GRANTEE:                   WIC-DC/ Catholic University

ADDRESS:                  The Catholic University of America

                             620 Michigan Ave., NE

                             Washington, DC 20064

AMOUNT:                    $2,966,121                 

DURATION:                January 5, 2004 - January 5, 2007 (36 months)

POPULATION SERVED:  This program will serve 300 underemployed and unemployed individuals in the Information Technology (IT) and Engineering industries.  Individuals applying to be trained must have at a minimum an Associate’s degree for the Bachelor’s programs or Bachelor’s degree for the advanced certificate programs. 

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:  This project will use Catholic University and other training providers to train individuals in a wide range of Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in the IT industry.  The training will be in the form of traditional classes, e-learning, and practicum. 

Partnered employers are providing $1,063,530 in match and an additional $610,121 is being provided by other sources.

This program aims to serve 300 underemployed and unemployed workers.  A total of 15 participants will receive advanced certificates in IT theory and applications; 40 participants will receive a Bachelor’s with IT concentrations; 30 will receive Master’s degrees in IT; 15 will receive a Master’s in Civil Engineering; and 200 participants will receive industry recognized certifications.  Approximately 90 percent of all participants are expected to complete training, and the average wage of trainees is expected to increase roughly $14,000 annually.  Certifications include but are not limited to SCJP (Sun Certified Java Programmer), SCJA (Sun Certified Architect for J2EE technologies), SCJD (Sun Certified Java Developer), SCWCD (Sun Certified Web Component Developer), SCA-SD (Sybase Certified Associate – SQL Developer), MCAD (Microsoft Certified Application Developer), and CSD (webMethods Certified Solutions Developer). 

All participants will be selected based on two factors: 1) their likelihood of successfully completing a rigorous, technical academic program; and 2) the likelihood that they will subsequently engage in a successful career in IT or engineering.  This will be verified by demonstrating the competencies in academic aptitude, drive, technical aptitude, and professional work standards. 

KEY PARTICIPANTS: Lockheed Martin Corporation, Marriott Corporation, Sodexho, United Parcel Service, CVS, Freddie Mac, AFL-CIO, Associated Builders and Contractors, DC Chamber of Commerce, Catholic University, George Mason University, Johns Hopkins University, and Prince George’s Community College.

MEDIA CONTACT:    Dr.  Sara Thompson

                            (202) 319-6260