FAQs

    We are excited that you are interested in choosing NPower to launch your tech career. We hope to answer a few questions that you may have. In response to COVID-19, classes have transitioned to a remote learning environment.

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    GENERAL INTEREST QUESTIONS

    Currently, we only accept applications from U.S. residents in or near the following cities: New York City; Newark, New Jersey; San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas, Texas; Detroit, Michigan; Baltimore, Maryland; St. Louis, Missouri; San Jose and Los Angeles, California; Raleigh, North Carolina; Dayton, Ohio. For more details on program offerings and eligibility visit: www.npower.org/locations

    Unfortunately not at this time. As an organization dedicated to matching trainees with opportunities in digital careers we are currently only offering online courses within our current geographic footprint where we have strong employer partnerships to support post-program placements. As we look to increase our impact and reach more young adults, veterans and veteran spouses we may consider expanding to more locations in the future.

    To qualify for our Tech Fundamentals programs, you must be a young adult, 18–26 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent and legally authorized to work in the US and must be located in or near the following cities: New York City; Newark, New Jersey; San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas, Texas; Detroit, Michigan; Baltimore, Maryland; St. Louis, Missouri; San Jose and Los Angeles, California; Raleigh, North Carolina; Dayton, Ohio.

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    OR 

    A military veteran or military spouse

    Must be one of the following: transitioning active-duty service member through the DoD SkillBridge program / honorably discharged / member of the Guard or Reserves, over 21 years of age, legally authorized to work in the US, and located in or near the following cities: Newark, New Jersey; San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas, Texas; Detroit, Michigan; Baltimore, Maryland; St. Louis, Missouri; San Jose and Los Angeles, California; Raleigh, North Carolina; Dayton, Ohio.

    Since NPower was founded almost 20 years ago, our mission has been to serve those that need us most. Disconnected young adults, ages 18–26 years old, represent the talent pipeline of the future but often need support gaining the skills needed to enter the workforce. Veterans and veteran spouses often experience significant challenges and difficulties transitioning to civilian life and translating their military experience into successful high-paying careers.

    Our programs are 100% no cost to all selected participants through the kind generosity of private donors, foundations, corporations, and government funding. If selected for the program, we do ask that participants come prepared and committed to putting in the required time and effort necessary to succeed and trust the process.

    Once you find employment, you are not expected to make any financial contributions or payments to NPower and will graduate from the program with no debt.

    As our programs are free and only half day, we do not offer additional financial support. Many of our students also work part-time, before, after class or on the weekends. Our staff can help you find programs that may assist with covering financial responsibilities such as housing, utilities, food, or child care expenses.

    While no prior knowledge of technology is needed to join our introductory Tech Fundamentals program, it is recommended that you have basic ability to use a computer such as browsing the Internet, creating, deleting, saving and copying files and folders on your desktop, hard drive, or USB drive.

    No, there is currently no entrance exam, but there are a series of interviews to assess your fit for the program.

    We run two cohorts per year: one begins in Spring and the other begins in Fall.

    NPower has a rolling admissions process. We encourage you to apply early because spaces can fill up quickly. If you are not accepted in the current cohort, we encourage you to apply for the next class.

    Yes, you can resubmit a new application here.

    Tech Fundamentals is our introductory course where you will master the basics of IT with real world application and credentials with the opportunity to earn one or more industry-recognized CompTIA certifications. We also offer specialized training in cybersecurity, cloud computing, full stack development to eligible trainees that have completed the Tech Fundamentals program.

    Yes! Anyone with 1-2 years of IT experience – or equivalent training and certification – is eligible to apply.

    Please see our advanced training program offerings:

    • Cybersecurity is an advanced training course designed for trainees or are ready to move beyond the basics of IT and tackle more rigorous security specialties
    • Cloud Computing is a part-time training program is designed to move trainees beyond basic tech support knowledge to learn the fundamentals of cloud architecture

    *programs may vary by region

    For more information about our regional programs, please visit our contact page to connect with a representative in your state.

    Contact a member of our team, read our stories from our alumni and check out our YouTube channel and social media channels for more information about how we provide opportunities to launch life-changing tech careers.

    Instagram  |  LinkedIn  |  Facebook  

    APPLICATION PROCESS & PROGRAM QUESTIONS

    The entire process is described for you here.

    You will see a confirmation page once you submit your application. For additional questions, please follow up with the regional recruitment manager listed on the contact us page.

    A member from the NPower team will notify you if you have been accepted, you can reach out to a regional NPower representative for any status questions via the contact us page.

    You will definitely need access to a laptop or PC to participate in the NPower program. Technology needs will be assessed during the interview process to ensure your success in the program. If you don’t have access to a computer, don’t let that stop you from applying.

    While programs can vary slightly per region, most classes require a 4-hour per day commitment from Monday through Friday for up to 20 weeks with an opportunity for a paid internship or a project-based learning experience. 

    Below is a snapshot of key topics and competencies covered throughout the Tech Fundamentals program: 

    • Managing computer components and peripherals
    • Software Application installation and Management
    • Installing, configuring, and managing Windows, Linux, and Apple operating systems
    • Project management, agile, customer services and ticket management
    • Compilation of modules addressing workforce readiness skills including communications, teamwork skills and customer service
    • Professional Development
    • Certifications: CompTIA IT Fundamentals and CompTIA A+ (optional)

    You will be expected to attend class 4 hours each day (five days a week) and actively participate in discussions, activities, and assignments. Expect to spend an additional 2 hours dedicated to tutoring, homework, and assigned activities outside of class. In order to be successful as an entry-level IT profession, you will need to spend time outside of class mastering materials, researching topics and testing your knowledge. This is a rigorous, yet proven program.

