Castleberry ISD and NPower Texas Expand Free Tech Fundamentals Program to Recent Graduates
Castleberry ISD is looking for recent graduates and community members between the ages of 18 and 26 who are interested in starting a career in tech. The district is partnering with NPower to offer a tuition-free Tech Fundamentals program that will provide participants the skills needed to fast-track their tech career and be job ready in six months. Those interested do not need to have prior technology skills or training. NPower and Castleberry ISD will ensure all students have the resources needed to successfully participate in the program – including a computer.
Throughout the 23-week program, students will earn industry-recognized certifications including: CompTIA A+ & IT Fundamentals+, a Google IT Support Certificate, and an IT Generalist Apprenticeship credential. Participants will have exposure to Microsoft, Cisco, AWS, and other leading platforms that are built into the curriculum. All participants who finish the program will earn at least one certification, with the opportunity to earn all five certifications in addition to credit from Tarrant County College, which can be used to continue pursuing an Associate's degree.
Classes will be held virtually Monday through Thursday, and although instruction will be taught virtually on Friday also, the district will provide students a classroom to attend and participate in the Friday class in-person with their cohort.
All courses are facilitated by NPower instructors and start Monday, February 13, 2023. Participants will enroll in either the 9 AM to 1 PM session or the 2 PM to 6 PM session with up to 25 students per session. Although specific details are still to be determined, participants should plan to attend four or five in-person sessions in April, May, and June.
Castleberry ISD will host an in-person orientation for all applicants who enroll in the program on Monday, February 6, 2023 from 9 AM to 11 AM. This session will provide a general overview of the 
program, review expectations, and ensure students are able to login and use the technology that is issued to them for the duration of the program.
Students are supported by employer partners who are ready to hire NPower talent to start their career in tech. NPower Texas has served close to 1,000 veterans, reservists and military spouses to date. They have a strong record of repeat hiring among their employer partners. A small selection of top companies where students have or are currently thriving in tech roles: Bank of America, Citi Group, Deloitte, ExxonMobil, Trinity River Authority, and Verizon.
If you are interested in applying for the program, submit the interest form. After submitting the interest form, a program liaison will contact you to provide additional information and explain the next steps in the application process. All applications must be submitted by Monday, January 30, 2023. Spots are limited to 50 participants.