Learn more about Access Tech Here

JumpStart Inc. on Wednesday, Jan. 27, announced the launch of a digital training initiative that the entrepreneurial support and economic development organization says is "aimed at connecting Cleveland residents with the education and tools needed to thrive in the digital economy."

The effort is called "Access Tech," and it's overseen by JumpStart and funded by Verizon. It "leverages collaboration and innovation to expand digital access and learning to individuals and small businesses," JumpStart said in a news release.

Access Tech, powered by JumpStart and funded by Verizon, leverages collaboration and innovation to expand digital access and learning to individuals and small businesses.

"We know transformational change can occur through equity and innovation," said Lamont Mackley, chief inclusion and outreach ocer at JumpStart, in a statement. "We are excited to partner with Verizon and others to bridge the gap between a growing pool of tech- enabled opportunities and the community eager to ll them."

Codes and Youth Opportunities Unlimited, according to the release. MCPc is the initiative's technology partner.

Cleveland is one of four cities in which Verizon is providing nancial assistance "to implement a digital access and learning initiative to help citizens, from youth to adult, develop skills needed for tech-infused jobs and lives," JumpStart said in the release. The other cities are Houston, Pittsburgh and Portland.

JumpStart spokeswoman Vicki McDonald wrote in an email that the amount of funding Verizon is providing for the Cleveland program is not being disclosed.

Jessica Cohen, manager of state government affairs at Verizon, said in a statement, "We are excited about the opportunity to lead and develop innovative, tech-driven and community-focused approaches to promote digital inclusion in Cleveland. Our investment in this local partnership with JumpStart will put technology and knowledge in the hands of Cleveland residents and empower them to be part of the digital economy."

JumpStart said in the release that Access Tech will provide classes and programs in three focus areas: foundational digital skills, career development, and business formation and growth. (Details are here.)

Participants must reside in the city of Cleveland, be over the age of 18 and have some experience with computers. Some programs have additional requirements.

McDonald wrote in her email that enrollment is currently underway. Programs "are offered on an ongoing basis, and learning paths can be customized based on the user," she wrote.

JumpStart hopes to enroll 1,000 participants by the end of the year.

Article by Scott Suttle was published in Crain’s Cleveland on January 28th 2021

Learn more about Access Tech Here