Learn while you earn!

​In collaboration with local businesses, we offer a program for 18-24 year olds who have an interest in technology, how it works and the career choices it offers.  Participants will have the opportunity to be a member of a help-desk team supporting customers and solving real-world software and hardware problems while earning an A+ Certification!

Start IT’s mission is to provide a diverse, underrepresented population, looking to change their life’s path, entry-level information technology and life skills preparing them to enter the workforce.  The public and private partnership of mentors,      businesses and educators helps participants develop a core skill set that can pivot to any career through paid training, internships, and hands-on, real-world experiences.

Start IT will equip Racine County residents with the skills they need to continue their education or obtain an entry level job as a Cyber Defense Professional."    ~ Mark Mundl, Racine County Manager of Workforce Solutions

How is Start IT different?
The reality is that a desire to learn and excel is not enough.  Start IT is a public/private partnership between Leeward Business Advisors, Racine County and Workforce Solutions designed to not only teach service desk, hardware and software support, web design and software security skills, but to provide mentorship and support on navigating around the hurdles these individuals face in their lives. 

What is it?

• 16 weeks of classroom and onsite training/experience
  • Held in participants’ neighborhood to alleviate transportation issues
  • Participants are paid during this time so they can continue to provide for themselves
  • Two Gateway Technical College courses
  • Onsite experienced tech professional to supervise and coach
  • Receive real-life service desk job experience, basic software and hardware skills, cyber security training
  • Site coordinator/mentor supports students’ personal growth and life skills
    • Getting a driver’s license, figuring out childcare, conflict management, professional demeanor, corporate citizenship, etc.
• 6-month internships
  • Candidates interview for paid internships with local companies (Leeward Business Advisors, Twin Disc, Modine, Racine County, etc.)
  • 30 hours a week
  • Companies agree to provide required support
  • Company provides a mentor not directly above the interns to guide professional behavior skills and support
  • Participants continue to meet with site manager and their cohort to share their experiences and support each other
• End result
  • Workforce ready employees with a core skill set that can pivot to any career
  • 10+ months of paid, on the job training
  • Up to 5 credits at Gateway Technical College
  • Cohort participants part of a support group with similar experiences and goals

How can you support the Start IT mission?

• Get a Ninja!
  • Start IT’s initial funding came through Workforce Innovation and Opportunity (WIOA) Funding.  The next stage is to move from public funding to self-sustaining through CyberProtect.Ninja Threat Management services provided through Leeward Business Advisors and maintained by Start IT participants.  Learn more

• If you are a business able to offer a Start IT participant an internship, please contact ProtectMe@CyberProtect.Ninja

​​

• Monetary donations will be used to fund future cohorts

In tech, you don’t need to have 10-plus years of experience.  Technology advances happen so quickly.  After graduating from the program, participants could expect to make $24,000-$30,000 per year at an entry level position.” ~ Michael Polzin, CEO of Leeward Business Advisors