Bank of America Awards Grant to ATC Foundation to Support Workforce Training Efforts in IT and Cybersecurity

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation recently awarded the Aiken Technical College Foundation a grant to support the College’s workforce training efforts in information technology and cybersecurity.

“The Aiken Technical College Foundation is delighted to receive this grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation as it is Aiken Tech's goal is to assist in filling the IT and cybersecurity pipeline with a qualified regional workforce,” said Dr. Beth LaClair, ATC Foundation Director.

The $25,000 award will cover the cost of tuition for learners who want to take one of the CompTIA classes, including A+, Network+, or Security+ computer Courses. Completion of these courses allows learners to take the appropriate certification exam.

“Aiken Technical College Foundation is providing technical and job skills training that equip members of our community to perform in high-demand roles that are critical to the stability and growth of our economy overall,” said Ora Parish, President of Bank of America Greater Augusta and Aiken. "Bank of America’s support of CompTIA classes furthers our commitment to supporting solutions that advance economic opportunity for all in our community.”

Recipients such as Tamika Ashford say the opportunity to build their skillset opens doors to IT career options.

“I am extremely appreciative for this opportunity,” said Ashford, who was the first to benefit from the grant and is enrolled in the A+ course. “I will be able to provide for my family and gain extremely valuable knowledge that I can build upon. This is truly a life-changing event.”

Jalah Morris, who is also a recipient, agreed.

“Receiving this grant allows me the opportunity to expand upon my current skillset for the betterment of the community,” said Morris.

Increasing access to CompTIA certification courses also helps meet IT and cybersecurity employers’ need for professionally trained and skilled individuals.

“The IT and cybersecurity presence continues to grow in the CSRA, and this grant will remove the financial barrier for those students who want a certification but cannot afford one,” said Dr. Steven Simmons, Dean of Technical Education and Continuing Education.

All three CompTIA certification classes are held two days a week from 5:30-9:30 p.m. on the ATC campus. If an individual has no prior CompTIA experience, it is recommended courses be taken in the order of A+ followed by Network+ and then Security+.

Course participants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. The next Security+ course begins July 19, and other courses begin in the fall. For more information or to register, contact Kendall Carter at (803) 508-7365 or carterk@atc.edu.