always had a passion for computers but never really knew what I wanted to do. When I came across NPower, I decided to give it a try to move in the right direction in the technology world. Being a part of NPower teaches you more than the fundamentals of IT but also develops the skills needed to be successful in a workplace. After graduation, I will continue with my IT path and receive more training and certifications on my journey.

CELENA MITCHELL

23, Newark, NJ

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INTERNSHIP KPMG

KEVIN MORALES 24, Englewood, NJ

Before NPower, I was working in jobs that I didn’t see myself growing in.

Luckily through a networking event I attended in New York City, I met Kendall Givens, and she introduced me to NPower and suggested that I apply.

Reading about past students that have gone through NPower and how this program has given them the foot in the door was something that I wanted to do as well. After acceptance into the program, I knew it would be lifechanging. From start to finish, the curriculum has taught me how computer parts work together and how to troubleshoot a plethora of problems either hardware or software. By having instructors who have years of experience in the field of IT, I have been able to ask questions to clarify ideas on side projects and potential career paths. Continuing conversations with employees and past alumni at the site-visits, I now know what I would like to do after graduation. I plan to continue my education and work on my Network+ and CSA+ certification.

INTERNSHIP KIPP NJ Before joining NPower, I was struggling to find a job. Honestly, I didn’t know what I was doing wrong or what else to do. Being frustrated and confused, I weighed my options. Once I heard about NPower, I wanted to take the chance, but I was told I have to compete with a series of other individuals and even though I knew nothing about technology, my gut told me I had to try. After getting in and even during the interview, the staff saw the potential in me that I didn’t see in myself. They told me they would help me every step of the way and though they have seen my weaknesses, the staff still worked with me to strengthen my problem-solving skills. Fast forward a couple of weeks, I felt overwhelmed with all the information that I was getting. Every person that I came into contact with did their best to give me advice and tips to help with my problems. I appreciate everyone for that.

Now I feel stronger and more devoted to the technology world then I have ever felt before, and I have NPower, the staff, instructors and my fellow students to thank.

ADRIAN PATTERSON 22, Jersey City, NJ

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INTERNSHIP City of Jersey of City

CHRISTSON PHILIPPE 22, Jersey City, NJ

Before starting NPower, I graduated from Lincoln Tech with an electrician certification. From there, I got a paid training job at Hickory Industries working as a commercial microwave technician troubleshooting microwaves.

I liked that position because I was learning to work with my hands, but I felt like that particular field wasn’t for me. I wanted more for myself and to combine my knowledge of electricity with IT. Most of our technologies run on, and everything connects through networking which is a compelling combination. Also, this is why I joined the free NPower A+ certification training program. I hope to make my dream job come true because it’s never going to happen unless I put in the work, time and effort. I am confident that I’ll make it. I try to remind myself that “I am always a student, never a master at anything” which means I am continually learning new things and am open minded to experiencing severe challenges in life as I grow up. I have only had one life and plan to make the most of it. There is always a reward at the end of the dark tunnel, and you have to keep pushing forward, never backward.

INTERNSHIP TD Ameritrade Before I found NPower, I was attending Kean University in Union, NJ as a computer information systems major. The college environment was much fun but ultimately wasn’t a good fit for me. It just didn’t make sense at the time. I actually went to an information session for NPower before but decided to pass on taking part in the program and instead wanted to take off a year from school to figure out what I wanted to do next. After a year passed, I remembered NPower and decided to give it a try. I was out of school, hating my job and wasn’t feeling very good about the direction of my life. It was time to do something different. My process with NPower was a rocky one, to say the least, due to struggles with getting from Newark to Jersey City on time, not being consistent with getting work done and relearning how I learn best. I have become a lot better at studying and will take everything I learned into my internship at TD Ameritrade. After graduating from NPower, I want to continue gaining certifications geared toward networking.

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ROMAN RICKETTS

21, Newark, NJ

INTERNSHIP TBA JOB IN MILITARY Motor Transport Operator

MICHELLE RIVERA Pennsauken, NJ U.S. Army National Guard Currently Serving

I joined the U.S. Army National Guard in 2014, my junior year of high school at the age of 17. I went to basic the summer going into my senior year, and I went to AIT (job training) after I graduated high school. I am still currently serving. Before NPower, I was unemployed and taking a break from Camden County College while going to drill for the Army National Guard one weekend a month and two weeks a year. What brought me to NPower was an email from our sergeant. What also brought me to NPower was an opportunity to learn more about technology, which I studied all four years in high school. My time at NPower gave me a refresher on some familiarization of the fundamentals on the subject and helped me gain more knowledge I was not sure at the beginning of the class. After graduation, I plan to have a full-time job in cybersecurity, going back to college part-time and getting my bachelors in electrical engineering.

INTERNSHIP TBA JOB IN MILITARY Land Surveyor Before NPower, I operated several businesses with marginal success. I felt a need to explore my horizons and decided to study computer technology. In the U.S. Army, I was a land surveyor and have helped with the construction of many buildings in both NY and NJ. I felt that the construction process involved similar processes to computer repair such as the documentation and explaining the situation to end users. My time in the military trained me for my civilian life. Being involved in construction has served me well. In my future life, I would like to pursue Cisco networking ideally through CCENT or CCNA certification and my networking goals. Thanks, to NPower, I feel I’m off to a great start.

JOSHUA ROSS, JR. Maplewood, NJ U.S. Army Served 12 Years

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INTERNSHIP SHI International Turmoil, anguish and despair are the words that described my life before finding NPower. This organization is the light I saw in the thick, neverending darkness that was my existence. Like a star in the night sky, I aimed for the great opportunity that is this program. I went from being a young adult to becoming King Bluetooth. How many organizations exist that can turn a serf into royalty? I now know, deep in my heart, that there exists one.