    You will have an opportunity to participate in a paid internship or a project-based learning experience. Internship placements will be hosted by our wide range of corporate partners. Check out some of our student success stories to get an idea of what’s to come.

    80% of our graduates land employment or decide to continue their learning by attending college. We have a dedicated team committed to helping place you at top companies where you will be welcomed, supported and thrive. Even after graduating, NPower provides alumni continuous opportunities for networking, developing and showcasing professional and technical skill sets, and gaining real-world work experience. 

    While most jobs these days have some tech component especially with the increase of remote positions, the most common jobs our graduates land are:

    Desktop Analysts

    Analyze and troubleshoot issues with desktop computers and their applications. Respond to tickets and troubleshoot and resolve problems in a timely manner. Set up and configure new systems, new applications, and upgrades. Create user accounts and manage access control based on company policies.

    Helpdesk Technicians

    Often the first call when there is a network issue, skilled technicians have expertise in customer service, as well as problem-solving. Diagnose and solve computer issues. Install and train users in new technologies. Provide remote technical support over the phone or online. Responsible for backing up and restoring data files. Repair hardware and configure software to maintain operating systems.

    Junior Project Managers

    Responsible for planning, organizing, and directing operations related to ongoing projects in the company and overseeing company projects to make sure they are running as planned. Create schedules and collect documents to guide projects and goals. Manage expectations and track risks and benefits. Communicate with clients about scheduling, staffing and technical requirements.

    Audio Video Support

    Set up and operate audio and video equipment including microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, recording equipment, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, and related electronic equipment for meetings and conventions, presentations, and conferences. Daily tasks may include notifying supervisors when major equipment repairs are needed. Diagnosing and resolving media system problems.

    Some of the additional tasks related to these roles are:

    • Troubleshooting real-time client issues
    • Presenting technical options and/or solutions
    • Serve as the go-to-source for providing remote intervention and support
    • Establishing trust with customers and providing exceptional customer service
    • Collaborating with internal and external teams for technical and non-technical business support

    While salaries vary depending on the position, experience, company, and location, NPower graduates’ average yearly salaries can range from $40,000 – $60,000.

    We have an incredible network of engaged and supportive alumni that have claimed their space in technology. The support continues after you graduate with opportunities to learn and earn credentials and gain real-world skills through learning modules, virtual labs, and training curriculum from leading tech companies like Google, IBM, and others. Upskill with access to Cybersecurity and Cloud Computing programs to prepare for career advancement and higher wage IT jobs. You can also help support new students navigate the program for the first time. Visit npower.org/get-involved/alumni for ways our alumni pay it forward and remain connected to their NPower family.

    You can easily submit the name and email of someone you think would benefit from our programs at npower.org/refer and we will do the rest.

    RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL (RCT) QUESTIONS

    Watch Our Explanatory Video

    NPower has partnered with a research team from Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO), a research center in the Department of Economics at the University of Notre Dame, to launch a randomized research study to understand how our Tech Fundamentals Program has impacted and improved the lives of our students.

    The trial will assess the program’s impact on students’ employment, earnings, secondary education and general wellbeing.

    This breakthrough study aims to validate NPower’s belief that our program positively impacts the lives of students and is working to prove it with data.

    To be eligible for the Young Adults program, individuals must:

    • Be 18-26 years of age
    • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
    • Be legally authorized to work in the US

    To be eligible for the Military Veterans and Spouses program, individuals must:

    • Be over 21 years of age
    • Currently serving or honorably discharged, or be the spouse of a military veteran
    • Legally authorized to work in the US

    Participation in the program and research study is voluntary.

    Not participating in the research study will not affect your chances at getting into the program, you will still be entered into the lottery.

    1. The study will help us at NPower improve our program and better serve our students. The study could also help us get more funding to grow our program and help more students like you.
    2. This study will benefit society. This study will generate knowledge about how to effectively help people develop skills and get better jobs.
    3. The lottery we use to select applicants for interviews gives everyone a fair shot, including people who will apply in the future.
    • You will apply to our program as usual.
    • We will share information from your application with the research team.
    • They will work with other official organizations to collect information that already exists about you so that we can learn how well our program is working.
    • Successful applicants will be invited to enroll in our Tech Fundamentals program. This includes 16 weeks of instructor led training, the opportunity for a paid internship or a project-based learning experience, and career development services with NPower and develop their technical and leadership skills.

    As a thank you for participation, the research team will email a $10 digital Amazon gift card within a week of application submission to all consenting Harlem applicants. All consenting Texas applicants will be automatically entered into a raffle to win a $50 gift card (10 winners).

    Since we receive more applications than we are able to interview, we use a computer drawing system to determine which applications to interview.

    Some applicants will be selected for an interview, others are placed on a waitlist in case there is still room in the program before class begins.

    If you are not selected for an interview when you apply, you will need to wait three years before applying for our program again.

    Your privacy is really important to us. Both NPower and the research team will only store your information on secure, password-protected servers.

    Personally-identifiable information will be removed before analysis, and no identifiable information will be used in reporting study results.

    Apply Today