NPower Opens 4,400 Sq. Ft. IT Training Facility in Hollins Market

Last week with community leaders and politicians present, NPower, a nonprofit that launches IT careers for veterans and young adults from underserved communities, opened a new 4,400 sq. ft. facility at 1101 W. Pratt St. Suite 1A in Hollins Market. NPower’s free initial 22-week IT Job Training Program has 25 enrolled students and it plans on expanding classes to up to 100 students in the future. NPower’s next program begins in January.

Students enrolling in NPower’s 22-week program are described as typically unemployed or motivated to change their current part-time or low-paying jobs. Students receive 15 weeks of class-based skills training and must complete a seven-week paid internship before being placed at an IT job. Within one year of graduating, 80% of the program’s alumni are employed or are pursuing higher education according to NPower.

“On behalf of NPower, I am grateful to these 25 young adults who have enrolled in our IT job placement program and entrusted NPower with their future,” said Bertina Ceccarelli, chief executive officer of NPower, in a press release. “I’d like to thank the Mayor for graciously embracing NPower as a new engine for Baltimore’s economic prosperity. And our sincerest thanks go to Fund II Foundation for investing in NPower’s ability to diversify the workforce and close the technology skills gap nationwide by providing support for the program today in Baltimore, as well as the additional programs we will open next year in St. Louis, Alameda, CA, and North Texas.”

When asked why NPower chose its location in Hollins Market, Cathy Morgan, regional director of NPower Baltimore, told SouthBMore.com in a statement: “NPower chose this location based on where there is the most need. It is a community that can benefit from our program and one that is also in need of development. It is accessible by transit and close to the businesses we hope will hire our graduates and provide internships.”

NPower has partnerships with  TD Ameritrade, University of Maryland, Accenture, and Verizon. These organizations provide jobs and paid-internships and help inform NPower’s curriculum.

Along with Fund II Foundation, NPower received key lead funding for this program from Baltimore-based organizations The Abell Foundation, Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, and France-Merrick Foundation.

Photos Provided by NPower