National Tech Training Nonprofit NPower Announces Stephen Ragan Joins Organization as Chief External Relations Officer

The national tech training nonprofit, NPower, has announced that Stephen C. Ragan is joining the nonprofit organization as Chief External Relations Officer.

As CERO, Ragan will lead the organization’s fundraising and donor engagement, as well as NPower’s growing partnerships with various local, state, and federal government agencies. He will report to the Chief Executive Officer and work closely with the organization’s leadership team, and the Board of Directors.

Ragan was previously Senior Vice President for External Relations at College Possible - one of the nation’s largest nonprofits dedicated to improving college access for underrepresented, first-generation and low-income students. He led fundraising, marketing/communications and their advocacy programs while there. 

Before that, he was Senior Vice President with Lawrence Technological University where he launched their first comprehensive capital fundraising campaign that raised $100 Million. He’s also led fundraising campaigns for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Make It Right Foundation where he helped raise more than $100 Million following Hurricane Katrina.

NPower has a proven and award-winning training model bridging the tech industry's national talent gap. It provides employers with diverse talent equipped with the competencies of an information technology (IT) professional with one to two years of experience. Their free flagship program, NPower Tech Fundamentals, teaches students the basics of IT, assists with job placements and offers opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications. The free training program addresses barriers that exist among young adults, military-connected individuals, and women of color eager to enter the field of technology.

“I’m thrilled to be joining an incredibly talented team that is focused on creating career opportunities for young adults and military-connected individuals while addressing critical skill needs of industry,” said Ragan. “NPower has an impressive network of funders and employers that have helped it become the leader in rapid education and training for high-demand technology careers. As a Detroiter, I’m especially excited about NPower’s substantial commitment to Michigan.”

Bertina Ceccarelli, CEO of NPower, said her organization wanted an experienced, mission-driven strategic leader with a deep commitment to advancing equity in the tech industry.

“Stephen Ragan is committed to our core values and our mission to upend generational poverty,” said Ceccarelli. “He brings proven leadership and a track record of developing exceptional funding partnerships required to scale.  He is also dedicated to building strong teams with a focus on cultivating great talent and fostering collaboration.  Steve is just the nonprofit leader NPower needs now to realize our growth aspirations for 2030." 

Ragan continues to serve and lead several boards, including Advantage Health (Vice Chairperson), All Saints Literacy Center (Chairperson), and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (Past President). He was the recipient of the John S. Lore Award for Outstanding Fundraising Professional in 2021.  Crain’s Detroit Business named him a “Notable Leader in Philanthropy.”

About NPower

NPower is a national nonprofit on a mission to move people from poverty to the middle class by training youth from underserved communities and military-connected individuals in a range of tech skills and placing them in quality jobs. Students who enter their free, six-month program, earn industry-recognized certifications and graduate with the competencies of an IT professional with one to two years of experience. NPower also places students in paid internships with corporate and nonprofit organizations. 

Over the past decade, NPower has provided IT, cloud, and cyber training to residents in New York, New Jersey, Texas, Missouri, Michigan, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio and California. 

More than 10,000 NPower graduates have launched tech careers with Fortune 500 companies, mid-sized enterprises, government agencies, staffing firms, and nonprofit organizations. And more than 80 percent of NPower students secure employment or continue their education within 6 months of graduation. NPower graduates see an average starting salary of $45,372, according to national data from NPower.

This employer pipeline is also strengthening the overall competitiveness of U.S. businesses hamstrung by today’s limited pool of IT talent. To learn more about NPower, visit https://www.npower.org.

Mark Macias
Macias PR
+1 646-844-4145

National Tech Training Nonprofit, NPower, Launches in the City of Dayton to Create a New Pipeline for the Digital Workforce

The national tech training nonprofit, NPower, has announced it is bringing its free flagship training program to the Greater Dayton area.

NPower’s Tech Fundamentals program gives 18 to 26-year-olds and military-connected individuals the opportunity to obtain coveted tech skills, IT certifications and access to coveted tech jobs - without any cost. 

The 20-week training program is a Registered Apprenticeship Program with the US Department of Labor. It addresses barriers that exist among young adults, military families and women of color trying to launch careers in technology. NPower graduates see an average starting salary of $48,631, according to national data from NPower.

