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Programs JEVS Care at Home About Support JEVS

Building Careers in Information Technology: Meet Khandaker and Larry

Khandaker F. and Larry A.-K., two driven young IT professionals and proud alumni of JEVS Human Services (JEVS) Project WOW, embark on a transformative journey of professional growth and self-discovery. So far, their Project WOW training and internships have earned them CompTIA A+ Certifications, Google Cybersecurity Certifications, and Digital Navigation Certifications.

They use their acquired skills in real-world situations at JEVS as IT Help Desk Analyst interns and members of the JEVS TED Team (technology, evaluation, and data analytics).

Khandaker, an analytical thinker with a deep passion for technology, aspires to become a system administrator, eager to make a lasting impact on technology and the digital world. Larry, a charismatic problem-solver, hones his skills to uplift his Philadelphia community. Both provide consistent, timely, and skilled support to departments and staff.

Though their backgrounds and ambitions differ, their paths converge each day at JEVS, supporting the growing IT needs of JEVS’ employees, collaborating as Digital Navigation literacy trainers, and contributing to complex projects, including leveraging Microsoft Power Automate to enhance the agency’s newly developed Employee Change Management Portal (ECMP).

As they tackle real-world IT challenges, embrace mentorship, and navigate personal hurdles, Khandaker and Larry realize that success is not just about technical expertise but resilience, collaboration, and adaptability. Their Project WOW training and IT internship at JEVS equips them with invaluable career skills and fosters a friendship that reshapes their perspectives on leadership, service, and ambition.

A testament to education, camaraderie, and perseverance, their growth at JEVS underscores the power of opportunity and the lasting impact of a supportive community—one that embodies the very heart of the JEVS’ mission to foster ec0nomic security and independence.

If you are interested in learning more about Khandaker and Larry’s experience at JEVS, JEVS Project WOW, or JEVS Digital Navigation training services, email [email protected].

Explore Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs at JEVS Human Services

Discover JEVS Human Services (JEVS) programs this February during Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month! JEVS provides choices in medical training, information technology, and continuing education to help you learn and grow in your career.

EduConnect: Certifications for High-Demand Jobs

EduConnect provides certifications for jobs in medical or information technology industries. Students receive success coaching and one-to-one support. Classes are hybrid and at no cost for eligible applicants. Click this link to learn more about EduConnect’s medical and IT programs.

Project WoW: Property Maintenance & Repair (PMR) or Certified Production Technician (CPT) Programs

Project WoW’s PMR track is a free 22-week program for Philadelphia residents aged 16-24. It includes skills training, help to gain a high school diploma equivalent, and support to find a job in the building trades. The program is free for eligible participants. Click here to learn more about Project WoW and PMR.

Get started with CTE options at JEVS Human Services!Project Wow’s CPT route is a 6-8 week program for Philadelphia residents aged 18-24. Options include logistics, manufacturing, maintenance, production, and more. Participants can earn MSSC’s CPT 4.0 & CPT+ certifications in Safety, Manufacturing Process & Production, Quality Practices & Measurement, and Maintenance Awareness. Instructors are certified by the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC). The programs use Amatrol computer-based learning to simulate real-world factory situations. Interested in the CPT option? Click this link for more information.

 
IT Pre-Apprenticeship: Training for Philadelphians Aged 18-24 in IT and Office Technology

For Philadelphians aged 18-24, JEVS offers the IT Pre-Apprenticeship program, providing training in IT and office technology. This program can open doors to opportunities in the tech field and is free for eligible participants. Click here to explore the IT Pre-Apprenticeship.

Classes are starting soon, so reach out today!

Project WOW: Transforming Young Lives in Philadelphia

For more than 30 years, Sylvia Ocasio has been a dedicated champion for young people in Philadelphia through her work at JEVS Human Services (JEVS). In her role, she provides crucial support to youth and teens dealing with tough situations like an unstable home life and previous involvement with the justice system.

At JEVS’ Project WOW (World of Work), Sylvia works closely with these young adults. Each one gets a personalized plan to meet their needs and goals. Sylvia and her team are always there to help, and many participants appreciate the level of support they receive. Nafesse, a Project WOW graduate now working in JEVS’ IT department said, “they never once gave up on me.”

Project WOW is open to Philadelphia residents between 16-24 and is free for those who qualify. Individuals can earn a high school diploma and certifications in skilled fields such as property maintenance or information technology (IT). After completing the Project WOW program, graduates often find jobs in their chosen fields or continue their CTE training at Orleans Technical College.

Sylvia creates a safe and welcoming space where these young adults can consider alternative paths to a more stable future. Having grown up in the same Philadelphia neighborhood as many Project WOW participants, Sylvia understands their challenges. Her journey at JEVS began with mentorship, and now she pays it forward by offering life-changing support and opportunities to others. For her, it starts with helping them feel comfortable in a learning environment. She sincerely believes in each participant and says, “they’re all my favorite.”

For young adults without high school diplomas or job prospects, JEVS and Sylvia Ocasio make all the difference. Sylvia’s work reflects the power of mentorship, resilience, and commitment. Through her guidance and shared experience, she empowers young adults to create a brighter future, showing that with the right support, they can achieve big goals.

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