Urban Technology Project

Congratulations to UTP alumni, Derek S. S., on launching his new business, Savanatech LLC. He offers I.T. consultation, design, and installation for residential and commercial spaces in #Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, and surrounding counties. Opportunity@Work U.S. Department of Labor Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry #STARS #HireSTARs #TearThePaperCeiling #OneOfMillions Derek, a 2014 graduate of The School District of Philadelphia in collaboration with Launch of Philadelphia, Inc.'s Urban Technology Project, I.T. #Apprenticeship. He began as an AmeriCorps Digital Service Fellows, Pre-Apprentice, then continued as a Computer Support Specialist Apprentice. Post apprenticeship, he continued his career at CHOP until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, Derek has advanced through various roles in desktop support, ultimately becoming a Systems Administrator and Architect. Derek attributes his success to the strong foundation he received from the Urban Technology Project. Now, fulfilling a dream that's been years in the making, Derek leads Savantech LLC—a consulting, design, and installation company specializing in servers, networks, cameras, audiovisual systems, custom gaming setups, and more! For Residential Services: Derek offers in-home networking and Wi-Fi solutions, indoor and outdoor camera systems, home theater and audio installations, and custom gaming computer builds. For Commercial Services: Derek designs and installs servers, wired and wireless networks, camera systems, audiovisual systems for conference rooms and auditoriums, and much more! Check out Savantech LLC today at https://savantechllc.com and email [email protected] for your free consultation! https://lnkd.in/eD_HrXKP https://lnkd.in/e9gEV7FT

Countdown to 1Philadelphia Tech Innovation Weekend! We at UTP are fired up and ready to go!!!! (yes this is an old Pres. Obama slogan that I just can’t let go) Our pre-apprentices are volunteering and our tech apprentices are attending as well as the team.  Thank you 1Philadelphia for hosting these meaningful tech convenings to uplift the work of everyone within the Philadelphia tech ecosystem! See you there!

About last week! Our AmeriCorps Digital Service Fellows - Pre Apprentices had a blast at the PHL AmeriCorps Launch!  Over 200 AmeriCorps members and 20+ organizations gathered to kick off this year of service in Philadelphia!  AmeriCorps members learn and grow by giving back to their communities. Across the country and here in Philadelphia, AmeriCorps members are serving in schools, parks, health clinics, and non-profits “to help communities tackle their toughest challenges”.  Twenty-three UTP AmeriCorps Digital Service Fellows have committed to 1700 hours of service in 18 of The School District of Philadelphia urban schools to increase digital literacy skills and represent careers in tech for black and brown students.  We are so proud of these young adults!  Shout out to our amazing Program Managers: Jerron Corley & Erica Davis for their servant leadership.  Thank you to the National Service Task Force for planning this amazing event and PennServe for your long-standing support!  #AmeriCorps30, #Volunteerism, #Gettingthingsdone, #PennSERVE #UTP #Launch

Thanks to the Powering STARs Breakthrough grant from Opportunity@Work, 9 UTP STARs enjoyed 4 days of inspiration, networking and learning at the Grace Hopper Conference last week!  Our STARs eyes lit up when they saw thousands of women and nonbinary technologists gathered in our hometown convention center.  The massive tech conference offered over 300 sessions from AI to workplace culture, career expo, wellness center, braindates, networking and a star studded lineup of keynote speakers!  Thank you to the entire team at AnitaB.org for the thoughtful and exciting professional development experience for the Urban Technology Project, I.T. Apprentices! #GHC24 #womenintech #diversitymatters #talentovertradition #skillsoverdegrees #TearThePaperCeiling  #LaunchofPhiladelphia #UTP #SchoolDistrictofPhiladelphia

The Urban Technology Project and The School District of Philadelphia is honored to be nominated for 1Philadelphia's Next Gen Innovation Award, alongside of some other great organizations doing important work in this space!

📢 Calling all technology professionals!! The Urban Technology Project is seeking volunteers for our 2024-25 professional mentoring program. Make a BIG impact with just one hour a month mentoring virtually or in-person. Sign up today at https://bit.ly/utpmentor25. #mentoring #technology #volunteer

📢 Calling all technology professionals!! Looking to give back to the future technologists? The Urban Technology Project is looking for new volunteers for our 2024-25 professional mentoring program. For just a small commitment of one hour a month meeting virtually or in-person with your mentee you can make a BIG impact. Sign up today at https://bit.ly/utpmentor25

The Urban Technology Project is recruiting AmeriCorps Digital Service Fellows Pre-Apprentices for the 2024-25 Program Year!! This is a great opportunity for young people who are interested in a career in technology with no prior experience required. Pre-apprentices get paid work experience, certifications, trainings, transportation, and an Education Award upon the successful completion of their year. Applicants must have a HS Diploma/GED, be 18-24 years old, and be available for the full duration of the program (August 2024-July 2025). Apply today at tinyurl.com/apply-dsf

We had the honor and privilege to visit the Google headquarters in NYC recently! The Urban Technology Project's I.T. Apprentices had an amazing time. They got to hear from Google Apprentices about the Apprenticeship that their company offers, tour the beautiful facilities, and see all of the perks for working there. Thank you for showing our apprentices that they belong and what is possible for their career in tech.

Please join us in congratulating The Urban Technology Project's Computer Support Specialist #Apprentices for completing the 2023-2024 program year successfully. This year we had our largest cohort in UTP history and we had the largest number of Journeyworker certificates issued during a program year. We are so proud of everyone! UTP wishes everyone who is entering the workforce the best of luck and we look forward to celebrating their career growth. We are excited to see other apprentices return in August to continue their training. Congratulations to the UTP CSS Class of 2023-2024