Consult Lemonade expands tech training program beyond Maryland

This story was produced with support from the Howard County Economic Development Authority, which operates the Maryland Innovation Center and helps entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes access the funding, guidance, and connections they need to grow in Howard County, Maryland.

Consult Lemonade cofounder Tierra Lathan knows firsthand what it takes to pivot into tech — and now she’s building a program to help others make the same move.

Lathan founded Howard County-based nonprofit Consult Lemonade in 2021 after transitioning into cybersecurity herself. Post-layoff, she spent time volunteering in Baltimore-area communities, and while meeting with families facing financial strain, she started looking for ways to help people access better career opportunities. 

“[The] average tech salary is a hundred ten thousand dollars a year,” Lathan said. “I’m looking around, and I’m like this is an absolute no-brainer.” 

Consult Lemonade focuses on training and career coaching aimed at helping participants move into tech roles. For $199, members get access to a year of instruction, along with resume help and career guidance.

It’s different than a traditional coding bootcamp or other classes in its custom training curriculum, with major updates following new software developments, according to Lathan.

Consult Lemonade offers classes in fields like cybersecurity, AI and analytics. By blending virtual learning, in-person summits and Big Tech partnerships, the group is able to help people of all ages break into tech and land higher-paying careers, Lathan said.

So far, hundreds of people have completed the program, Lathan said, including computer science graduates seeking hands-on experience and workers looking to transition into tech. 

“We’ve had three generations from the same family taking courses at the same time … There isn’t an age limit,” Lathan said.

Services for virtual and in-person learners

While about 60% of Consult Lemonade participants live in Maryland, there are no geographic limits. Virtual programming draws participants from 22 other states, she said.

Still, the nonprofit’s annual family-focused tech summit each summer takes place in Howard County to introduce newcomers to the industry. The next event is scheduled for July.

One attendee who brought her children to last year’s summit was unemployed at the time. After completing several months of training and coaching, she received three job offers, Lathan said.

Consult Lemonade has also partnered with Amazon Web Services, allowing participants to pursue certifications in cloud computing and AI that help prepare them for roles in data centers and other cloud-related positions.

Looking ahead, Lathan said Consult Lemonade hopes to expand its in-person training hubs and AI learning tool, which provides students with guidance based on the program’s curriculum.

That work ties back to the idea behind the organization’s name. The phrase Consult Lemonade reflects Lathan’s belief that people from underserved communities can turn tough situations into opportunities. 

“People from communities that have been handed less know how to make ends meet,” Lathan said, “and stretch things to solve problems.”