HUNTSVILLE, Ala. and LANHAM, Md., Aug. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — edX, a leading global online learning platform, announced a new partnership with Drake State Technical and Community College and Jobs for the Future (JFF) to provide adult learners in the Huntsville, Alabama area with access to no-cost, fully online boot camp programs in cybersecurity and data analytics. This Access Partnership is made possible by funding from the Truist Foundation and aims to increase technical talent in the Huntsville region by focusing on women, BIPOC individuals, and lower-income professionals.
The edX Access Partnerships program connects colleges and universities with local workforce agencies and funding partners to create affordable pathways for underserved adult learners to gain career-relevant technology skills. Through this program, learners have the opportunity to enroll in edX’s industry-leading boot camp curricula in key technology fields. These public-private partnerships have proven successful in upskilling more than 3,000 learners in communities across the U.S. and U.K. at little to no cost.
The program will initially be offered to 60 learners in the Huntsville area, with 30 seats available in the cybersecurity boot camp and 30 in the data analytics boot camp. Upon successful completion of the boot camp program, learners will receive college credit that can be applied toward an associate’s degree at Drake State. Over the next three years, it is estimated that the program will support more than 150 residents in the Huntsville area.
Dr. Patricia Sims, President of Drake State, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Drake State has long been committed to offering flexible, affordable technical degrees and customized skills training to support and enhance the lives of our workforce and the health of our industries across North Alabama. Our new Access Partnership with edX will help us continue to meet workforce demands by preparing highly-skilled workers to take on roles in Huntsville’s unique blend of space and defense industries, biotechnology, healthcare, and high-tech manufacturing.”
In addition to Drake State, edX has collaborated with over a dozen community partners, including United Way of Madison County and Huntsville Madison County Chamber of Commerce, to offer comprehensive support to learners. These services include child care services, technology support, transportation assistance, and connections with potential employer partners.
Daniel Kasambira, President and CEO of United Way of Madison County, emphasized the importance of supporting workforce development and career readiness, stating, “Supporting workforce development and career readiness are key components of United Way’s goals for making education more accessible to all members of our community. By partnering with Drake State, edX, and our fellow community organizations, we’re activating collective strengths across sectors to meet learners wherever they are and ensure they are supported in every aspect of their educational journey.”
Huntsville, known for its rapidly growing technology sector, is home to NASA’s Marshall Space Center, Boeing, Science Applications International Corporation, and many small federal tech companies. According to Lightcast Labor Insights, there have been over 2,000 job postings for cybersecurity skills and over 2,500 job postings for data analysis skills in the Huntsville area in the last six months.
Anant Agarwal, Founder of edX and Chief Platform Officer at 2U, highlighted the importance of Access Partnerships in creating a sustainable workforce development model. He stated, “Working together with Drake State and other partners in the Huntsville community, we aim to improve access to quality education and help diversify the tech talent pipeline as demand for cybersecurity and data analyst roles continue to grow.”
edX for Impact, the collective effort within edX to help marginalized learners access education and develop career skills, actively supports Access Partnerships. Currently, edX has active partnerships with 19 academic institutions serving learners in various states in the U.S., as well as in the U.K. and Canada. These partnerships are supported by more than 90 agencies and community partners chosen specifically to support their region’s unique learner populations.
As one of the world’s largest developers of technology talent, edX has supported over 75,000 boot camp graduates globally, providing them with the skills, knowledge, and career resources to achieve their goals. A recent 2U-Gallup survey revealed that boot camp graduates reported being nearly four times happier with their jobs after graduation and over 86% reported achieving positive outcomes.
To apply for the program and learn more, interested individuals can visit Drake State’s website at www.drakestate.edu/data-analytics-cybersecurity-boot-camps. Organizations interested in supporting the Access Partnership initiative in Huntsville can contact [email protected]
About edX
EdX is a global online learning platform that was developed in 2012 by Harvard and MIT. Under the umbrella of 2U, Inc., edX connects over 78 million people with online learning opportunities in nearly every career discipline. With partnerships with top-ranked universities and organizations, edX offers a wide range of job-relevant programs, including certificates, boot camps, and degrees. Their mission is to make quality education accessible to everyone.
About Drake State Technical and Community College
Drake State Technical and Community College is a historically black community college located in Huntsville, Alabama. Serving a region known for its aerospace and defense industry, including NASA, the US Army Redstone Arsenal, and Cummings Research Parks, Drake State offers flexible and affordable university-transfer 2-year and technical degrees, certificates, and adult and continuing education. They also provide customized technical skills training for local employers.
About United Way of Madison County
United Way of Madison County in Alabama is dedicated to supporting education, financial stability, and health initiatives in their communities. Through data-based needs assessments and partnerships with trustworthy agencies, United Way of Madison County works to solve real problems and make a lasting impact. Their efforts involve recruiting volunteers, leveraging corporate resources, creating programs, and raising funds to address the greatest needs of the community.
About Jobs for the Future
Jobs for the Future (JFF) is a organization focused on driving transformation in the U.S. education and workforce systems to achieve equitable economic advancement for all. Their initiatives aim to create opportunities and improve outcomes for individuals by aligning education and training with the needs of employers.
About Truist Foundation
Truist Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Truist Financial Corporation. Established in 2020, the foundation aims to inspire and build better lives and communities by making strategic investments in nonprofit organizations. Truist Foundation focuses on building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses.