HOUSTON, Texas – Nedra Bell, a single mom raising three children in Houston, has embarked on a new career in the high-paying tech industry after graduating from a unique training program called NPower Houston.
This free program has already helped Nedra land her dream job with a substantial salary.
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“You’re going to double and sometimes triple your salary when you’re going into the technical fields,” Nedra said. “You can expect to make between $80,000 to $100,000 with the certifications that you’ll receive from NPower, which they pay for. That’s unheard of. It’s such a fantastic program.”
Allen Kotun, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, also graduated from NPower Houston and secured a tech job paying more than he ever imagined.
“In this new role, I’m going to make anywhere between $55,000 to $85,000 a year,” Allen shared. “I thought it would take a long time, but now I’m making more than I’ve made in my entire 30-plus years of working.”
Both Nedra and Allen are recent graduates of NPower Houston, a free computer training program funded by a $1.8 million grant from Harris County. The program is specifically designed to help individuals like Nedra and Allen, who did not complete college, earn high-paying jobs in the tech industry.
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“I was not going to make the type of money I needed without a college degree,” Nedra explained. “That led me to gain my technical certifications because a college degree just wasn’t accessible to me.”
NPower Houston launched in March 2023 and offers a 20-week training course, five days a week, four hours a day.
All materials, including a laptop, are provided at no cost.
To qualify, participants must be Harris County residents, have graduated high school or obtained a GED, and be at least 18 years old.
Dr. Sarah David, director of NPower Houston, described the program as an instructor-led virtual class.
“It’s Monday through Friday for four hours,” she said. “Students don’t have to show up at a building; they can take this course via their computer, making it more accessible.”
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Through NPower, both Nedra and Allen were placed in paid internship programs and are now working in the type of tech jobs they’ve always wanted.
Nedra encourages others to take advantage of this free opportunity.
“If there’s a gap between where you are and where you want to be, you are the answer within that gap,” she said.
“Go to NPower.org, get your certifications, put in the work, and remember, you’re never too old to be what you want to be and earn what you want to earn,” Nedra said.
The next NPower Houston Training program begins on Feb. 3.
You can apply for the free program by going to NPower.org and clicking on Apply To Tech Fundamentals.
There are several other free training programs here in Houston you can apply for to qualify for higher-paying jobs. '
Here are several other programs that are available.
Houston Public Library Adult Literacy Program
One key resource is the Houston Public Library’s Adult Literacy Program. This initiative offers free classes and workshops to improve reading, writing, and math skills. The program is tailored to meet the needs of adult learners, providing a supportive environment where individuals can learn at their own pace.
Houston Community College Adult Education and Literacy Program
Additionally, the Houston Community College (HCC) offers a range of free courses through its Adult Education and Literacy program. These courses include GED preparation, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, and workforce training. HCC’s program is designed to help adults gain the skills needed to succeed in the workforce or pursue higher education opportunities.
Harris County Department of Education
The Harris County Department of Education also plays a significant role in providing free educational services to adults in the Houston area. Their Adult Education program offers classes in basic literacy, GED preparation, and ESL. These classes are available at various locations throughout the county, making it convenient for residents to access the resources they need.
Texas Workforce Commission classes
For those interested in online learning, the Texas Workforce Commission provides access to free online courses through platforms like Coursera and edX. These courses cover a wide range of subjects, from business and technology to health and personal development, allowing adults to learn new skills from the comfort of their own homes.
Free education workshops from nonprofit organizations in Houston
Various nonprofit organizations in Houston offer free educational workshops and seminars. These organizations often focus on specific areas such as financial literacy, digital skills, and career development.
- Literacy Advance of Houston: This organization provides free literacy classes and workshops to help adults improve their reading and writing skills.
- BakerRipley: Known for its community centers, BakerRipley offers various educational programs, including ESL classes, financial literacy workshops, and job training.
- The Women’s Resource: This nonprofit focuses on financial literacy and offers free workshops to help individuals manage their finances and plan for the future.
- AVANCE Houston: AVANCE provides educational programs for families, including parenting workshops and early childhood education, aimed at empowering parents and children.
- Houston Center for Literacy: This organization supports adult literacy through free classes and workshops, helping individuals improve their literacy skills and gain confidence.
- SER Jobs for Progress: SER offers workforce training and career development workshops, helping individuals acquire the skills needed to succeed in the job market.
- Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM): MAM provides educational workshops focused on employment readiness, financial literacy, and ESL, helping individuals achieve self-sufficiency.
- Texas Southern University: Free Enviromental Career Worker Training Program: 12-week program offers training and certification in 7 different areas like OSHA, Lead Abatement, and Community Emergency Response. This training includes a weekly stipend, lunch and job placement assistance.
Do you know about other job training or education resources in our area? Drop us a comment below and we will check it out!
