Job Center investing in IT training with Geek Foundation

The Missouri Job Center is committing Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funding toward information technology training in partnership with nonprofit The Geek Foundation.

Through the agreement, staff and volunteers at The Geek Foundation are slated to train adults in IT and web development, according to a news release. The classes will be offered for free to students wanting to change careers to the technology industry.

Job Center spokesperson Katherine Trombetta said the maximum enrollment for the program would be around 120 students in four classes. The cost per class per person is roughly $3,500, paid for by the CARES Act funding, she said. If classes are fully enrolled, The Geek Foundation would be paid $420,000 for its services over the course of 24 weeks.

“The Geek Foundation strives to create accessible education for underrepresented members of the community and was founded on principles of diversity, inclusiveness and a genuine desire to always keep learning,” said co-founder Krista Peryer, in the release. “We are excited to partner with the Missouri Job Center to bring more awareness of these opportunities that encourage women and minorities to get into the field of information technology."

The Job Center last month announced it received nearly $500,000 in federal stimulus funds to go toward workforce development services in the area.

Also last month, the Job Center's north-side office relocated to The Fairbanks from the Cox North Medical Tower.