Click here if you are applying to an Advanced Training Program.
As a high school student with high hopes for an athletic future, Dashawn’s path was redirected when he discovered he was going to be a father. After a string of unsuccessful jobs, he decided to enroll in an IT training program that helped him secure an entry-level IT position. Motivated by his desire to provide financial stability for his family, Dashawn searched for additional technical training and credentialing opportunities that would help position him for a high-wage career. That’s when he found NPower.
Dashawn Brownley was caught in a vicious cycle of unfulfilling, dead-end jobs with no clear direction for his future. During a moment of clarity, he realized that he didn’t want to continue down this path and needed to make a change for himself and his family. Recalling his keen interest in technology, Dashawn made the decision to turn that spark of passion into a career. He discovered and enrolled in NPower Maryland’s Tech Fundamentals Program and credits the quality training, the instructor support, the professional development, and the career guidance to what made the difference in his journey.
“Thank you for making NPower possible, you’re helping young individuals get to the next level for their family and to provide for that family. It’s not just a gift, it’s bigger – it’s something way bigger.”
Dashawn has taken full advantage of this opportunity and is currently enrolled in NPower’s National Cybersecurity Program. He continues to remain open for additional opportunities for continued learning through NPower. Dashawn continues to grow as an emerging tech leader within the Baltimore community as an active NPower alumni ambassador sharing his journey to inspire others that tech can be a career possibility and in his role at Under Armour as an Information Technology Help Desk Analyst.
Earlier this year, Dashawn was recognized as a Rising Star NPower Alumni Honoree for his commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the State of Maryland’s technology industry at NPower Maryland’s inaugural Tech Leaders Salute Luncheon.
Prior to being at NPower she was working as a receptionist at a surgery center. Isabella was stuck and had no idea what she wanted to do in the long run career wise. As she was doing some reflection, she realized that she was extremely passionate and interested in technology. Initially Isabella did not consider a career in IT because she thought that it was limited to software development. After researching, she realized that she could find her niche in tech.
“I just needed guidance and fundamental knowledge of the field. I found NPower after a close friend of mine recommending it to me. He spoke greatly about his experience, and I knew I wanted to get involved in it too.“
The biggest challenge that she had while in the program was managing her time effectively. While going through NPower she was working full time. Dedicating time to NPower, studying for certifications and working forty hours a week was very difficult. She had to make NPower a priority, and even when she wanted to quit because she was exhausted, she kept going. She knew that completing the program could set her up for a very prosperous future.
“Nothing worth working for would come easy, so if I really wanted to start my career, I would work hard and make the most out of NPower while I was enrolled.“
A short time later, she was talking to a friend who recently landed a role in the tech industry. She told him she was interested in the same career field and wanted to know how he did it. He told her about NPower and she was so excited, she signed up for the tech fundamentals program right away. She was able to acquire all the necessary tech skills, along with the professional development needed to break into the tech industry. Isabella graduated from the program and quickly landed a position at investment management company, T. Rowe Price. When she told her parents, it was a full-circle moment and one she will never forget.
Her advice to future trainees would be to make sure you make the most out of your NPower experience and remember why you started in the first place.
“I have had incredible opportunities for networking and job searching, not to mention – certifications for FREE and guidance from the incredible teaching, professional development, and social support staff. Focusing on why you applied to the program will definitely help you get through those really tough days where you really don’t feel like attending class or dressing up for professional development, etc. Keep your eyes on the prize and NPower can be a really fruitful experience for you like it was for me!“
Navy Veteran Benny CastilloMichel, a graduate of NPower, considered his career options when he separated from the military. He had an interest in technology, having been in cryptology during his military service, but wasn’t sure where to start. He took a job as a barber and searched online for ways to acquire tech training when he came across a note about NPower. He applied and was accepted into NPower’s tech fundamentals program.
“The instructors were the most helpful during my time in the program,” CastilloMichel said. “The career development shaped me to become the savvy professional I strived to become.”
Shortly after finishing NPower’s free tech program, CastilloMichel landed a position in tech support at SpaceX.
Graduation Bio – I joined the U.S. Navy shortly after high school to pursue my career in cryptology to follow my family’s legacy in technology. Due to unfortunate circumstances, I had terminated my contract to leave the tech field in the military and pursue a career in the food industry. Through emails from the Veteran’s Association, I found NPower which I believed to be too good to be true. After being accepted and having the ability to earn certification, free of charge, I have nothing but great things to say about NPower. The instructors have been the most helpful throughout these months and the professional development team has shaped me develop my professional self. I have been blessed with this opportunity and highly recommend anyone interested in tech to take advantage of what NPower has to offer.
Our tuition-FREE program offers all the skills and coaching you need to jumpstart your career in technology.
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Our tuition-FREE program offers all the skills and coaching you need to jumpstart your career in technology.
Click here if you are applying to an Advanced Training Program.
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Our tuition-FREE program offers all the skills and coaching you need to jumpstart your career in technology.
Our tuition-FREE program offers all the skills and coaching you need to jumpstart your career in technology.
Our tuition-FREE program offers all the skills and coaching you need to jumpstart your career in technology.
