IT Works is a new job training program in Philadelphia that helps out-of-work young adults begin a new life.
Last February 2nd was the graduation of the inaugural class. The ceremony was hosted at Drexel University. All 12 graduates have been placed in full-time internships and many have already received job offers.
The event was conducted by Dr. Charles Williams, Ph.D., Assistant Clinical Professor and Director of the Center for the Prevention of School Aged Violence of Drexel University and Chairman of the IT Works Advisory Board. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Mark Greenberg, Provost of Drexel University, and we had words from Patrick Callihan, Executive Director of NPower PA, Jill Michal, CEO of The United Way of Southeastern PA, Rep. Tony Payton Jr., State Representative 179th Legislative District, and Allan Frank, CIO of the City of Philadelphia.
ITWorks is a free, 16-week, immersive Information Technology (IT) training program to disadvantaged young adults and then places graduates into internships in Philadelphia’s nonprofit, business and public sectors. ITWorks is a collaboration between the United Way of Southeastern PA, Drexel University, and NPower PA.
ITWorks is a compelling new job-training program, not just because of the unique nonprofit that runs it or the impressive list of organizations that support it (ING Direct, Bank of America, SAP America, Reed Elsevier, The United Way of SEPA, The Henrietta Tower Wurts Memorial Fund, and Drexel University), but because of the people in it: a single mom trying to make a better life for her family, a husband & wife team, a participant who rode his wheelchair 50 blocks during the SEPTA strike so he wouldn't miss class. These are just some of the stories of individuals who overcame great adversity to make a better life for themselves through the ITWorks program.
The United Way and NPower’s nonprofit and corporate networks help in addressing potential barriers in recruiting, retaining, and placing participating youth jobs. Students are currently interning at local corporations such as PricewaterhouseCoopers, Reed Technology and Information Services, and Brandywine Realty Trust as well as local nonprofits such as The Philadelphia Horticultural Society (producers of the Philadelphia International Flower Show).
There is already evidence of how life-changing the program has been for program participants. Consider the story of Lila Santos, currently an intern in the IT department at PricewaterhouseCoopers:
“I am a single parent and my son’s life depends on my success. Before coming to NPower's ITWorks program I had a sense of ‘No More Chances’. ITWorks was my last hope. NPower accepted me into ITWorks and there began my ‘Alice in Wonderland’ experience. I now know that I can be a role model for my son and not just ‘mom, the pizza girl’.”
For more information about IT Works and to get involved please contact:
Anthony Pisapia
Director of Fundraising & Communications
NPower Pennsylvania
215-557-1559
www.npowerpa.org
