Nevada Partners and Plataforma Impact Join Forces to Launch Technology Career Development and Training Program for Youth in North Las Vegas

North Las Vegas, NV – Nevada Partners, Inc. is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Plataforma Impact to launch a Technology Career Development and Training Program.  This initiative is designed to provide youth, ages 16 to 19, in the Historic West Side and North Las Vegas with the skills training, mentorship, and career guidance necessary to pursue successful careers in Information Technology (IT) as well as how to navigate a rapidly evolving, AI-powered digital economy.

Nevada Partners, a non-profit organization committed to fostering a healthy, sustainable community, has been a pillar of support for youth in Nevada for over 32 years. Through collaborations with private employers, community groups, and public agencies, Nevada Partners connects young people with the educational and employment opportunities they need to thrive. This new technology-focused program aligns with Nevada Partners' mission to increase economic opportunity through education and workforce development.

Bridging the Digital Divide

As part of Nevada Partners’ ongoing efforts to build a brighter future for Nevada's youth, the seven-month Technology Career Development and Training Program prepares local youth for the future of work by teaching them essential skills in computer science, artificial intelligence, and prompt engineering. Participants will not only gain hands-on experience working with cutting-edge technology but also develop crucial 21st-century skills such as collaboration, communication, and digital literacy.

"Our goal is to create pathways for young people in our community to access meaningful employment in the growing tech industry," said Lizette Guillen, Acting President/CEO of Nevada Partners. "Through this program, we are addressing the skills gap in the digital economy and giving local youth the tools they need to succeed in an AI-powered world."

A Proven Partner in Technology Education

Nevada Partners has teamed up with Plataforma Impact, an award-winning non-profit organization that has successfully trained more than 1,000 youth from underserved communities in Latin America, many of whom have gone onto work for technology companies around the world. By focusing on low-income populations, Plataforma Impact has created a model for technology education that ensures anyone, regardless of background, can build a successful career in tech.

"We are thrilled to bring our experience to Las Vegas and work with Nevada Partners to create life-changing opportunities for young people here," said Gary Carrier, CEO of Plataforma Impact. "Talent doesn’t know zip codes, but opportunity does. This program is about bridging that gap—it's about giving youth the confidence and support they need to build well paying, dignified careers in a growing industry in need of qualified professionals."

Program Structure and Curriculum

The Technology Career Development and Training Program will combine in-person and online learning, offering a hybrid format that provides flexibility for students. Over the course of seven months, participants will engage in a curriculum developed and supported by the Cincinnatus Institute of Craftsmanship, a long-standing partner of Plataforma Impact. 

In addition to technical training, the program will emphasize soft skills development, including teamwork, communication, and professional etiquette. Participants will also have the opportunity to visit local tech companies and engage with industry leaders through Nevada Partners' partnerships with Black Fire Innovation and other organizations.

Students will also receive guidance from experienced professionals who will help them navigate their academic and career paths. Nevada Partners and its partners will also involve the students’ families, educating them about opportunities in the digital economy and providing wrap-around services to support the students’ growth.

At the conclusion of the program, graduates will be awarded certificates recognizing their completion of the coursework and projects. The program is designed with milestones in mind, and students will receive certificates upon completing each milestone. Ultimately, those who complete all milestones will receive a final certificate. These certificates will serve as valuable credentials when applying for internships, entry-level positions, or further education in the field of technology.

“At Cincinnatus, we are thrilled to introduce our innovative curriculum and program structure to the youth of Nevada,” said Maria Cruz, program administrator from Cincinnatus Institute of Craftsmanship. “Our hybrid learning approach, which integrates hands-on experience with real-world insights and industry connections, is designed to provide students with both technical expertise and essential soft skills. We are excited to support their journey and empower them to lead and excel in the rapidly evolving field of technology.”

Creating a Diverse Digital Workforce

Nevada Partners and Plataforma Impact are committed to creating a more inclusive and diverse tech workforce. By providing training to youth from underserved communities, this partnership seeks to bridge the digital divide and promote digital equity. Graduates of the program will be well-equipped to pursue careers in IT, helping to build a stronger and more diverse digital economy in Southern Nevada.

"Partnering with an organization like Plataforma is a game changer for us, to generate positive social impact and serve the needs of the market at the same time creates a winning scenario for everyone." said Melvin Valentine, STEM Director at Nevada Partners. "This program will not only empower youth to become leaders in the tech industry but also contribute to the economic development of our community."

Looking to the Future

The launch of the Technology Career Development and Training Program marks just the beginning of Nevada Partners’ efforts to prepare the community for the future of work. As the program expands, Nevada Partners aims to serve other segments of the population, from adults seeking to upskill to dislocated workers looking for new career opportunities in tech.

"Technology is the future, and we are committed to making sure that our community has the skills and opportunities to thrive in this future," said Lizette Guillen, Acting President/CEO of Nevada Partners. "Through strategic partnerships like this one with Plataforma Impact, we are building a future where digital equity and economic empowerment are within reach for everyone."

For more information about the Technology Career Development and Training Program or to get involved, please sign up using the QR code below or contact the program administrator Maria Cruz at [email protected] 

About Nevada Partners

Nevada Partners is a non-profit organization dedicated to building a healthy, sustainable community through education, employment, housing, and civic engagement. For more than 30 years, Nevada Partners has provided comprehensive services to support youth, adults, and dislocated workers in Nevada.

About Plataforma Impact

Plataforma Impact is a non-profit organization that provides technology education and career pathways for underserved youth. With a focus on digital inclusion, Plataforma Impact has trained thousands of students across the globe, helping them launch careers in the technology industry.

About the Cincinnatus Institute of Craftsmanship

Cincinnatus Institute of Craftsmanship is a leading technical training institute dedicated to improving educational outcomes and preparing students for the future workforce. With a presence in the Dominican Republic and New York, Cincinnatus specializes in tech careers and addresses the challenges of the AI era. 

Sign up for more information here!