NPower’s impact will now extend to serve our active-duty military as they prepare for civilian transition through our newest partnership program, SkillBridge. This Department of Defense program allows for active duty service members to participate in training and education programs or apprenticeships during their last 180 days of active duty service.  NPower is one of very few 501(c)3 partnership organizations accredited by the Department of Defense for the SkillBridge program, allowing us to recruit active duty students on installations nationwide as well as those stationed abroad.  
 
SkillBridge is unique in that it looks to counter the problem of veteran unemployment or underemployment – before it becomes an issue, by training active duty while they are still receiving a paycheck, and before they transition, allowing for seamless integration back into civilian life.  Earlier this year NPower successfully launched our first cohort in cybersecurity at Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall, in Arlington, Virginia.
 
The 10-week virtual cohort in cybersecurity is a rigorous curriculum augmented with a specialized professional development to specifically assist with reintegration from military to civilian; while allowing the active duty service member the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials in CompTIA Security+ and Linux+ – all without incurring financial debt and saving their GI Bill for future use. This provides an open door to a new career in tech prior to separation from service, easing the transition into civilian tech careers.
 
NPower’s first cohort graduated 11 students in a ceremony on April 10 at the National Museum of the United States Army at Ft. Belvoir, VA, where NPower’s CEO Bertina Ceccarelli and Board Member RDML Dwight Shepard provided opening remarks.  These new cybersecurity professionals earned coveted apprenticeships with HPE, were hired as data analysts by companies such as Abicus, and Booz Allen Hamilton, with their newly acquired skill sets. Most military members hold security clearances, together with their new cyber credentials, make them powerful additions to the workforce where previously they would not have been considered.  Our second cohort is now underway with 26 students, with one student already hired into the Cyber Unit at Ft. Meade.