Preparing Individuals for Information Career Technologies & Linux Certification
For Low-Income Individuals With Barriers to Employment.

OUTCOMES

• Certification: Linux (Linux Professional Institute™).
• Preparation for self-paced learning: teach participants to obtain additional technical certifications at their own pace without personal instruction.
• Job readiness: network administration, including support for mixed platform workstations and servers, Internet gateways, firewalls, proxies, and awareness of automation techniques and peripherals. Support for mixed platform workstations and servers.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

• 12 hours/week for 11 weeks(8 hours/week for 14 weeks.)
• Cohort/closed enrollment models.
• Preparation and practice for single part Linux certification test.
• Linux (Linux Professional Institute™, Comp ITA) exams taken at end of programs.
• Fee based tuition, scholarships provided to low income individuals.
• Job placement assistance.

PROGRAM ALTERNATIVES

• Contract with experienced training providers to conduct training program
• “Home” organization may conduct outreach, assessment, enrollment & career placement, with consult for training services.
• Higher literacy level (10th grade) may be required of clients.
• Spanish-speaking (or other language) instructor explains English curriculum and concepts in the second language, or teaches entirely in the second language.

CLIENT PREREQUISITES

• Computer repair technician (A+, MCDST, Network+) certification; comparable experience with computer troubleshooting and repair may be accepted.
• Basic computer literacy (IC3 Certification) may be required.
• Education/literacy: 10th grade reading level.
• Dexterity.
• Basic technical competency (ability to handle tools, small parts; ability to use mouse and keyboard.)
• Commitment to job placement after training.

CHALLENGES

For clients

• 14 week commitment.
• Classroom based learning environment.
• High level of computer understanding (A+, MCDST, Network+ Certification.)
• Complex testing requirements.
• Training time unpaid.

For the organization

• Facility and technical equipment
• Training location that accommodates one computer per student
• Technical hardware infrastructure required for lab exercises
• Technically skilled instructors
• Support necessary to complete enrollment and testing
• After-hours support for evening classes
• Job placement support and job market that can accommodate mid level technical positions

ELEMENTS OF SUCCESS

• Minimum class: 8 hours/week for 14 weeks (Saturdays.)
• Infrastructure (for class of 20): 1 classroom, 20 student computers, 1 instructor computer, server/network environment, technical hardware infrastructure required for lab exercises, lab environment.
• Staff: 1 Program Manager (0.25 FTE), 1 Recruiter (.5 FTE), Career Advisor (0.5 FTE), 1 Director of Training (0.10 FTE); Instructor (0.5 FTE.)
• Marketing: outreach at Career Centers, CBOs, One-Stop Career Centers and other social service agencies; emails, flyers, advertising and word of mouth.

Collaborations

• Corporations.
• Foundations.
• Government local.
• State.
• Federal
• community college.
• Other nonprofits.
• Individuals.
• Local business.

Source of Funding

Contributed

• Corporations.
• Foundations.
• Government.
• Local (City/County.)
• State.

Earned Income

• Fees.
• Other earned income.