The two-year grant will go toward Trocaire's Jump Start Plus program, which provides short-term training in entry-level tech support jobs, plus wraparound support services to help "underserved individuals transition from unemployment or underemployment to a career pathway in the high-demand field of IT," Trocaire said.
Trocaire can pair the Wilson Foundation grant money with matching funds it received from a state Office of Strategic Workforce Development grant in June 2023 in partnership with the Western New York Manufacturing and Tech Workforce Coalition, Trocaire President Bassam Deeb said.
The coalition of 13 institutions formed last year to strengthen the manufacturing and tech workforce and expand career opportunities for people underrepresented in these fields.
Deeb said the money will help Trocaire bring its Jump Start Plus IT training to underserved communities in Buffalo and Lackawanna. The 15-week program is held online and in person and covers basic internet security, foundational IT concepts and terminology and in-depth training in the skills necessary for a help desk or tech support position.
Students will also take the IT Career Exploration program to learn more about career opportunities in IT and the Work-Readiness Skills training program offered in partnership with 716 Ministries. They will also receive mentoring and networking with employers, and may apply to convert their program certifications for up to 11 college credits toward an associate's degree in Applied Science in Cybersecurity from Trocaire.
Trocaire said 50 students have completed the Jump Start Plus program since it began. The cost of the program is $6,133, but Trocaire also offers scholarships for veterans and their families, as well as those who qualify for financial need.
"Trocaire College is thrilled that the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation has shown its support for our innovative workforce programs, like Jump Start Plus, that provide students with opportunities aligned with employer needs and demands," Deeb said.
"This grant allows us to take IT training directly into the neighborhoods where it's in demand most, by collaborating with trusted community partners for recruitment and program delivery," Deeb said. "We help students not only achieve success in the classroom, but also in the workforce, through career sustaining opportunities provided by the local IT industry."
Trocaire is among several area higher education institutions to join the Western New York Manufacturing and Tech Workforce Coalition led by Northland Workforce Training Center, whose president and CEO, Stephen Tucker, is its executive director.
Other members include the University at Buffalo's Center for Industrial Effectiveness, Jamestown Community College, the Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology, Goodwill WNY, Dream It Do It WNY, Per Scholas, Tech Buffalo and the Workforce Development Boards of Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties.
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and Empire State Development are investing $29 million in the coalition over three years to build the partnerships and programs that will help fill the need for more tech workers and give underrepresented and low-income students and adults support services that will ensure they complete their training and succeed in the workforce.
Support services include mentoring and guidance in building a resume, time management and budgeting, as well as coaching to prepare for the certification exams. Trocaire Jump Start Plus also offers loaner computers that students can use to complete the program.
Trocaire partners with Foundation 214 to offer scholarships to veterans and their families for workforce development programs, including Jump Start Plus. For information, visit trocaire.edu/academics/workforce-development/veterans-it-career-jumpstart-program/.
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