Creating Pathways for Overlooked Talent in Tech

BY Sybil Fitzpatrick | June 12, 2023

"It takes a village to invest in the opportunity to help somebody who has the credentials, [who] maybe didn't have the four-year degree or the two-year degree, or the PhD, or the master’s degree to be the gold standard for the culture that your companies are trying to build and represent,” said Jonathan Pride, the executive director of NPower Texas. Pride led a thought leadership spotlight on the opportunities being created for underserved communities and veterans in the tech industry during From Day One’s Dallas conference. 

NPower’s mission is clear: to create pathways to prosperity for veterans, their spouses, and young adults aged 18 to 26 from underserved backgrounds. The organization achieves this by enrolling individuals in their programs teaching tech fundamentals, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, equipping them with the necessary skills and certifications to thrive in the tech workforce.

A military veteran himself, Pride has seen first-hand the need for community. Jonathan left the military for the private sector as his family grew. His skills and degrees translated easily to the general workforce but he later found out that his experience isn’t guaranteed.

Pride shared the tale of a soldier named Jessica, who left military service around the same time he did. As part of this elite unit, Jessica left the military with skills that would be easily transferable for a job in tech. However, she didn’t have a college degree. With the skills and experience, but with no formal certification, she didn’t have the credentials that the private sector wanted to see. Among the other hardships of life after the military, she was unable to make the transition into the workforce, and lacking the support to do so, Jessica took her own life. 

A decade later, the loss of Jonathan’s fellow veteran still serves as a driver behind NPower’s work. “Jessica couldn't see that her experience of military intelligence was more than enough to translate into anything, it was more than enough to be the top employee at a new employer, it was more than enough to live the values of loyalty and duty and respect and honor selfless service and integrity. It was more than enough to be the next future CEO of the organizations that are represented in this room, it was more than enough. But because she didn’t have a degree, she didn’t have an advocate. She didn’t have a proponent. She didn’t have somebody who was pushing her and guiding her.” Jonathan said. In a fast-paced world where people often get caught up in their own agendas, taking a moment to really see others can make a significant difference.

NPower aims to be the advocate and proponent for those who may have been overlooked, ensuring they receive the support and guidance needed to succeed.

NPower’s impact is best measured through the success stories of their program participants. Jonathan highlighted the astonishing transformation that takes place after individuals complete the program. On average, NPower trainees enter the program with an income of $12,000. However, after completing the program, their average income skyrockets to $72,000. This staggering increase of 500% represents a life-changing opportunity for these individuals and their families.

Jonathan Pride, the executive director for NPower at Texas led the thought leadership spotlight (photo by Steve Bither for From Day One)

The statistics speak for themselves, but NPower understands that their work goes beyond just providing training and certifications. It takes a village to ensure success. NPower actively seeks partnerships with employers who are willing to offer opportunities to their trainees. By investing in these individuals, employers are not only fostering their own workforce but also paving the way for future CEOs and leaders who may have been overlooked due to traditional credentials.

The organization provides up to seven industry-recognized certifications at no cost, and if a trainee doesn’t pass an exam, NPower covers the cost for a second attempt. Their dedication to ensuring success extends beyond technical training to professional development, preparing trainees for the corporate environment from day one. Through mentorship programs and partnerships, NPower aims to nurture the talent and potential of each individual.

The support of employers, mentors, and the community at large companies have the power to change lives and create opportunities for those who have been overlooked for far too long, Pride noted. With its dedication to training and representing overlooked candidates, Pride said, NPower is reshaping the narrative and opening doors for individuals from underserved communities to thrive in the tech industry.

Please note: The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a trained listener, call 988. Visit 988lifeline.org for crisis chat services or for more information. The Crisis Text Line is a texting service for emotional crisis support. To text with a trained helper, text SAVE to 741741. It is free, available 24/7, and confidential.

Editor’s note: From Day One thanks our partner, NPower, for sponsoring this thought leadership spotlight.

Sybil Fitzpatrick is a Dallas-based freelance writer, passionate about storytelling, evangelizing products and ideas, and leadership principles.

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