The North Georgia Autism Foundation Inc., Three Talents LLC, and Genesis Elevator Company have partnered to create the Georgia Bridge Academy (GBA). The GBA is a new and innovative post-secondary training program where students from Cobb County (18-38 years old) can earn industry recognized Cisco skills and certification in Network Security.
The mission of the Georgia Bridge Academy is to support meaningful employment opportunities for adults with disabilities by bridging talented people with high demand IT careers through certified industry-based training and education. This privately funded program will be provided free of charge to students with a documented disability that meet GBA screening criteria.
Jay Arntzen, President of Genesis Elevator, is excited to host the first classroom training session at the Genesis Elevator office location in Kennesaw, Georgia come June 2021. Eligible students will receive free full tuition, fees and equipment lending. Genesis Elevator Company has initiated multiple career and employment support opportunities in their community and their business. Genesis also supports the high school program Project SEARCH as a host business to teach relevant marketable skills. Arntzen believes employment provides everyone a pathway to reach their full potential.
As Three Talents states, “We are passionate advocates for people with disabilities who are committed to transforming lives through employment. We provide expertise to expand disability employment and build training academies that unlock the great potential of people with disabilities. We see great potential from all people and unlock it. We see the profound impact people with disabilities contribute to a culture, brand, business, and workforce. We also see the transformative impact it has on their lives. While the U.S. labor participation rate is at a historic high, 81 percent of people with disabilities in the U.S. are unemployed and nearly one-third live in poverty. Employers struggle to find talent while 30 million-plus people with disabilities just want the opportunity to prove themselves. We create opportunities which enrich their lives and the lives of all they touch.” Often these individuals possess a high aptitude and motivation for employment within the IT industry.
Tripp Ritchie states “The Georgia Bridge Academy strives to seamlessly match ability, education and opportunity to change many lives. As a pilot program in Georgia, we stand ready to share a new pathway that bridges ability with employment for young adults with disabilities. Our goal is for all of our students to reach their full potential.”
The Georgia Bridge Academy will strive to unlock the full potential of qualified students to reach employment goals by matching each student’s abilities to IT employment opportunities. Students who successfully complete the nine-month program will receive an industry recognized IT Certificate and a job.
Should your company desire to engage, for more information contact www.ngafinc.org.
