NPower PA ITWorks Graduating its Inaugural Class - PRESS RELEASE

NPower PA ITWorks Graduating its Inaugural Class

New job training program helps out-of-work young adults begin a new life.

Philadelphia PA USA, January 14, 2010 - ITWorks is a compelling new job-training program, not just because of the unique nonprofit that runs it (NPower PA) or the impressive list of organizations that support it (The United Way of SEPA, Drexel University, SAP America, Bank of America, ING Direct, Reed Elsevier, Deloitte, and The Henrietta Tower Wurts Memorial Fund), but because of the people in it: a single mom trying to make a better life for her family, a husband & wife team, a participant who rode his wheelchair 50 blocks during the SEPTA strike so he wouldn't miss class.  These are just some of the stories of individuals who overcame great adversity to make a better life for themselves through the ITWorks program.

ITWorks offers a free, 16-week, immersive Information Technology (IT) training program to disadvantaged young adults and then places graduates into internships in Philadelphia’s nonprofit, business and public sectors.  ITWorks is a collaboration between the United Way of Southeastern PA, Drexel University, and NPower PA, a unique nonprofit that provides hands-on technology services to over 350 nonprofit organizations in the greater Philadelphia region.

The United Way and NPower’s nonprofit and corporate networks help in addressing potential barriers in recruiting, retaining, and placing participating youth jobs.  Students are currently interning at local corporations such as PricewaterhouseCoopers, Reed Technology and Information Services, and Brandywine Realty Trust as well as local nonprofits such as The Philadelphia Horticultural Society (producers of the Philadelphia International Flower Show).

There is already evidence of how life-changing the program has been for program participants.  Consider the story of Lila Santos, currently an intern in the IT department at PricewaterhouseCoopers:

"I am a single parent and my son’s life depends on my success.   Before coming to NPower's ITWorks program I had a sense of "No More Chances". ITWorks was my last hope. NPower accepted me into ITWorks and there began my "Alice in Wonderland" experience.  I now know that I can be a role model for my son and not just "mom, the pizza girl."

The first class of ITWorks will graduate February 2nd at 11am at Drexel University’s Mitchell Auditorium, Philadelphia PA.

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Quotes and interviews are available with a number of program supporters and participants.  Please call 215-557-1559 x110 or e-mail Anthony@npowerpa.org for contact information.