As part of our commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion and equity in tech workforce development, the Council is funding a pilot program geared toward NYCHA residents. Through this funding, Coalition 4 Queens and Per Scholas will provide training in IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and software development. This training will then be considered as qualifications for hiring in lieu of a Bachelor’s Degree by 11 companies who have signed onto the initiative’s pledge. Additional pledge commitments include additional corporate resources to aid curriculum development, continued evaluation of the minimum requirements for technical roles, and development of new practices to increase the retention of diverse talent.

This pilot program will recruit and support diverse technologists entering two successful IT training workforce organizations, Per Scholas and Coalition for Queens (C4Q) by focusing on public housing residents. The funding ($220K in FY2017 and $700K in FY2018) will deepen the recruitment efforts and technology training for residents of NYCHA, in partnership with the authority’s Office of Resident Economic Empowerment and Sustainability, and support individuals and their families who are interested in tech careers, but have previously been unable to access critical training and placement support.

Confirmed employer partners feature technology firms, start-up organizations, and financial services companies. The companies that have signed on so far are: Alvarez & Marsal, Barclays, Blackstone, Harry’s, Intersection, Kickstarter, Managed by Q, Plated, Techstars, Troops, Yahoo.

NYCHA residents interested in applying can call the REES Hotline at 718-289-8100 or online at www.opportunitynycha.org.

Employers interested in joining the Tech51 Pledge can email labs@council.nyc.gov.