The Urban Technology Project:

An Information Technology Career Pathway Model

A partnership between

The School District of Philadelphia and Communities In Schools of Philadelphia

July 21, 2015

What is the Urban Technology Project?

Who we areThe Urban Technology Project (UTP) is a District-sponsored public/private partnership, designed to empower Philadelphia youth and their communities through meaningful technology experiences. UTP links youth leadership/workforce development, educational opportunities, and community building.

Our programsUTP is comprised of:> The Computer Support Specialist (CSS) Registered IT Apprenticeship Program

> The Digital Service Fellows (DSF) Pre-Apprenticeship AmeriCorps Program> TechServ clubs

UTP Fast FactsHistory• UTP established in 1997 as a service-learning technology initiative• DSF established 2002 and CSS Registered Apprenticeship established 2005

What we doUTP participants provide much needed supplementary technical support, maintaining classroom technology in every school in the District. During FY15, UTP participants saved the District over $ 900,000 in technical support services.

Who we serve Participants also support parents, teachers and students through meaningful educational technology activities. Since 2005, 12,000 District students have been served through technology integration in the classroom, after-school programs, and summer camps.

IT Career Pathway• UTP participants attain industry certifications• UTP participants receive timely “on the job training” recognized by Department

of Labor and Industry • UTP participants enroll in Community College of Philadelphia courses as part of IT

Apprenticeship program.• UTP graduates have been hired by the District, private industry, and/or have

gone on to higher education.

Digital Service Fellows AmeriCorps Pre-

Apprenticeship ProgramOverview

The Digital Service Fellows (DSF) is an award-winning year-long pre-apprenticeship AmeriCorps program for recent Philadelphia high school graduates who are interested in exploring aspects of Information Technology, from computer repair to coding to graphic design. The program averages over 90% retention rate each year.

Technology Pre-apprenticeship—”Learn and Serve”• FY15: 32 members in the DSF program• Each Fellow trains directly with a School District staff and/or CSS

member• This apprenticeship model is a win-win for Fellows, mentors, and

schools. DSFs learn the ins and outs of the IT field while mentors receive daily assistance in supporting the technology infrastructure of the School District.

• Fellows attend weekly trainings to prepare for certifications as well as receive training on the “essential skills” needed to succeed in a professional working environment. This includes the use of industry standard resources such as Apple’s GSX and Dell’s Tech Direct online tools.

DSF Program ContinuedLeadership in Schools• DSFs assist with in-school and after-school technology clubs

(TechServ) and support technology trainings for students, teachers and parents year round.

Program Benefits• AmeriCorps members receive a $5,730 education scholarship, a

living stipend ($12,400), industry standard certifications, access to up-to-date technology equipment, healthcare, and a monthly SEPTA transpass, among other benefits.

• Participants are enrolled in Community College of Philadelphia IT courses at the beginning and/or end of their service year.

• The most outstanding DSFs can transition into the Computer Support Specialist (CSS) Program.

Over 250 DSF participants have provided 425,000 hours of service to the District.

Computer Support Specialist

Registered Apprenticeship ProgramOverview

The Computer Support Specialist (CSS) program, is a registered IT apprenticeship program with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, the only public/private initiative of its kind in the state.Technology Apprenticeship—”Earn and Learn”• Each CSS is placed full time in a participating school working

under the direct supervision of the Technology Teacher Leader to provide on-site technical support. In FY15, sixteen CSS members provided support to 24 schools and offices.

• Participants receive training and resources to obtain IT industry certifications (CompTIA, Apple, Google).

• Participants are enrolled in CCP IT courses throughout their apprenticeship.

• Wage progression

CSS Program continuedLeadership in Schools• CSS also assist with in-school and after-school technology clubs

and support technology trainings for students, teachers, and parents year round.

• CSS act as role models and mentors to students in their schools.

Program Benefits• Successful apprentices who complete all requirements obtain a

Journeyperson Certificate from the PA Department of Labor--a portable certificate of completion and proficiency.

• The Apprenticeship model is higher education, it is the “other college” w/out the debt.

Program Outcomes• Over 85 participants, 45 graduates to date.• Locally employed by private industry, area colleges, charter

schools, and the District. • Starting salaries ranging from $35,000-$55,000.• A few have started their own businesses.• Over 60% are attending two or four year colleges.

Alignment to SDP Action Plan 3.0

Action 1.g Promote compelling, successful programs including Career and Technical Education, AP and IB courses, and project-based learning.“In partnership with the business community, we will increase the number of students earning industry credentials – reflecting Philadelphia's high priority, growing occupations – while developing guidelines on effective teaching methods to ensure the highest quality of programming options. We will continue to develop “career pathways” with employers, which can include pre‐apprenticeships and registered apprenticeships. “

”The Urban Technology Project is exactly the type of model for training the

workforce of tomorrow.”

- US Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez December 11, 2014

Philadelphia-based Apprenticeship, The Urban Technology Project, featured on the US Office of Apprenticeship’s homepage

Urban Technology Project Recognition

• Workforce Innovations Conference Best Practices Award 2007—Premier Workforce Development national conference

• 2005 – 2006 SDP Best Practices recognition for Operational Support Services

• The UTP program was recognized by the Corporation for National and Community Service as a Best Practices model in 2009, 2004 and 2001.

• US Secretary of Labor visited UTP program this past December 2014.

At A Glance: 2015 - 2016• Enhance alignment with District CTE IT/Business

programs.• Expand occupations in the UTP Registered

Apprenticeship program to include: Web Applications Developer and Data Processor/Fiscal Assistant.

• Transition from a timed-based single employer model to a multi-employer competency-based Registered Apprenticeship program.

• Participate in LEADERs (Leaders of Excellence in Apprenticeship Development, Education, and Research) : a US DOL campaign to Expand Registered Apprenticeship across the USA.

• Diversify funding streams. DOL Apprenticeship Video

Thank you!

For additional information contact:Edison Freire efreire@philasd.orgDawn McCray dmccray@cisphl.org