The City of Dayton and the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation are funding NPower’s latest expansion into Ohio.

“Ohio is quickly becoming the low-cost alternative to Silicon Valley, and Dayton is best positioned for this growth,” said Demarus Crawford-White - Executive Director of NPower Ohio. “The City of Dayton understands if we are going to compete for the best IT and tech jobs, we need to ensure our young people are equipped with the skills for this new digital economy. This free program will pave the way for young adults and military connected individuals to obtain those in-demand job skills.”

Over the past decade, NPower has provided IT, cloud, and cyber training to residents in New York, New Jersey, Texas, Missouri, Michigan, Maryland, North Carolina and California. 

More than 9,000 NPower graduates have gone on to launch tech careers with Fortune 500 companies, mid-sized enterprises, government agencies, staffing firms, and nonprofit organizations. Eighty percent of all NPower students secure employment or continue their education within 6 months of graduation. 

Tech and IT Job Growth in Dayton

Information technology occupations are projected to grow 12 percent from 2014 to 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. More than 60,000 people are employed in the Ohio IT industry, with a large cluster focused around the Dayton region.

NPower’s program is projected to help 125 local residents acquire in-demand tech skills within the first two years of this partnership.

“The City of Dayton is excited to support NPower, and we look forward to their flagship technical training program which will position Dayton youth and veterans for careers in technology,” said Shelley Dickstein, Dayton City Manager.

History of NPower Tech Fundamentals Program

NPower has a proven and award-winning training model that is bridging the national talent gap in the tech industry. The program provides employers with diverse talent equipped with the competencies of an information technology (IT) professional with one to two years of experience. 

NPower Ohio is now accepting applications from young adults ages 18 to 26, military veterans and their spouses living in the Dayton region. Classes are scheduled to begin in October.

About NPower Inc.

NPower is a national nonprofit, rooted in the community, that is committed to advancing race and gender equity in the tech industry through skills training, real-world experience, support, and mentorships. The organization has helped young adults from underserved communities and veterans move from poverty to the middle class by training them with a range of tech skills and placing them in quality jobs. 

Students who enter the free, six-month training program, earn industry-recognized certifications and graduate with the competencies of an IT professional with one to two years of experience. NPower also places students in paid internships and apprenticeships with corporate and nonprofit organizations. Eighty percent of NPower graduates get a full-time job or continue their education. NPower is a vital solution towards bridging the national talent gap that exists in the high-growth technology industry. 

Over the past decade, NPower has expanded its program reach and developed a robust network of Fortune 500 companies, mid-sized enterprises, government agencies, staffing firms, and a network of nonprofit partners that host its interns and hire its graduates full-time.  To learn more about NPower, visit www.npower.org.

Media Contact

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646 844-4145

NPower Missouri to Launch “Community Helpdesk” for Residents Across St. Louis Facing Broadband Connectivity and Tech Issues at Home

Initiative is made possible by a new $1.6 Million contribution from AT&T
 

As part of its commitment to help bridge the digital divide, AT&T is contributing $1.6 million to NPower to create and manage a tech community “helpdesk” for the St. Louis area. NPower, the leading free tech training nonprofit, will provide call center support for local residents challenged with technology or connectivity issues at home. The goal is to help people who don’t have the tools they need to make the most of the internet. This gift also includes an initiative in Dallas, Texas.

Set to launch in July 2023, the “helpdesk” will teach residents how to sign up for internet service, use computers, improve digital skills, and connect to valuable resources and services.
 
Ben Kesler, executive director for NPower Missouri, says the program will help families facing everyday connectivity issues, while also training and employing young adults with the tech skills needed to launch lucrative careers in technology.
 
“The time for the Community Helpdesk is now. The pandemic has expanded the digital divide. This initiative will not only provide valuable on-the-job training for emerging tech talent, but also it will serve as a much needed community resource for some of our most vulnerable populations,” said Kesler. "We'd like to thank AT&T for their support in funding this initiative as we further serve the St. Louis community."
 
AT&T Contribution for Community Helpdesk
 
This initiative is part of AT&T’s 3-year, $2 billion commitment made in 2021 to help close the digital divide and its goal to launch digital navigator programs nationwide, bringing digital training and tools to neighborhoods in need.
 
