The debates dominating headlines right now—whether about H-1B visas, tech talent shortages, or political divides—are telling us one thing loud and clear: Technology is the future, and those who hold the skills will hold the power.
While politicians and tech leaders argue over immigration policies and who gets access to these jobs, we, as Black families and communities, cannot afford to sit on the sidelines. This is not just about jobs—it is about generational wealth, global opportunities, and legacy building.
Let us talk about the resources available right now to help us gain these skills and ensure our children are equipped for the tech-driven future ahead.
1. Community Colleges: Affordable Pathways to Tech Careers
Community colleges are often overlooked, but they are one of the most accessible and cost-effective ways to gain tech skills.
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Community colleges offer CTE programs designed to bridge education and workforce needs. These programs focus on practical, hands-on skills that prepare students for high-paying tech jobs like:
• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Network Administrator
• Cloud Support Specialist
These careers do not always require a four-year degree but offer salaries that can support families and build wealth.
Take Action: Visit your local community college’s website and look for CTE programs in tech fields.
Technology and Networking Services
Institutions like MCNC are working behind the scenes to ensure community colleges have access to modern tech services and digital tools. This means students are learning on up-to-date systems that reflect real-world work environments.
Take Action: Ask your community college if they have partnerships with tech organizations to enhance digital learning.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Cost should never be the reason we miss out on opportunities. Programs like the Next NC Scholarship and other federal and state grants make education affordable and accessible.
Take Action: Apply for scholarships early, and do not hesitate to speak with financial aid offices about your options.
2. Government Programs: Practical, Hands-On Tech Training
The government offers robust resources for those who want to build tech skills without committing to long-term degree programs.
Registered Apprenticeships
The U.S. Department of Labor supports apprenticeship programs in fields like:
• Cybersecurity
• Information Technology (IT)
• Software Development
These programs often combine on-the-job training with classroom learning and come with the bonus of earning a paycheck while gaining skills.
Take Action: Visit Apprenticeship.gov and search for tech apprenticeships in your area.
CareerOneStop Portal
This is a one-stop-shop for career resources, offering tools for:
• Job training
• Resume writing
• Interview preparation
It also provides tailored resources for groups like older workers, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Take Action: Explore CareerOneStop.org to find programs and resources near you.
3. Digital Resources: Build Skills From Home
You do not need to leave your home to start building tech skills. Many platforms offer free or low-cost training opportunities:
• 🎓 MIT Free Tuition: Families earning under $200,000 per year qualify for free tuition at MIT.
• 💻 FreeCodeCamp.org: Offers free, hands-on coding lessons.
• 📊 Google IT Support Certificates: Entry-level programs that teach tech essentials.
• ☁️ Microsoft Learn: Provides free training on cloud computing and Azure services.
The Adriane Tip: Dedicate one hour a week as a family tech learning hour. Sit together, explore a platform, and build skills side by side.
4. Preparing Our Children: The Time to Start is Now
Our children cannot wait until college to be introduced to technology. The earlier we expose them, the better prepared they will be.
Introduce STEM Early at Home
• Use platforms like Scratch for kids’ coding projects.
• Watch YouTube videos on basic robotics and build small projects together.
• Visit science and tech museums on family trips.
Encourage Academic Excellence
Promote academic competitions like:
• Science Fairs
• Math Olympiads
• Coding Hackathons
The Adriane Tip: Celebrate academic success like you would a sports trophy. Let your children know that being a tech expert is something to be proud of.
5. Travel as a Tech Education Tool
At Abundant Moments and Memories (AMM), we believe in travel as education. Exploring tech-driven cultures around the world can inspire our children and show them what is possible.
Example: A Trip to Japan
Japan is one of the most technologically advanced nations in the world. Visiting cities like Tokyo and experiencing:
• Robotics exhibitions
• AI-powered innovations
• Bullet train engineering marvels
…can spark a child’s imagination and open their eyes to future possibilities.
The Abundant Advantage: Every family trip can include educational stops—science centers, innovation hubs, and global tech exhibitions.
6. Advocate for Change in Our Communities
We cannot ignore the need for systemic change in education and workforce development:
• Push for better STEM funding in schools.
• Advocate for tech-focused extracurricular programs.
• Support mentorship initiatives for Black students in tech.
Change starts locally. Attend school board meetings and ensure technology education is a priority.
7. Final Thoughts: Our Legacy is Built Today
While tech leaders and politicians debate immigration visas and talent shortages, we must focus on what we can control—our preparation.
This is about more than just jobs. It is about:
✅ Building generational wealth
✅ Creating global opportunities
✅ Shaping a legacy of innovation
At Abundant Moments and Memories (AMM), we do not just plan vacations—we create journeys that inspire, educate, and prepare families for the future.
“Every journey tells a story. Every moment leaves a legacy.”
Let us make sure our story is one of resilience, innovation, and limitless potential. 🚀