New York City resident Lois Tatis’ parents were deported to the Dominican Republic when he was very young. Leaving him alone in the city with limited financial mobility. Tatis turned to the NYC Tech Talent Pipeline (TTP), a program founded in 2014 that seeks to connect New Yorkers with tech jobs and training.
Tatis applied and was accepted into the NYC Web Development Fellowship, a 22-week intensive Web development training program. Upon completing the training program, Tatis was hired as a front-end engineer intern and was quickly promoted to a full-time software engineer, nearly tripling his pre-program earnings.
Last week, Mayor Bill de Blasio, who created the TTP, announced an expansion of the program with a $1 million investment and new partnerships.
“The NYC Tech Talent Pipeline is centered on providing new opportunities for all New Yorkers. Those impacted by this initiative will gain the skills and experiences they need to be a part of one of the fastest growing sectors of our economy,” said de Blasio. “TTP will benefit all five boroughs and will pave the way for expanded opportunities for residents and businesses across our city.”
Operated by New York City’s Small Business Services Department, the program is now offering tech apprenticeships and internships at a new roster of companies, including IBM, Verizon, and Accenture. In addition to 175 total companies the program is working with, the TTP has relationships with 15 city colleges, including Columbia University, the City University of New York, Lehman College, and Cornell Tech.
“Growing opportunities in New York City’s tech sector requires an end-to-end approach, from our schools and colleges to partnerships with employers,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. “I’m thrilled to see Cornell Tech, CUNY and tech-industry leaders in our city working together to expand tech industry opportunities for people of all backgrounds who have the skills and talent to succeed.”
Those who have completed a TTP training program have seen a 34 percent increase in their wages, a spokesman for the Small Business Services Department said. The TTP’s 10 programs target various demographics, ranging from college students to underemployed or unemployed New Yorkers.
“The NYC Tech Talent Pipeline has created opportunities for more New Yorkers to achieve good, career track jobs in the tech field, and I am pleased that the commitments announced today will expand its reach,” said Gregg Bishop, commissioner of the Department of Small Business Services. “The tech field is important to New York City’s economy and we will continue to work with our private sector partners to forge a future that is inclusive and taps the rich talents of all of our people.”
With the increased financial investment, the TTP will expand its TTP Residency program, which, according to the city, connects qualified undergraduate computer science students to internships with industry leaders looking for specially trained tech employees. The program is currently only at Queens College, but will expand to include Lehman College. In addition to connecting students with internships, the program includes a commitment from participating schools to better align curriculum in computer science degree programs with in-demand skills needed by tech employers.
“The addition of the TTP Residency program at Lehman College will be an immense benefit to our students and faculty members engaged in the fast-changing world of today’s new digital technologies,” said José Luis Cruz, president of Lehman College. “An opportunity to learn firsthand from practitioners and innovators in tech workplaces around New York City will prepare students to thrive in a challenging environment and, in turn, help lead the industry forward–just what you would hope for in a public-private partnership.”
To learn more about the NYC Tech Talent Pipleline, visit its website here.
