Concluded 2025 Tech Certs

The Opportunity

Tech Foundry in downtown Springfield, MA  trains students for Computer Support Technician roles, a great entry-level job with high demand among the large employers in the region. At this rigorous 18-week full-time program, students learn all the essential computing topics such as networking, operating systems, and hardware diagnostics, preparing them to take the industry-recognized Google IT Support Certificate. As further proof of their skills, many students would like to launch their job search with an additional credential in hand: the prestigious Comp TIA A+ or Networking+ .

The typical Tech Foundry graduate has no prior high tech job experience or college degree in a computer field, which puts them at a disadvantage when applying for job postings, especially given the automatic filtering applied to job applications these days.

To help these students' qualifications stand out among a crowded field of job applicants, many of them would also like to earn an additional industry-recognized credential such as COMPTIA A+ or Networking+. Having a COMPTIA certification is a key differentiator for landing interviews and having a successful job search, but the exam fees and study materials are prohibitively expensive for low-income students who are working to break into a new profession.

Donate now to eliminate cost as a barrier for Tech Foundry students to earn this additional credential.

The funds we raise will allow Tech Foundry to cover the fees and buy exam prep materials, allowing more Tech Foundry students to prepare for and attempt this certification exam. Having this extra validation of the expertise they've gained will get their applications seen by more hiring managers and also boost their confidence as they head into interviews. This certification qualifies them for a wider range of openings, many with a higher salary and additional career advancement opportunities. The starting salary differential for COMPTIA certified new hires is estimated at between $3,000-$5,000 depending on the role.

The Backdrop

Springfield is in Western Massachusetts - a region with some of the highest levels of poverty and lowest levels of educational attainment and labor force participation in Massachusetts. The public schools had a history of poor performance with graduation rates more than 20% lower than the state average. As a result, fewer adults were prepared to continue their education or even qualify for minimum wage jobs. 25% of residents live in poverty and the per capita income is $25,669. Only 57% of the population aged 16+ are in the labor force.

For comparison, across Massachusetts, around 10% of people live in poverty, the per capita income is $53,513 and 67% of people over age 16 participate in the labor force.

About Tech Foundry's Training Program

Against this backdrop, Tech Foundry developed an innovative program requiring no prior college coursework. Students attend 14 weeks of intensive in-person training and coaching followed by a 4-week internship experience, culminating with all students sitting for the Google IT Support Certificate exam.  Large employers in the Springfield/Hartford area run many IT shops and data centers, creating a need for trained computer support professionals, making this role important for a vibrant regional economy. Labor market forecasts have demonstrated the high demand for entry-level tech employees in Massachusetts.

Tech Foundry enables graduates to realize family financial stability, as students move from an average annual income below $25,000 to $42,000 a year (on average) upon post-graduation placement. Most Tech Foundry alums earn between $50,000-65,000+ annually within 2 years of graduation. Around 30% of students are hired by and stay on at their internship company - further proof of the job readiness created by the focused, hands-on classwork and career readiness coaching at Tech Foundry.

Students pay no tuition for this program but it is still a financial challenge to attend the 14 weeks of instruction plus a 4 week unpaid internship. For students from low-income backgrounds, paying the added transportation and child care costs so they can get to class can be a challenge.  Many students cut back on their work schedules to make time for schooling, and many are supporting children or other family members while in school.