NPower LA2050 Opportunity Young Adults Tech Pathways

Access to tech and creative industry employment

County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

NPower addresses persistent barriers that prevent underrepresented communities from accessing employment in the tech and creative industries. Systemic inequities—such as limited access to quality education, broadband, and industry networks—have historically excluded young adults and veterans from underserved communities. High entry costs for training, lack of mentorship, and credential bias further widen the opportunity gap. NPower provides no-cost, industry-informed training and wraparound support to remove these barriers. Recognizing that career success is a compoentnt of eocnomic mobility, NPower works with our partners to offer financial literacy skills to our students, creating greater, sustainable impact for them and their families. By equipping participants with technical skills, professional certifications, and hands-on experience, NPower opens pathways to in-demand tech careers, while reuing the tech talent skills gap.

Launched in 2024 with support from Microsoft, NPower’s IT Support Specialist (ITSS) program is a no-cost, workforce development initiative designed to equip young adults and veterans from underserved communities with the foundational skills needed to launch careers in technology. Building on the success of NPower’s recognized Tech Fundamentals program, ITSS integrates Microsoft Azure certification preparation and hands-on technical training in IT support, networking, and cybersecurity basics. The program also includes professional development, mentorship, and job readiness workshops to ensure participants are not only technically prepared but also equipped to thrive in professional environments.
Spanning 18 weeks of classroom instruction, the ITSS program offers a real-world bridge to employment. Participants earn industry-recognized certifications such as CompTIA A+ and Microsoft Azure Fundamentals. To ensure the success and well-being of our students, NPower provides wraparound services—including transportation stipends, mental health resources, and career coaching.
Through a robust ecosystem inclusive of strong partnerships with local employers, workforce boards, the ITSS program is directly aligned with regional workforce needs. Graduates leave not only with new skills, but with a network of support, industry connections, and a clear path toward economic mobility and long-term career growth in the tech sector leading to increased salary and career growth overtime

If NPower’s Opportunity Youth programs succeed in Los Angeles County, a greater number of disconnected young adults—especially those from historically under-resourced neighborhoods—will reengage with education, workforce training, and career pathways in tech. These young people, often overlooked by traditional systems, will gain confidence, digital skills, and industry-recognized certifications that lead to stable, thriving-wage jobs. Neighborhoods burdened by high unemployment and limited opportunity will begin to see local talent uplifted into high-demand sectors, fostering community pride and economic resilience. Local employers will gain access to a previously untapped, diverse talent pipeline. Ultimately, Los Angeles County will see reduced youth disconnection rates, a more inclusive tech workforce, and a stronger, more equitable economy driven by the potential of its young people.