NPower – A Leading Tech Training Non-Profit – Officially Launches in Detroit

• NPower is committed to providing tuition-free advanced digital skills training for young adults and military veterans from underserved communities in Michigan

• First in-person Detroit program scheduled to launch in Fall 2021; session- applications now open

• Recruitment, volunteer and mentorship opportunities also available

Wednesday, August 18, 2021 [DETROIT] - NPower, a national leading tech training non-profit, today announced its official opening in Detroit, with campuses located in the Bedrock-owned Lothrop Landing at 116 Lothrop Road - Suite 104A.

“The space is absolutely beautiful and provides accommodating access for local Detroiters with access to the QLine, public transportation and multiple parking options,” said Camille Walker Banks, NPower’s Executive Director of Michigan. “We are so ready to welcome our next wave of students and immerse them into the culture and vibrancy of Detroit.”

NPower creates pathways to economic prosperity by providing tuition-free digital career and skills training for military veterans and young adults from underserved communities – helping to shape a diverse domestic technology workforce and clear pathways to career development, regardless of an individual’s ethnicity, gender, or socio-economic background.

“NPower’s community-focused mission is something Bedrock is proud to support,” said Nadia Sesay, Bedrock’s Chief Growth and Development Officer. “We are excited to welcome this non-profit to the City and witness more Detroiters further develop their skills alongside the NPower team.”

Prior to opening a permanent location at Lothrop Landing, NPower temporarily trained more than 150 young adults out of Davenport University’s Detroit campus. Nearly 85 percent of students completed the program, and a majority secured careers in tech-related fields with an average salary increase of 519 percent. Local hiring partners include Rock Central, Rock Auto, Google, Shift Digital, RT Software Systems, the State of Michigan, BCBS-Michigan, TCF Bank, Little Caesars Enterprises and Accenture.

The newly renovated office includes two state-of-the-art classrooms, multiple conference rooms, study spaces and quiet rooms to meet NPower’s trainees and community partner needs.

Application Process

Applications for NPower’s fall session are now open. The session begins Tuesday, September 7, 2021 and runs for 17-weeks, followed by a 7-week paid internship.

Young adults between the ages of 18-25 years of age are encouraged to apply at: https://www.npower.org/apply/.

NPower’s tuition-free program offers all the skills and coaching students need to jumpstart their careers in technology – including exposure to Microsoft, Cisco, AWS and more from seasoned IT professionals.

Students graduate with the necessary skills to launch entry-level careers - including Desktop Analyst, Business Analyst, Field Technician, QA Analyst, Junior Project Manager, Audio Video Support and Data Center Technician.

Looking Forward

The Detroit metropolitan area is a hotbed for technology growth as the labor pool transitions from its long-standing manufacturing history. In Detroit, IT occupations grew by 12 percent in just the last two years and is expected to grow another 4 percent by 2023.

This results in a growing demand for tech workers—especially junior, entry-level talent. NPower aims to arm the youth of Detroit with the skills needed to fill the growing tech talent pipeline.

“If local employers need IT certified talent to grow their capacity, NPower Michigan has young adults who are trained and ready to work – a win-win proposition,” said Camille Walker Banks.

To learn more about recruitment, volunteer and mentorship opportunities- please contact Camille Walker Banks at Camille.WalkerBanks@NPower.org or 313-217-9161.

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About NPower

NPower is a national nonprofit, rooted in community, that is committed to advancing race and gender equity in the tech industry. Through skills training, real world experience, support and mentorship, NPower graduates launch burgeoning careers and a pathway to financial freedom for themselves and their families. Students who enter their free, six-month program, earn industry-recognized certifications and graduate with the competencies of an IT professional with one to two years of experience. Eighty-one percent of NPower graduates get a full-time job or continue their education. Not only is NPower changing life trajectories for individuals from vulnerable communities, but they are also strengthening the overall competitiveness of U.S. businesses hamstrung by today's limited pool of IT talent. To learn more about NPower, visit npower.org.

About Bedrock

Bedrock is a full-service real estate firm specializing in innovative city-building strategies, reaching far beyond the boundaries of bricks and mortar. Since its founding in 2011, Bedrock and its affiliates have invested and committed more than $5.6 billion to developing and restoring more than 100 properties in Detroit and Cleveland, and leveraging its portfolio to help create memorable experiences for all while positioning its home cities at the vanguard of global discussions around the 21st century urban environment.

Current projects include landmark developments at the Hudson’s Site, the Book Tower restoration, City Modern and the May Company Building. Bedrock’s portfolio totals more than 18 million square feet of office, retail and residential space within new construction and adaptive reuse projects.

For more information on Bedrock, visit bedrockdetroit.com or engage with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Click here to view a complete timeline of Bedrock and the Rock Family of Companies’ engagement within the Detroit community.