Local New Haven Orgs Collaborate to Help Youth Kick-Start Careers in Technology

It can be challenging to start a career and find employment in today’s job market, but a new program aims to make the process easier for local young adults. A partnership between Workforce Alliance and CfAL for Digital Inclusion has expanded to provide free technology skills training to Connecticut residents in a new six-week course called Foundation to a Career in Computers.

“Since we started this partnership in June of 2021, we’ve had over a thousand participants and provided nearly 400 individuals with free refurbished computers. A number of our participants have been eager to further their skills, and this led us to partner with Workforce Alliance to develop the Foundation to a Career in Computers program.” says Tesha Tramontano-Kelly, Executive Director at CfAL for Digital Inclusion.

Foundation to a Career in Computers has been thoughtfully designed to teach young adults the skills they need to kick start their career working with technology. It covers hardware topics, such as how to build, repair, and troubleshoot computers and peripheral equipment, as well as software topics, such as introductory coding and networking.

It also focuses on the job market, providing resume-building and job application tips, and personalized career guidance.

“We designed this course to provide the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in technology-based careers, whether that’s in Information Technology, Software Engineering and Development, Cybersecurity, or otherwise,” explains Richard Hull, Lead Curriculum and Instruction Specialist at CfAL for Digital Inclusion. “This course not only sets individuals on the right track, but provides them with the foundational skills they need to succeed in the tech industry.”

CfAL for Digital Inclusion and Workforce Alliance first workshopped Foundation to a Career in Computers with two small cohorts in March and October of 2024, and the initial run was met with enthusiastic reception. Additional cohorts will take place in January and March of 2025.

“I’ve always thought that computers were cool, but having a career in it seemed distant. It seems obtainable now and that’s eye-opening.” says participant Jonathan Cruz. “The skills we learn here are the foundation of everything else in tech. It’s simple by design, but that makes it digestible and applicable to a number of future careers.”

Workforce Alliance and CfAL for Digital Inclusion have successfully partnered with each other in the past to offer a free, four-day, Introduction to Computer Literacy course that covers the basics of computer use and provides eligible participants with a free refurbished computer upon completion. This course is offered regularly in New Haven, Meriden, and Middletown. Interested participants can visit www.cfalct.org/upcoming-classes to register for both Foundation to a Career in Computers and Introduction to Computer Literacy.

"In the modern workplace, the ability to operate a computer is a necessity. Workforce Alliance's partnership with CfAL enables job seekers within South Central Connecticut to obtain the computer skills necessary to succeed in a competitive workforce, ” notesKijuana White, Talent Engagement Specialist at Workforce Alliance. “Course participants receive comprehensive support, including resume-building advice, critiques, and additional career-related services from American Job Center staff. This ensures they have career-ready computer skills and a career-ready resume, instilling confidence in their job search."

Since 2001, CfAL for Digital Inclusion has been providing refurbished computers & tablets, and free computer training to both youth and adults across Connecticut. The organization’s mission is to increase the knowledge and use of technology for youth and adults, preparing them for success in both school and career, and in a constantly changing digital society.