A local organization is on a mission to provide technology education for underrepresented people nationwide.
Charlotte-based Stiegler EdTech announced Dec. 14 that its Career Technology Apprenticeship Cohort program for adults 18 and older is now available in Minneapolis. That's after the program expanded to Detroit in October. The organization anticipates offering the program in two additional cities in 2023.
Stiegler EdTech's CTAC program — whose local sponsors include Truist, Ally Financial, Bank of America and others — offers training, upskilling and career advancement to those in underserved communities seeking better opportunities. The organization also provides a youth technology apprenticeship cohort, which is a virtual program for grade students to gain STEM skills while playing esports games.
Pasha Maher, co-founder and chief operating officer at Stiegler, said the organization's goal is to expand upward mobility, diversity and inclusion, and increase the tech talent pipeline in its current and future footprint. He envisioned the program would have an impact, but initially didn't recognize the need for its offerings beyond the Charlotte region.
"What we didn't realize is quite how much that impact was needed beyond our small community in Charlotte," he said in a news release. "Having CTAC now active in Minneapolis and Detroit (with more soon to come) is an incredible feeling and we are excited about the effect we will be able to have for participants across the country."
Maher was previously the managing director of Carolina Fintech Hub, which primarily works to drive fintech talent and innovation in the Carolinas. He helped launch Stiegler this year to meet the national demand beyond the Carolinas and offer new pathways for underserved candidates to pursue careers in tech.
The CTAC program provides 24 weeks of tech education to offer opportunities for long-term employment and career advancement. Graduates of the adult program are matched with jobs at one of Stiegler's 13 corporate sponsors. Stiegler said allowing access to a career at those companies is a "crucial lifeline" for graduates, but also gives corporations access to a diverse talent pool.
"The expansion of CTAC will provide future leaders in Minneapolis with access to life-changing career development opportunities," said Marcus Martin, managing director at Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank (NYSE: USB). "Twin Cities employers also stand to benefit from this expansion. In Charlotte, we've seen firsthand how well CTAC prepares graduates for high-demand tech positions. It's a true win-win."
Stiegler, founded in March, has completed four cohorts of the CTAC program in the Charlotte region. About 159 people have graduated from the adult program, and 100% of those participants landed a job. Nearly 50% of the graduates were unemployed prior to starting the program, Maher said.
Stiegler's youth cohort has supplied STEM education, technology tools and laptops to bridge the digital divide, he added. Those participants were also provided thousands in prize money for students to compete in STEM-based competitions.
The deadline to apply for the Minneapolis CTAC program is Jan. 9. Stiegler assists enrolled students with childcare, transportation and clothing while paying a $17,500 stipend during training. Graduates' average starting salary is $55,000.
"Our hope is to expand the CTAC program in Charlotte to more employers, more opportunities and better outcomes for the residents of our great region," Maher said.
