Upper Marlboro, MD, November 18, 2024 – The net.America Corporation (net.America) and Jarvis Christian University (JCU), a Historically Black College/University (HBCU), have announced the expansion of their partnership to support the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Apprenticeship’s initiative to broaden access to Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs). This collaboration, which began in 2023, aims to create equitable RAPs that directly benefit JCU students and the surrounding communities.
“Establishing apprenticeship programs within Jarvis Christian University in partnership with net.America will support the long-term development of a workforce pipeline for our students and the viable economic development of our community,” said Dr. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, President of Jarvis Christian University. “We are proud to implement Registered Apprenticeship Programs in the Cybersecurity Technician, Physiotherapy Aide, and Lab Assistant fields, leading to pathways in Computer Science, Data Analysis, Kinesiology, and Research Associate roles, respectively.”
As a partner to net.America and a sponsor of the DOL, JCU will leverage its existing curriculum to create meaningful employment opportunities for its students. The expanded partnership focuses on accelerating apprenticeship program development through strategic collaboration and active community engagement. It also seeks to enable businesses and employers to build a skilled workforce across key industries, including Data Science, Cybersecurity, Health IT, Healthcare, and Energy. At least 50% of the program participants come from underrepresented and underserved communities.
“We are incredibly excited to deepen our partnership with Jarvis Christian University, showcasing the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change,” said Clare Razaq-Hines, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of net.America. “Together, we’re building pathways to success for students from all backgrounds, creating a stronger, more diverse, and inclusive workforce that benefits everyone.”
Currently, net.America is assisting JCU in establishing registered apprenticeship pathways in the following areas:
- Physiotherapy Aide to Kinesiologist Programs
- Cybersecurity Technology to Data Analyst Pathways
- Computer Science Pathways
- Recruitment Specialist Management Programs
- Research Assistants and Lab Technicians to Research Associates in Cancer Research
- STEM Pathways
- Humanities and Predictive Math Modeling
net.America, an Industry Intermediary, acts as a champion and bridge between the Office of Apprenticeship and career seekers, employers, educational institutions, training providers, and community organizations. Its efforts focus on creating new RAPs and expanding existing ones at both regional and national levels. This work has significantly impacted apprenticeable professions, helping career seekers gain access to sustainable opportunities. The continuation of these efforts is critical to meeting the needs of students, employers, and the broader workforce.
JCU is proud to strengthen its partnership with net.America to help develop apprenticeship programs that provide pathways to success for students and the community.
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