(Columbus, Ohio)—Ohio high school students have taken a leap toward careers in information technology, thanks to TECH CORPS’ innovative summer program. Participants in the nonprofit’s intensive 150+-hour pre-apprenticeship program honed their tech support skills and earned the industry-recognized CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) certification.
“ITF+ certification is a valuable stepping stone for high school students interested in pursuing a career in IT,” explained TECH CORPS Manager, Programs & Curriculum Randy Tucker. “The certification covers basic IT concepts, including understanding operating systems, software, hardware, networks, security, and data management.”
Northeast Ohio
In Northeast Ohio, TECH CORPS, in partnership with CSforCLE and Cleveland State University, delivered its Student TECH CORPS pre-apprenticeship program at the MCPc STAD facility in Cleveland. Over six weeks, students received training in hardware, operating systems, software applications, networking, computer peripherals, troubleshooting, basic programming, databases, and professionalism/customer relations.
Seven Northeast Ohio students who took the ITF+ test earned their certification:
- Chad Richardson (10th, Garrett Morgan High School)
- Jayden Duncan (12th, Rhodes High School)
- Gorretti Burgan (12th, Shaw High School)
- Thomas Cothey (12th, MC2 STEM High School)
- Elliot Wilkins (9th, Cleveland Early College High School)
- Kayon Frazier (10th, Davis Aerospace and Maritime High School)
- Rashad Thompson (10th, John Hay Early College High School)
Central Ohio
In Central Ohio, students from Lead The Way Learning Academy were enrolled in the Student TECH CORPS program hosted at South-Western Career Academy in Grove City, Ohio. Lead The Way’s mission is to “empower youth by providing clarity, inspiration, drive, and opportunities for growth.” They accomplish this through innovative, research-based programs and services designed to instill a strong sense of purpose in each individual they serve.
Lead The Way Learning Academy CEO Anthony Murphy explained, “Partnering our comprehensive workforce readiness programming with a proven initiative like TECH CORPS creates an ideal synergy for student success. Throughout the program year, we focus on developing essential soft skills, professional presentation, leadership, and financial literacy—ensuring our youth are well-prepared to excel in opportunities like this and stand out among their peers.”
Lead The Way Learning Academy students reported gaining valuable knowledge throughout the program, not only earning a Pre-Apprenticeship Seal but also building a solid understanding of computer fundamentals. While the CompTIA test is challenging, especially given the program’s duration, participants left with a strong foundation and the opportunity to retake the exam in the near future.
Congratulations to the five students her earned their certification:
- Nuradin Mohamed Ali (12th, The Charles School at Ohio Dominican University)
- Easton Markus (11th, New Albany High School)
- Abdirahman Nur (12th, New Albany High School)
- Fanual Yared (11th, New Albany High School)
- Kharanveer Dhanoa (11th, Hilliard Bradley High School)
Pre Apprenticeship Accreditation
TECH CORPS’ Student TECH CORPS and Student WEB CORPS programs were approved by ApprenticeOhio as registered pre-apprenticeship programs in March. “TECH CORPS is excited to offer innovative programs designed to equip high school students with industry-recognized credentials, pre-apprenticeship certificates, work-based learning hours and the Ohio Means Jobs Seal,” said Lisa M. Chambers, TECH CORPS CEO. “These programs are grounded in best practices in career-connected learning and provide high school students with a stronger path to academic success and promising careers.”