The call center will help people become a part of and engage in our digital world and will also empower young adults from the St. Louis area by putting them on the other side of the phone.
 
“Everyone deserves internet access – it’s on us to help make that a reality. But we can’t do it alone,” said Mylayna Albright, assistant vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility, AT&T. “That’s why we’re thrilled to be working with NPower, a leader in training tech talent from diverse communities, to launch the helpdesk and bring us one step closer to helping bridge the digital divide.”
 
Under the grant, NPower Missouri will hire 10 apprentices from their tuition-free Tech Fundamentals program to staff the helpdesk and will rotate them on monthly assignments. Kesler said this ensures that NPower graduates are continually learning and solving real-time tech problems.
 
The Community Helpdesk is designed to support the many residents who struggle to connect vital communication devices to broadband internet or Wi-Fi. And this “disconnect” is especially prevalent in underserved communities that systemically lack access to quality connectivity. This initiative will provide equitable tech services across all communities.
 
NPower, who previously launched a helpdesk in Baltimore, says the communities expected to benefit most from the helpdesk include: 
 
  • Low-Income Adults and Youth 

  • Community College Students 

  • Non-Profit Employees 

  • Job Seekers 

  • Small Businesses 

  • Adult Learners  

  • Senior Citizens

 
NPower anticipates the helpdesk will field an average of 140 phone calls per day, serving 3,400 people per month. 
 
About NPower Inc.

NPower is a national nonprofit, rooted in the community, that is committed to advancing race and gender equity in the tech industry through skills training, real-world experience, support, and mentorships. The organization has helped young adults from underserved communities and veterans move from poverty to the middle class by training them with a range of tech skills and placing them in quality jobs. Students who enter the free 20-week training program earn industry-recognized certifications and graduate with the competencies of an IT professional with one to two years of experience. NPower also places students in paid internships and apprenticeships with corporate and nonprofit organizations. Eighty percent of NPower graduates get a full-time job or continue their education. NPower is a vital solution towards bridging the national talent gap that exists in the high-growth technology industry. Over the past decade, NPower has expanded its program reach and developed a robust network of Fortune 500 companies, mid-sized enterprises, government agencies, staffing firms, and a network of nonprofit partners that host its interns and hire its graduates full-time.  To learn more about NPower, visit www.npower.org.

About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T

We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities and improving lives. As part of our company-wide $2 billion commitment from 2021 to 2023 to address the digital divide, we launched AT&T Connected Learning to invest in connectivity and technology, digital literacy and education solutions to help today’s learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2008, we’ve committed to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.

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National Tech Training Nonprofit, NPower, Announces Expansion to Raleigh, North Carolina with support from Truist Foundation and MetLife Foundation

The national tech training nonprofit, NPower, is bringing their free flagship Tech Fundamentals program to the greater Raleigh and Research Triangle area, giving 18–26-year-olds and military-connected individuals the opportunity to obtain coveted tech skills and direct access to employment in the tech sector to join the new digital economy.

NPower has a proven and award-winning training model that is bridging the national talent gap in the tech industry by providing employers with diverse talent equipped with the competencies of an information technology (IT) professional with one to two years of experience. NPower produces talent that meets the needs of regional employers. A strategic partner to local businesses, to source a new talent pool of tech professionals, reduce talent search time, costs for employers to fill roles and develop a pipeline of skills-based talent from the Raleigh and Research Triangle community.

The NPower Tech Fundamentals program teaches students the basics of IT, assists with job placements and offers opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications. The free 16-week training program addresses barriers that exist among young adults, military-connected individuals, and women of color eager to enter the field of technology.

Over the past decade, NPower has provided IT, cloud, and cyber training to residents in New York, New Jersey, Texas, Missouri, Michigan, Maryland, and California. Over 9,000 NPower graduates have gone on to launch tech careers with Fortune 500 companies, mid-sized enterprises, government agencies, staffing firms, and nonprofit organizations.

