Dear Friends,
The world around us is constantly changing. As our country seeks to recover from the COVID-19 outbreak, we are inspired by the sparks of innovation and hope for the future ahead. In this issue we will share highlights of how we are re-imagining the NPower model, exploring virtual internships or projects and expressing gratitude for the community of support, fueling our emergency fund.
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NI2 The Center of Excellence within NPower
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NPower launched the National Instructor Institute (NI2), with support from Fund II Foundation, three years ago to serve as an incubator of innovation and talent. NPower is committed to delivering high-quality technical instruction, attracting and retaining top teaching talent and offering an agile curriculum that positions our students for tech careers now and in the future. Robert Vaughn, Executive Director of the Institute, shares his insight on how NPower’s program will innovate during (and after) the era of the coronavirus. He points to five critical considerations for anyone trying to sustain a virtual learning environment: teaching style, student learning style, the digital divide, creativity, and grace.
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The Value of Remote Internships
Internships offer great value to students and businesses alike. Students get real world job experience and mentorship and companies get to evaluate potential new recruits to join their workforce. While the COVID-19 pandemic threatens to limit internship opportunities around the country, many companies are forging ahead with a virtual version of summer work deemed crucial to their future growth. At NPower, internships are a vital component of our training model. Our students are eager to successfully applying their newly acquired skills. If your company is open to exploring project-based or remote paid internships with our students, please contact Mattid Haspil, National Account Manager.
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“A remote program provides the unique ability to explore experiential opportunities beyond the traditional face-to-face internships. In the post-COVID-19 work environment, and amid widespread adoption of virtualized work, the remote program offers innovative approaches that will evolve no matter the new normal and bring teams together. As a result, interns will benefit from interacting with a wider group of people. We plan to run some virtual design sprints, host events with interns from other companies and create opportunities where interns can connect with people who are not their direct manager.”
Justin Finkelstein
Founding Member, Citi Technology Innovation Center on remote internships
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Join NPower’s CEO at the Social Innovation Summit
I am honored to be invited to present on a panel at an upcoming Social innovation Summit virtual salon on “Workforce & Economic Resilience” in the aftermath of joblessness in the U.S. I will be accompanied by experts from New Profit, Mastercard Foundation, The Gap, Landmark Ventures and more.
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#GivingTuesdayNow was a Success!
Ever since the crisis hit, NPower activated an emergency fund to help students in dire financial straits and offset the cost of transitioning our program to virtual. An outpouring of generosity has followed. We are grateful to the United Way of Southeast Michigan for providing much needed funds for Detroit students facing food and housing insecurity. We also want to thank NPower’s board members, volunteers and alumni who gave generously during #GivingTuesdayNow.
There is still time to give. The St. Louis Community Foundation’s #GiveSTLDay is happening right now. Your generosity and commitment is appreciated.
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Bertina Ceccarelli
CEO of NPower
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Check out our recent coverage.
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