Who Is EmpowerNet?
EmpowerNet California is a social venture of The Stride Center, based in Oakland California, operated and managed by CEO Joe McKinley, the former Director of Training at The Stride Center.
EmpowerNet is commissioned to empower community organizations to lift adults in their communities out of poverty by assisting them in the development of highly successful career training programs in the information technology field, specifically A+ computer repair certification. Through a collaborative funded by the California Emerging Technology Fund, EmpowerNet delivers the collective experience, resources and tools of respected workforce training organizations to non profits across California. EmpowerNet’s resources include Stride Center’s “gold standard” training materials, resources and best practices.
What does EmpowerNet do?
Careers in the ICT field are ideal for entry level workers and promise access to a vibrant career that boasts multi-sector growth, excellent entry level pay, and industry standard credentials in the form of technical certifications. EmpowerNet’s goal is to assist community-based organizations to quickly deploy effective IT workforce development programs for their underserved constituents. EmpowerNet offers a full spectrum of services from access to free web-based tools such as curriculum and instruction manuals to engaged training and consulting services to providing access to fully realized training programs conducted by authorized partner organizations. EmpowerNet provides services for organizations that are looking to augment an existing training program or assess their readiness for initiating a new program.
Who is EmpowerNet CA helping?
EmpowerNet serves nonprofit organizations with missions focused on the alleviation of poverty in underserved communities, working with adults and families. Because EmpowerNet training programs are designed to assist extremely low income adults with barriers to employment, the training is largely designed for individuals ready and able to start work.
How does the EmpowerNet model work?
EmpowerNet begins with outreach to organizations that have been identified as having the potential or desire to start ICT training programs or expand existing programs. After the outreach has identified an organization as a prospect for starting a new program EmpowerNet will invite them to attend a ‘Training Academy’. Training Academies are designed to help qualify an organization’s capacity to start a new program as well provide every tool necessary to begin training. Tools include proven curriculum, budgets, best practices, organizational philosophy, workforce development and income generation strategies. Academy attendees will leave the academy with resources needed to start their own program based on the proven Stride Center model. Consulting services are available after the academy for those who need ongoing support.
What is the ideal profile for an organization looking to start an EmpowerNet Training Program?
There is truly no one single profile that fits the typical Stride Center model but the common theme must be workforce development with an emphasis on employment. Organizations that currently operate workforce development training and do not have A+ computer repair classes could easily add A+ if they have adequate space and financing. EmpowerNet specializes in the know-how.
How do I get started?
Contact EmpowerNet and let us do a brief pre-screening over the phone. You can schedule to attend an academy if you feel that you are ready but just need a little help. The screening process can be expedited if you have demographic data for the clients you serve and a brief list of support organizations in your area. Visit us at www.empowernetca.org, email at info@empowernetca.org or call 510-269-2440.