More than 80 percent of NPower students secure employment or continue their education within 6 months of graduation. Graduates of the program also see an average starting salary of $48,631, according to national data from NPower.Truist Foundation and MetLife Foundation are leading the funding for NPower’s latest expansion to Raleigh, North Carolina.

“Truist Foundation believes technology can help launch careers and change lives, and NPower has a long track record of using its tech training program to contribute to the development of thriving communities across the U.S.,” said Lynette Bell, President of Truist Foundation. “Truist Foundation is excited to help NPower train more diverse tech talent in our region by expanding its services into our company’s home state of North Carolina.”

“MetLife Foundation is focused on driving inclusive economic mobility for underserved and underrepresented people and careers in high-growth sectors like technology enable true economic mobility and the creation of generational wealth for this community,” said Tia Hodges, President and CEO of MetLife Foundation. ”Supporting NPower’s expansion into North Carolina is a win for all of us and we are proud to continue to support NPower in this capacity.”

NPower is now accepting applications for the fall 2023 program that will launch in September. Young adults ages 18-26, military veterans, reservists, national guards, their spouses and women of color interested in applying for the free tech training program can click here to apply.

NPower appoints Ray Trapp as Executive Director of NPower North Carolina
 
NPower is pleased to announce the appointment of Ray Trapp as Executive Director of NPower North Carolina and will, in his new role, lead the launch of NPower’s operations in Raleigh. Trapp, a Navy Veteran, most recently served as Vice President of Strategic Engagement for the Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina. In this leadership role, he created strategic partnerships between institutions of higher education, corporations, government, and the community to support 60,000 employees in more than 375 companies across the Research Triangle Foundation. Trapp also served as Director of External Affairs for North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

“We are thrilled to have Ray Trapp on board as we launch our presence in Raleigh. Ray will provide strategic guidance and oversee the region's first cohort, initial outreach, and establish collaborative partnerships. NPower is fortunate to have his experience and passion for advancing equitable access to education and achievement.” said Bea M. Tassot, VP Field Operations and Veterans Programs of NPower. “Ray is a true catalyst for change and a fantastic addition to NPower’s leadership team. We have every confidence that he will build a strong region and chart a promising future for NPower.”

“Overall, the most in-demand tech skills across Raleigh are aligned with NPower training,” said Trapp. “Employers have told us they need to hire more tech talent, and there is a clear desire to hire from our apprenticeship model. In the near future, we see a rapid increase in jobs that will require Amazon Web Services, automation, and Agile methodology. Data. SQL, Python and Data Analysis are all on the list of desired skill sets, and we see this demand only getting stronger.”

Raleigh and the Research Triangle Park region have experienced enormous economic growth in the past five years with 17 percent job growth over the last five years and a projected 70 percent population growth by 2046.

About NPower

NPower is a national nonprofit on a mission to move people from poverty to the middle class by training youth from underserved communities and military-connected individuals in a range of tech skills and placing them in quality jobs. Students who enter their free, six-month program, earn industry-recognized certifications and graduate with the competencies of an IT professional with one to two years of experience. NPower also places students in paid internships with corporate and nonprofit organizations. Eighty percent of NPower graduates get a full-time job or continue their education. Not only is NPower changing life trajectories for individuals from vulnerable communities, but they are also strengthening the overall competitiveness of U.S. businesses hamstrung by today’s limited pool of IT talent. To learn more about NPower, visit www.npower.org.

About Truist Foundation

Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation's (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. Established in 2020, the foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to help ensure the communities it serves have more opportunities for a better quality of life. Truist Foundation's grants and activities focus on building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses. Learn more at Truist.com/Foundation.

About MetLife Foundation

At MetLife Foundation, we are committed to driving inclusive economic mobility for underserved and underrepresented communities around the world. We collaborate with nonprofit organizations and provide grants aligned to three strategic focus areas – economic inclusion, financial health and resilient communities – while engaging MetLife employee volunteers to help drive impact. MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 to continue MetLife’s long tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Since 1976, MetLife Foundation has contributed over $900 million to strengthen communities where MetLife has a presence. To learn more about MetLife Foundation, visit www.MetLife.org.

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NPower Michigan Receives $250,000 2-Year Grant from the Rocket Community Fund to Provide Free Tech Training to Veterans and Young Adults

The leading free tech training nonprofit, NPower Michigan, has announced it received a $250,000 grant that will provide free tech training to young adults and veterans from under-resourced communities in and around Detroit.

