OPA-LOCKA, Fla.—The Opa-locka Community Development Corporation (OLCDC) is now accepting enrollment applications for a free CompTIA IT Fundamentals (CompTIA ITF+) course, the latest offering from the organization’s Tech Futures Initiative. The 12-week virtual intensive and lab is open to young adults ages 18 to 35 who reside in Miami-Dade County. Classes will be held virtually Monday through Thursday, 6:30 to 9 p.m., beginning April 26, 2021. CompTIA ITF+ is a pre-career certification that introduces students to the concepts of information technology, covering a broad base of general topics such as software installation, troubleshooting theory and network connectivity, to help students determine if they want to pursue a career in IT. According to a 2020 study released by the Computing Technology Industry Association, the growing technology sector contributes $22.4 billion to the South Florida economy, with tech jobs accounting for more than 5% of the regional workforce. Florida ranks third among all 50 states for growth in tech employment.Tech Futures is part of OLCDC’s overall mission to build a strong ecosystem that supports under-resourced communities in creating an equitable and sustainable economy, and part of their workforce innovation strategy to disrupt disadvantage for people with low incomes by connecting them to support systems, education, and career pathways. “The cost of training and education is often a huge barrier that prevents people with low incomes from entering specialized industries such as IT,” said OLCDC Chief Operating Officer Nikisha Williams. “Tech Futures is upskilling young adults, opening the door to higher-paying jobs and ultimately greater social and economic mobility.”Tech Futures is made possible in part by Microsoft Corp., which awarded OLCDC a multi-year unrestricted grant to support professional skills development programs earlier this year. The initiative is also done in partnership with the Florida Education Fund, which provides instructional training for the course.In addition to technical instruction, Tech Futures offers soft skills training and job placement services to support long-term success. Students will learn about communication, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, customer service, financial wellness, and more. They will also be connected to CareerSource South Florida, for help finding and applying for available job opportunities.CompTIA ITF+ classes will run April 26 through July 15. OLCDC is working to launch a website development course later this summer, and additional courses throughout the year. To qualify for the program, applicants must be residents of Miami-Dade County with either a high school diploma or GED, and they must be able to commit to the full 12-week course and have reliable access to a computer and internet throughout the program. To apply for Tech Futures by the April 21 deadline, visit http://bit.ly/applyolcdctechfutures. To ask questions or request additional information, contact the OLCDC team at financialempowerment@olcdc.org. About The Opa-locka Community Development CorporationThe Opa-locka Community Development Corporation (OLCDC) was established in 1980 as a nonprofit community development corporation in order to address the distressed unemployment conditions, particularly in the Opa-locka and North Dade County, Florida, communities. Its mission is to build a strong ecosystem that supports under-resourced communities in creating an equitable and sustainable economy. For more information about OLCDC, please visit www.olcdc.org.###
