Tech Foundry was founded to solve a pressing issue in our community. Employers had a growing need for qualified IT professionals, while many individuals from underrepresented communities sought career opportunities that offered a path to prosperity. Tech Foundry was created to bridge this gap, providing essential talent and redefining the typical IT employee profile.
As we embarked on this mission, two things became clear. First, there was immense interest and support from the community for such a program. Second, to succeed, we needed to understand why previous workforce development programs had failed. We discovered that success required a shift in perspective—making employers the primary customers. This approach allowed us to develop a dynamic, hands-on curriculum that evolves with the changing needs of the employers in our market.
Today, as we celebrate 10 years of impact, Tech Foundry has graduated over 480 students, with 75% accessing career-path jobs in the IT sector. The ripple effect of our work is profound, as evidenced by the inspiring atmosphere at each Tech Foundry graduation. Looking to the future, the strength of our IT workforce remains a critical factor in our region's health. With Tech Foundry continuing to thrive, I am optimistic about the road ahead.