Atlantic City Tech Leaders Launch Free Google Certification Program for Career Changers

ATLANTIC CITY — Two Atlantic City natives are launching a free technology-training initiative designed to help South Jersey residents earn industry-recognized certifications and begin careers in information technology and cybersecurity.

Ky'shawn Wyman and Yamirah Newsome created Tech Battery, a workforce-development program that will offer its first two certification cohorts free of charge through a partnership with Google.

“Our mission is really just to spread tech, get people involved in tech and do that by providing educational pathways to get industry-recognized certifications,” Wyman said during an appearance on WOND’s Off The Press with Scott Cronick.

Wyman, a principal technician who works in information technology and cybersecurity for the City of Atlantic City, said the program is intended to reach people who may be interested in technology but do not know how to enter the field.

“We want to meet you where you are, take you from couch to certification and hopefully show you the pathway to get at least started in help desk like I did,” he said.

Newsome, Tech Battery’s program manager and an educator with 10 years of experience helping people develop career skills, said participants do not need a technology background to apply.

“Tech is a space for everyone, and this is a place that you can get started,” she said.

Newsome said the program’s mission is straightforward: “Remove barriers, build confidence and connect people with real opportunities.”

Who Can Participate?

Tech Battery is open to anyone motivated to learn, including recent graduates, career changers, veterans, parents returning to the workforce, people who have been laid off and others seeking a fresh start.

“Digital skills are in demand,” Newsome said. “Any industry that you go into now, digital skills are a part of it. It’s not in isolation anymore. Technology is a part of career readiness and workforce development.”

Participants will begin with the Google IT Support Professional Certificate, which provides foundational training for entry-level technology jobs. Those who complete the first certification will be eligible to continue into cybersecurity training at no additional cost, according to the organizers.

Newsome said the foundational program is important because people interested in cybersecurity first need to understand basic IT systems and support.

“We know that in order to really understand the learning curve of cybersecurity, you really have to start off with the foundation,” she said.

About 70 People Already Interested

At the time of the interview, Newsome said approximately 70 people had submitted an interest form.

Participants should be prepared to devote between six and 10 hours per week to the training. Each certificate is expected to take approximately 14 to 16 weeks to complete.

The coursework will be completed independently, but Tech Battery will provide biweekly Zoom sessions, program management, networking opportunities and support from fellow cohort members.

“This certificate is independent, and we will be supporting them biweekly through Zoom meetings and Zoom calls,” Newsome said. “We’re helping participants apply those skills that they’re learning independently with their community and their newfound cohort members.”

The program will begin with an informational meeting explaining the coursework, potential salaries, career paths and expectations. Those selected for the first cohort will also be invited to an in-person networking and onboarding event.

Organizers plan to hold a graduation ceremony after participants complete both certifications.

Building Pathways, Not Just Offering Courses

Newsome said Tech Battery is intended to provide more than online coursework.

“We’re building pathways, not just courses,” she said.

She said earning her first technology certification helped her transition into the industry and led to opportunities involving companies including Google, Microsoft, LinkedIn and Adobe.

“A big part of tech is networking and just being a lifelong learner,” Newsome said.

Wyman said he has earned more than 70 certifications during his technology career and plans to complete the Google coursework alongside the participants.

“I want to be as organic as we can possibly be and go through it with them,” he said. “Their struggle will be my struggle.”

Although Wyman has extensive experience in the field, he said participating alongside the students will help him guide them through the coursework, test preparation and practical application of the material.

Atlantic City Roots

Wyman and Newsome first met while attending Oceanside Charter School in Atlantic City, where they participated in a student leadership and music group.

Newsome later attended Montclair State University and now lives in Atlanta, but the two remained connected through their work in technology and education.

“When I started to transition into tech, he was one of those people who was top of mind to get advice from and partner with and collaborate,” Newsome said.

Wyman said the Tech Battery name reflects the program’s goal of helping people recharge their professional skills and prepare for new opportunities.

“We’re really just trying to charge the community and charge individuals, no matter if they’re 16 years old or 50 years old,” he said.

Sponsors Sought

While the Google certifications will be provided free to participants in the first two cohorts, organizers are seeking sponsors and community partners to support program management and other expenses.

“We are open to sponsors,” Newsome said. “We are open to collaborations and sponsors to make sure that all participants have what they need for this workforce-development program and to make sure that this can continue to be free for the community.”

Those interested in participating, sponsoring the program or learning more are encouraged to connect with Ky'shawn Wyman and Yamirah Newsome through LinkedIn.

“If you’ve ever thought about technology and you just weren’t sure where to begin, this is your opportunity,” Newsome said. “We’d love to help you take that first step.”