The Urban League of Middle and Memphis Tennessee has announced a free accelerated technology initiative exclusively designed for adults experiencing unemployment arising due to Covid-19. The TechConnect Job Program provides customizable technology training online, job readiness, resiliency workshops and certificate or licenses upon completion. TechConnect cohort graduates will be able to compete for jobs in a growing and high-income industry in Tennessee.
“In response to the increasing jobless rates due to Covid-19, which severely affected communities of color, we have partnered with our Memphis affiliate to create a program that bridges the racial digital divide the pandemic has exposed,” said Clifton Harris, president/CEO of Urban League of Middle Tennessee. “As the lucrative tech market expands in Nashville and Memphis, Urban League remains committed to its mission, ensuring that Black, Brown and underserved communities build economic equity, so they are not left behind.”
From the comfort of one’s home over the course of about three months, TechConnect cohort participants will receive virtual training that leads to industry-recognized credentials in the information and technology sector. When enrolling, candidates can choose from three educational tracks that vary in length to prepare for technician, cybersecurity, or developer careers. While participants will be engaged with curriculum primarily in an asynchronous format, the TechConnect program has additional benefits for real-time interactions. These scheduled interactions will allow students to ask questions and build their networks across the state through interactions with peers, industry speakers and an instructor, who is available for one-on-one assistance. Graduates will have access to course material throughout 2021.
To be eligible, candidates must hold a high school diploma or equivalent, be unemployed, over 18 years of age and registered in <Jobs4TN.gov>. The deadline to enroll in the program is December 30, 2020. To sign up for an information session and learn more about eligibility, visit <www.ulmt.org/techconnect>.
Funding for the program was made available through the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act through a grant provided by the state of Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce.
