Happy New Year!

As we kick off the start of a new year, we reflect on those things that have profound impact on our program, outcomes, and students--that’s YOU. The dozens of companies who host an intern or hire from our talent pipeline; the hundreds of young adults and military-connected individuals who seek out upskilling and support; and the thousands of individuals who volunteer their personal or professional time to mentor, coach, or train our students. These are the critical components needed to deliver our community-rooted program. We are grateful to each of you, beyond words, for believing in and investing in NPower.

This month we celebrate NPowerMATCH, our one-to-one, virtual program that pairs business professionals with trainees who receive career readiness and leadership-building advice. We have all benefited from the power of good advice. This aspect of support offers students the soft skill building blocks of success--knowledge, perspective, and experience.

In this newsletter issue, you will learn about how NPower is evolving: expanding our footprint, deepening partnerships, and celebrating the success of our graduates.

Resolve to pour more of yourself into NPower this year. Sign up to mentor, serve as guest lecturer, host mock interviews, and review resumes. We invite you to take one step further than you have before to contribute to the transformational change our program is having on individual lives and communities.

In service and partnership,

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Early on in the pandemic, Verisign made a commitment to invest in skill development in a rapidly changing professional and economic landscape.

Mentorship was a cornerstone to that commitment, and led the Verisign Cares team to partner with the NPowerMATCH program. Dr. Burt Kaliski, Jr., Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Verisign, shares his experience as a mentor and what he learned most from his mentee that helped them both with goal-setting and reaching major milestones.

FULL STORY ›

NPOWER TEXAS EXPANDS INTO SAN ANTONIO!

Thanks to a generous grant from USAA, we are excited to announce our expansion for free tech training into San Antonio! As we continue to bridge the gap between the tech industry and burgeoning talent, we are honored for the support and funding from USAA to provide new opportunities for military veterans and youth in Texas.

“Improving and strengthening our military and local communities is at the heart of USAA’s mission,” said Lindsey O'Neill, Chief Communications and Corporate Responsibility Officer at USAA. NPower Texas is now accepting applications from young adults ages 18 to 26, military veterans, and their spouses living in the San Antonio region. Classes are scheduled to begin in March.

NPower’s Launches SkillBridge on First U.S. Military Joint Base

This month, NPower launches its SkillBridge program at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia.

The SkillBridge Initiative was created through a Department of Defense order and is designed to assist transitioning active duty service members to gain valuable training and experience during the last 180 days of their service to create a more seamless transition from military to civilian life. The first cohort begins on January 23rd in Arlington and will offer training and credentialing in Cybersecurity.

LEARN MORE ›

FUNDER SPOTLIGHT

Mock interviews are a powerful way to engage NPower students with the hiring process.

For our partner Northrop Grumman, it speaks to its continued focus to increase workplace readiness, particularly where diversity, equity, and inclusion are concerned. Northrop Grumman employees participated in NPower Maryland’s mock interview event this past fall and helped prepare students for professional behavioral based interviews. We are so grateful to Northrop Grumman employees who consistently volunteer to mentor, guest lecture, and participate in fantastic events like mock Interviews that prepare students for the workforce and beyond.

(From Left): NPower Alum and Northrop Grumman intern, Emily McCormick, joins Northrop Grumman employees and NPower’s Vice-President Partnership Development, Kendra Parlock at a Mock Interview event for NPower Maryland in November.

Their outstanding participation, along with leadership from NPower Maryland regional board member and Northrop Grumman’s Director of Quality and Mission Excellence Eboni Fotang, add valuable expertise and insights for NPower students as they work to land positions after graduation.

Congratulations to the Fall 2022 Tech Fundamentals Class!

This class took the first of many steps on a transformative path to success, remaining motivated and determined to reinvent themselves and create a secure future for their families. With most of the graduation ceremonies held in person for the first time in over 2 years, the celebratory energy across the country was unmatched.

With 33% of the class identifying as women, this dynamic cohort is ready to make their mark in the tech industry.

Fall 2022 Graduation Recaps ›

“Not only is NPower a first step, it’s a step in the right direction. A step that I’m happy I took every day.”

Meet Juanye Campbell

Tech Fundamentals Fall 2022, NPower Maryland
Intern, Northrop Grumman

As a new high-school graduate, Juanye spent many nights unsure and contemplating what he wanted to pursue post-high school. After having a conversation with a college advisor on how tech could provide a world of possibility, he decided a career in tech was the right path. Discovering NPower at a career fair, Juanye believed this program would help him to launch his tech career. He put in the work, stayed the course, and applied himself. Recently accepted to join the IT intern class at Northrop Grumman, Juanye is fulfilling his dream of starting a tech career and is unstoppable.

“I had always been interested in computers and technology, but I just didn’t know how to get into the field. Ever since I started the program, I have never regretted it.”

Meet Kizzie Drisdale

Tech Fundamentals Fall 2022, NPower Texas
Apprentice, Citi

As a Senior in high school, Kizzie joined the US Army and served on active duty for six years. Following her service, she made the transition to civilian life and redirected her career path towards Law Enforcement. She spent about 8 years of active Police service, while still serving in the U.S. Army Reserves. After having her last child, Kizzie decided that she wanted to leave the Law Enforcement field to be able to spend more time with her children, and thus got her teaching certification in Special Education. She was teaching for two years during COVID when she was injured on the job. Due to her injury, Kizzie was stuck at home having to learn to walk again, completely on her own. Kizzie took advantage of her time home and began to research for another career path, which is when she came across an email from NPower. Kizzie remained determined and motivated throughout the program, successfully completing the course and has now graduated to begin her apprenticeship with Citi.

Juanye and Kizzie represent just two of the over 400 graduates ready to showcase their newly acquired technical and professional skills. Interested in hiring high-caliber NPower talent, visit npower.org/hire to connect with our placement teams.