The grant from the Rocket Community Fund will support two NPower Michigan programs: the free, flagship NPower Tech Fundamentals job training program and a new Community Help Desk to assist Detroiters with digital literacy and access. 

Laura Grannemann, Executive Director of the Rocket Community Fund, said NPower Michigan was given the grant because of the nonprofit’s steadfast leadership and consistent track record of supporting veterans and young adults.

“Digital connectivity is a critical part of today’s world,” said Grannemann. “Too many Michigan residents are caught in the digital divide, excluding them from opportunities for education, employment, and community. Every family deserves access to the internet and digital resources, and this grant to NPower Michigan is an important step towards that goal.” 

The Rocket Community Fund has invested $2.8 million in partnerships to support Connect 313, an effort aimed at closing the digital divide in Detroit. NPower Michigan is actively involved with Connect 313, with representatives serving as Vice Chairs and members of the group’s community-led committees.

Under the grant, NPower Michigan will provide technical skills training, professional development, and job placement to veterans from under-resourced communities, their spouses and young adult Detroiters. The nonprofit has run the program in Detroit since 2020.

José Reyes, Executive Director of NPower Michigan, said the Detroit region is full of IT and tech jobs that are going unfilled because of the lack of digital access.

“IT occupations grew by 12 percent and are expected to grow by another 4 percent this year,” said Reyes. “We are in a unique position as an alternative pathway for young people to enter the tech job market. And with over 50,000 tech jobs in Detroit as of 2022 according to CompTIA, we at NPower are more than capable of training Detroit youth for future success in the tech world to fill those jobs.”

The Detroit Regional Chamber reported in their State of Education that, in Detroit, 53 percent of high school grads are deferring enrollment in postsecondary education. Consequently, this is leading to an ever-widening talent gap.

Trainees that graduate from NPower Michigan report an average starting salary of $36,164, representing a 234 percent increase over pre-program income.

Community Helpdesk

NPower Michigan is collaborating with Human-I-T on the design and implementation of a Community Help Desk and Hotline for Detroit residents having difficulty connecting with the digital community. The goal of the Community Helpdesk is to address the digital divide throughout Detroit and ensure that all residents have the digital expertise needed to access the internet with their devices. NPower alumni will support the program as Helpdesk Agents, utilizing their training with hands-on applications and problem solving.

A portion of the Rocket Community Fund will provide the training and free community digital support to residents throughout Detroit.

About NPower Inc.

NPower is a national nonprofit, rooted in the community, that is committed to advancing race and gender equity in the tech industry through skills training, real-world experience, support, and mentorships. The organization has helped young adults from underserved communities and veterans move from poverty to the middle class by training them with a range of tech skills and placing them in quality jobs. Students who enter the free, six-month training program, earn industry-recognized certifications and graduate with the competencies of an IT professional with one to two years of experience. NPower also places students in paid internships and apprenticeships with corporate and nonprofit organizations. Eighty percent of NPower graduates get a full-time job or continue their education. NPower is a vital solution towards bridging the national talent gap that exists in the high-growth technology industry. Over the past decade, NPower has expanded its program reach and developed a robust network of Fortune 500 companies, mid-sized enterprises, government agencies, staffing firms, and a network of nonprofit partners that host its interns and hire its graduates full-time. To learn more about NPower, visit www.npower.org.

About Rocket Community Fund

The Rocket Community Fund aims to simplify complex and inequitable systems to ensure that every American has access to stable, healthy housing. It also invests in people and practices that provide meaningful opportunities for education and employment. Through its For-More-Than-Profit model, the Rocket Community Fund recognizes that business and community are inextricably linked, and it purposefully harnesses team member talent, technology, policy advocacy and philanthropic resources to invest in comprehensive community development in Detroit and across the country. Alongside financial investments, the Rocket Community Fund has organized Rocket Companies, Bedrock and other affiliated team members to provide more than 865,000 volunteer hours nationwide, including 430,000 in Detroit. For more information, visit RocketCommunityFund.org.   

MEDIA CONTACT

Mark Macias

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