Chattanooga State brings paid I.T. training to underserved communities
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – “I’ll be glad when I graduate and walk across that stage,” says student Sharon Dragg. Class is in session for 11 city residents who have begun the first day of the nine-week, paid Skill Up I.T. training program offered by Chattanooga State Community College.
“In the Skill Up model, what we do is we tie full time training to a wage so that people can afford to go through the training they need to get the job they need to change their trajectory in life,” says Bo Drake, Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development at Chattanooga State.
Graduates will walk away with certification in marketable I.T. fields.
“It’s a nationally recognized certificate,” says Drake. “We are working to identify local employers so if there are any that hear this and they are interested in hiring this class, we desperately want to talk to you.”
Students can also receive 12 college credits following completion. Most of the students come from the College Hill community that has experienced significant violence in recent weeks. Class teachers hope to bring hope and enthusiasm to these future I.T. workers.
“There’s so many people involved that is making this thing go, I’m just glad to be a part of it. We’re just here to pump them up. I’m the instructor and I’ll be here every day making sure they get the knowledge and all the wisdom they need and they’re prepared for the work force,” says I.T. professor Asa Bush.
“This is the most rewarding work we do. The reason we get up and come to work every day is that we improve lives every day through education. And I can think of no more fulfilling work that I would ever want to do than this,” says Dr. Rebecca Ashford, President of Chattanooga State.
Local employers interested in hiring these students are encouraged to email Bo Drake at bo.drake@chattanoogastate.edu.
“We have a lot of young, young people out there in the College Hill Courts that want to get in this class. I am so glad this training came for an opportunity for us to have,” says Dragg.
