Unlock Your Future in Tech with the Upskill Direct Entry Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Program sponsored by

The Upskill Direct Entry Pre-Apprenticeship Program, powered by We Connect The Dots, Inc. in partnership with Nebula Academy, is an 8-week virtual training experience designed to equip underrepresented and underserved individuals with the skills needed to launch high-demand careers in Information Technology (IT). This tuition-free program removes financial barriers, making quality technical education accessible to women, veterans, and unemployed or underemployed New York State residents earning less than $45,000 annually.

Why Choose the Upskill Program?

• 100% Virtual

• Industry-Aligned Training – Learn business process automation, AI integration, IT support, and low-code development.

• Hands-On Experience – Apply your skills in real-world business projects.

• Career Readiness & Mentorship – Receive mentorship, career coaching, and professional development support.

• Pathways to Apprenticeships & Jobs – Transition into a registered apprenticeship program or secure job placement through employer partnerships.

• Microsoft PowerApps Certification – Gain an industry-recognized credential to boost your employability.

Program Dates

• Workforce Training - 4 weeks: Monday, May 5th, 2025 - Monday, June 9th, 2025

• Workforce Experience - 4 weeks: Tuesday, June 10th, 2025 - Tuesday, July 10th, 2025

This scholarship program is available to New York State residents who are unemployed or underemployed (earning less than $45,000 annually). It is designed to equip participants with essential skills for entering career paths in the tech industry.

For individuals outside of New York State, the program is available at a tuition rate of $7,200 per student. To enroll as a non-scholarship student, please select the tuition option during the application process.

Participants must be 18 years or older to apply.

Take the next step toward a high-growth, high-paying tech career with the Upskill Direct Entry Pre-Apprenticeship Program. No prior experience is required—just a passion for learning and a drive for success!

Program Overview

The Upskill program is designed for individuals looking to break into the technology sector without prior experience. The curriculum is structured into two key phases:

• Workforce Training (4 Weeks): Participants develop technical proficiency in business automation, AI-driven solutions, and low-code application development. They also receive soft skills training in problem-solving, teamwork, and communication.

build on-the-job experience

• Workforce Applied Training (4 Weeks): After completing the 4-week workforce training, participants gain real-world experience with a workforce partner organization, applying their newly acquired IT skills in a professional setting. Many IT careers don’t require a college degree but demand practical skills training. Today’s tech leaders often started in entry-level roles, building expertise through industry-recognized certifications. By mastering foundational IT skills, participants can advance their careers, increase earning potential, and transition from middle to high-skilled roles in the tech industry.

Introduction to:

• Microsoft PowerApps

• Microsoft Office 365

• ChatGPT

• Collaboration using Microsoft Teams

• Business Communication skills

• LinkedIn Profiles with LinkedIn Learning

• Resume Preparation

• and more!

WORKFORCE EXPERIENCE partner registration:

Opportunity for nonprofits and local businesses to benefit as a 4-week workforce experience host. Support participants in applying their new skills in a real-world workforce experience environment. To learn more about becoming a workforce experience partner host, register below. Upon registration, you will receive information regarding our upcoming workforce partner information sessions. (Session is delivered virtually via Microsoft Teams).

Thank you to all of our community and workforce experience partners!

our mission and goals

We Connect The Dots’ mission is to deliver programs that engage students in positive brain-friendly ways and address the skills gap in today’s workforce. Our design process integrates industry experts in the field, and our delivery team to develop programs that bring 21st century workforce skills and neuroscience research together. Each program is designed with a learning goal in mind that introduces participants to industry concepts, teaches the value of lifelong learning, supports a path that can lead to additional knowledge or experience, and above all engages to create an interest where there may have not existed before.

This collaborative approach allows us to see the learning experience from multiple perspectives and ensures we are teaching concepts that can be expanded into an interest to go deeper where there is a desire. We build foundational skills that can be leveraged in their future learning experiences and in their careers no matter what path they choose to take. This spring participants will take part in a 4-week immersive learning experience, followed by a 4-week workforce experience, where participants will have the opportunity to demonstrate their new skills working in an entry-level technology administrative role for local businesses and nonprofits. The program is about getting participants out of their comfort zones to learn 21st-century workforce skills. This program takes a holistic approach, teaching both soft skills and technical skills to build capacity in solving complex problems, cross-collaborating with team members, synthesizing information, and learning about the many career opportunities in tech.

meet our speakers

FAQ

Q: Are participants required to have prior experience or skills to participate in the program?

A: No prior experience is required for this program. Having a growth mindset and a desire to learn are qualities we look for in selecting participants.

Q: How are applicants selected?

A: After applying, all applicants must complete a virtual interview via Microsoft Teams, and scholarship eligibility must be verified. Selection is based on the applicant’s demonstrated need, desire to participate, and commitment to completing the program. Registration will close once all available seats are filled.

Q: When does the program begin?

A: The start date is currently set for Monday, May 5th. (Program dates are subject to change based on enrollment)

Q: How long is the program?

A: Eight weeks, beginning May 5th, 2025 through July 10th, 2025.

Q: Is this program a paid internship?

A: This program is not a paid internship. However, we do include 3 paid stipends based on participant outcomes. Upon completing the 4-week training session, participants will receive a $400 stipend. Upon successful completion of the 4-week workforce experience session, participants will receive another $400 stipend. Participants will receive a final $400 stipend upon successfully completing their Capstone project and presenting it during the final graduation event. For a total of $1,200 stipend. All stipends are subject to acceptable attendance and are outlined in the program contract that each participant must sign once accepted into the program.

Q: Do participants need any equipment to participate?

A: A laptop is required as well as internet access, we can provide laptops to participants to use for the entire program with a signed laptop loaner agreement and credit card.

Q: If I have a laptop, can I use my own?

A: If your laptop meets the program requirements, participants may opt to use their laptop. All laptops must have a functioning camera to participate in the online classroom sessions.

Q: How many students will be selected?

A: Approximately 15 students will be selected to participate in the program across the community locations.

Q: Where is the program taking place?

A: The program will take place virtually using the Microsoft Teams online collaboration tool.

Q: What does the daily schedule entail?

A: Participants must arrive in the online classroom by 8:45 am EST; the day will conclude at 4 pm with an hour lunch break for six hours of learning each day.