Now with my A+ certification, King Bluetooth is prepared to conquer the world and secure his place in Valhalla!

RUDY SONG 24, Parsippany, NJ

INTERNSHIP TBA Before I started NPower, I was a struggling college student trying to find my way through my early adulthood. Although I was attending school, I wasn’t sure if it was something that I wanted to finish. Faced with a dead end, I almost gave up until I came across NPower while searching for tech jobs on the internet. During my time at NPower, I was challenged and dared to go even further beyond what I thought I knew. I’ve met many new people, and The NPower program has helped me forge a foundation of technology that I will build upon to reach my long-term goals. After graduation, I plan to further my education and try to earn more certifications. One of my goals is to create my own IT firm. I hope to teach my young one and give her a stronger IT background than I did.

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SALEEM TAAHAA

22, Newark, NJ

INTERNSHIP Gadget Software

NYEEMA THOMAS 25, Elizabeth, NJ

Before attending NPower, I was previously studying at Northwood University, majoring in accounting. I decided to take a break from school, unsure if that was the route I wanted to continue. Time goes by, and I knew I just had to take charge immediately in creating my career path to secure a prosperous future. I had little knowledge about technology, though I have shadowed my grandfather for years on his career path as an IT technician.

NPower presented me an opportunity to get started on my success. They opened the doors to skills building, networking and furthered my professional development. The staff at NPower was also a big help in strengthening my perseverance to face some tough obstacles. This program has been a blessing, and I plan to continue pursuing my career in the field of technology.

I am beyond thankful for NPower’s substantial opportunities.

INTERNSHIP TBA JOB IN MILITARY Electronics Technician First Class I joined the U.S. Navy in 1978 after the death of my fiancé. I needed a way to get my life together and to get away from NJ. I enjoyed the Navy and traveling around the world. I have worked for different employers and finding a position that I enjoyed was becoming a chore. So, I decided to pursue technology. While looking for different programs, I came upon NPower in an internet search and decided to inquire about it. I made an appointment to talk to the recruiter at NPower as I’ve always enjoyed working on computers and learning about them. NPower has been a Godsend for me. I’m enjoying the program and can’t wait to attend the other courses.

The staff of NPower is tremendous and concerned about you mastering the course. Any vet who wants to advance his or her career in IT should give NPower a try.

SHENNA THOMAS Newark, NJ U.S. Navy Served 8.5 Years

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INTERNSHIP KPMG

HIROSHI VALDERA 26, Kearny, NJ

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Before starting at NPower, I was working a full-time job at an office for a construction company, taking part-time classes at NJCU working toward my bachelor’s degree in computer science. However, there were times in which I had to leave college for a couple of semesters due to financial issues. While I was blessed to have a full-time job, I wanted to work on something within my career field, and so I decided to research for computerrelated opportunities. When I learned about NPower and the opportunities the program offered, it was one of those significant opportunities in my career and my life. After a few emails and interviews, I received the letter of acceptance to the program. As the program went on, the staff consistently showed their support, guiding us with from the classroom instruction to preparing us for an IT career. I honestly couldn’t have asked for anything more than what this program has given to me. I will cherish the days and knowledge I have received here at NPower.

CONGRATULATIONS FALL 2018!

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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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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 The Ainslie Foundation AT&T Atlas Atrion Communications Resources, Inc. Bank of America BNY Mellon The Bob Woodruff Foundation Citigroup City of Jersey City City of Newark CMIT Solutions Deloitte Foresters Financial Gadget Software

The Harriet & Jeannette Weinberg Foundation The Hyde & Watson Foundation KIPP NJ KPMG Investors Bank JPMorgan Chase & Co New Jersey Department of Labor SHI International Spartech Solutions TD Ameritrade Tech World U.S. Department of Labor Verizon

FOR HOSTING OUR GRADUATION

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TO OUR VOLUNTEERS American Management Association International Diane Arthur Marina Marmut Brooksource Mackenzie Scheier Deloitte Rafael Castellon Alicia Forbes Guy Fruda Rodolfo Gonzalez Jennifer Koldyk David Raouf Anthony Sotto Fidelity Investments Natalie Brathwaite Frederick Cho Gus Costalas Carolyn Diehl Kalyani Durga Koppisetti Fayaz Khan Khadesha McLeish Sean Riggle Matthew Savage

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Supriyo Biswas Malay Chakrabarty Sudipta Chakraborty Debashis Choudhury Aniruddha Das Serene Gallegos Mohit Gupta Peter Inn Subhankar Jana Amrit Jha Rajesh Kumar Amit Lal Ankit Maheshwari Saida Mannava Kendrick Oliver Amrut Patnaik Kumar Rajan Steve Ramos Abigail Santner Anandha Murugan Selvarasu Anasua Sengupta Swapnil Shah Seshadri Sridharan Rohin Sunil Praveen Kumar Thayanithi Christine Tiedeman Krishna Kumar TVM Anusha Vijay

TD Ameritrade Diego Aguero Janel DeMarco Carlin Ervin Thomas Frank Yoandri Franklin Jeffrey Gee Christopher Murphy Narisara Neno Edward Sanchez Kevin Willocks

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NPOWER SUPPORTERS UNDERWRITERS

SPONSORS

PARTNERS 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 Roger I. & Ruth B. MacFarlane Foundation

Tiger Foundation

May and Stanley Smith Charitable Trust

Workday Foundation

Verizon

SUPPORTERS The 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 Corporation

Capital One

MasterCard

Veritas

The Centene Charitable Foundation

The Meadows Foundation

Vodafone Americas

Enterprise Vision Technologies

Merck & Co., Inc

Ernst & Young

Morgan Stanley

FRIENDS Pearson

PowerSchool

TCC Group

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

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