ACHIEVEability’s TechUp program will help West Philadelphians hone their Salesforce skills

ACHIEVEability is offering a new, paid skills-building opportunity to West Philadelphians who are interested in information technology careers.

Beginning in April 2021 and in partnership with professional organization Project Realign, the nonprofit’s TechUp program will train high school graduates who are underemployed or unemployed in in-demand Salesforce skills.

ACHIEVEability Executive Director Jamila Harris-Morrison believes the program will provide tech job prep and access to communities of color in need, especially.

“TechUp is a unique opportunity for jobseekers to obtain industry and technology skills, as well as hands-on training experience,” she said in a statement. “This training program will provide communities of color access to high-wage job opportunities with the necessary skills and experience to obtain employment in the growing business technology sector.”

For the first TechUp cohort, 15 Philadelphia residents will meet 30 hours a week, Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m for in-person and online classes. They will be paid a $15-per-hour stipend for their work, as well as receive the hardware required to access both in-person and remote training sessions. After their training, jobseekers will receive an interactive internship designed to improve their chances of competing in the job market. TechUp will also pay for participants to take the Salesforce Administration exam. After the program ends, the nonprofit will provide participants with ongoing professional coaching.

Through this program, ACHIEVEability aims to create a model that can be used to provide other opportunities in the tech sector to people from underserved communities, with an aim to both diversify the local tech industry and disrupt the cycle of low-wage work in West Philadelphia.

Life Sciences Cares Philadelphia has donated $25,000 and individual donors have donated a combined $25,000 to support the program.

To apply, those interested must pass a Microsoft Proficiency Assessment. ACHIEVEability will host online information sessions about the program on Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 5 p.m.; Wednesday, Feb. 10, at 2 p.m.; and Thursday, Feb. 18 at 10 a.m. For more info about TechUp or ACHIEVEability’s many other WorkSmart West Philly services, contact Renee Settles-Bean at rbean@achieve-ability.org or 484-469-0883 before Feb. 15.

West Philly Fam: @ACHIEVEability is offering a paid skills-building program to 18-24 yr olds interested in information technology. Info session happening Feb. 10 at 2pm. https://t.co/Hxn8TOMrFz. More from our friends at @TechnicallyPHL: https://t.co/7of59sai2Z

— Equally Informed Philly (@EqualInfo215) February 8, 2021