STEM/STEAM training for veterans and adults with disabilities

Brevard Achievement Center (BAC), an industry leader in serving people with disabilities, has partnered with Codecraft Works, to create “Launch IT,” a customized educational program geared toward veterans, veterans with disabilities, and adults with disabilities who are interested in pursuing careers in the Information Technology (IT) field.

Demand for qualified candidates for entry-level IT roles are at record highs, while the unemployment rate for people with disabilities has sky-rocketed to more than 18 percent in recent months. Launch IT graduates will provide an effective solution to both these workforce challenges.

Codecraft Works is an educational technology company that specializes in a blended learning approach to computer science, engineering, and cybersecurity curriculums. Launch IT training will be conducted via virtual platforms that are accessible to those with unique abilities, including those with visual impairments or who are deaf or hard of hearing. The program offers two technical certification tracks led by the Codecraft Works team.

During the planning stages of the LaunchIT Program, BAC was running a pilot IT program for adults with disabilities, the Phidias Program, where adults aged 22-30 were learning IT skills via a remote learning system. During this time, BAC met with several IT based business to discuss what skills they look for in a candidate when hiring for entry level positions, one of these meetings took place with Cordell Rolle, CEO of Rolle IT. He discussed several factors and skills that would be considered for both a full-time and part-time candidate. BAC and Codecraft Works incorporated these skills into the new training option, Launch IT.

Nick Ciardullo was a participant in the pilot Phidias Program and graduated with IT certifications in hand. After graduating from the program, Nick interviewed with RolleIT and was offered part- time, permanent employment. “Nick has been doing great and he's ready to “Rolle”. We are happy to have him with us. I know he is going to bring value to our team and customers. I hope we provide the same value in his life.” Cordell stated shortly after Nick began working.

Nick continued to grow during his employment and recently Cordell reached out to BAC to praise Nick’s training and the value he is adding to his company, “Nick is doing outstanding. He has been adding value to our team by staying on top PC management. He’s been patching, maintaining services, and performing security scans. He’s fit in well with the team, adding his prospective in our open company calls.”

The Launch IT Team is excited to learn from Nick’s employment placement & we look forward to helping the participants in our inaugural Launch IT class find their entry level jobs when they become the first graduates of our Launch IT program in July of this year!

We would like to thank the following who have agreed to perform mock interviews with our Launch IT participants:

• Jarin Eisenberg- Groundswell Startups

• Pawn Gaikwad- Rise Product Management

• Jordan Wiens- Vector 35

• Liz Merritt- Google

• Cordell Rolle- Rolle IT Inc.

• Chrissy Neafsey- Snap Inc.

• Charles Chen – Skymantics

Are you looking to start a career in the IT Field? Do you know a veteran or an individual with disabilities who would benefit from this unique training? Launch IT is now enrolling participants in the summer class. Applications are due in July 2021.

Potential candidates should have an interest in a career in the IT industry, basic computer experience, and the problem-solving capacity to develop skills, knowledge, and workplace readiness. Because the course work will be virtual, applications are open to individuals located outside of Brevard County as well. All candidates must self-identify as a veteran or a person with a disability and are expected to pass a competency assessment to determine their ability to work at the required levels of proficiency in math, communication, and social skills to be successful within the context of the program.