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Move over Silicon Valley, here comes NYCHA! 

On August 15, New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito announced a pilot program that will train ������Ƶ in IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and software development. The Speaker has allocated $90,000 to NYCHA to hire an outreach specialist to help identify ������Ƶ who will receive extensive IT training and then be placed in the tech workforce. 

NYCHA’s tech partners, Coalition 4 Queens and Per Scholas, have committed to enrolling 35 residents each into their trainings next year. Eleven employer partners have pledged to consider candidates from the training in lieu of a college degree.

“Investment in the economic empowerment of New Yorkers yields far more than just a job; it will have a collective impact within the communities that they live and work,” said Speaker Mark-Viverito at the program launch breakfast event. “This pilot program will help connect ������Ƶ with access to the cities’ most innovative tech companies to help them break into the tech sector.” 

Tech 51 will also work closely with NYCHA’s Office of Resident Economic Empowerment and Sustainabilty (REES) to assist with workforce development opportunities and support residents who are interested in tech careers, but have previously been unable to access critical training and placement support.

NYCHA Chair & CEO Shola Olatoye said, “When we launched our NextGen NYCHA strategic plan, one of our goals was to connect residents to economic opportunities and that includes the growing tech field. Now, with Speaker Mark-Viverito’s partnership, the NYCHA community has increased access to training and support for careers in tech, including IT infrastructure, cybersecurity and software development. We’re investing in job training and in the future of New Yorkers.”