Official Launch of the Access Point Program
Access Point launches with endorsement from celebrity supporter, Nelly: connecting motivated students to customized training, real experience, and a life-changing career in technology – with a paid apprenticeship upon graduation from high school and a guaranteed corporate technology job within a year.
The Access Point program recognizes that talent is equally distributed, while access to opportunity is not. To address that issue Access Point forms an even tighter collaboration between K-12 school districts, higher education institutions, and major corporations, removing barriers and driving life-changing opportunities for young people and underrepresented groups by providing access to job focused education, mentorship, financial support, and long-term careers in technology.
“I talk with business leaders around the country almost every day, and everyone wants more diversity in the technology workforce. But in order to achieve that, we have to do some things differently, because the same approach produces the same results. That’s where Access Point comes in. It’s a different approach and it can be a gamechanger.”
Daugherty has partnered with St. Louis Community College and University of Missouri St. Louis on an initial pilot of 25 students from area school districts including, St. Louis Public Schools, Ferguson- Florissant, University City, Jennings, Hazelwood, Pattonville, Ritenour, and Maplewood Richmond Heights. Upon completion of the initial phase of tailored training, students will immediately start a paid apprenticeship that will lead to a full-time $40k+ salary and software engineering career while continuing their college education.
“The Ferguson-Florissant School District is very excited to partner with Access Point,” said Dr. Joseph Davis, Superintendent of the Ferguson-Florissant School District. “We remain steadfast in our belief that all kids can excel when given opportunity, mentorship, and access.”
“Access Point is opening up doors for me and my future,” said Fumi, a current Access Point student. “The course work, instructors and support have been outstanding.”
To celebrate the launch, Daugherty Business Solutions, a leading advisory services and technology consulting firm, hosted a kickoff event at Top Golf in Chesterfield, Mo. with Access Point partners, students, parents, educational leaders, and Grammy Award winning artist Nelly.
“I’m impressed with Access Point. It’s not just an idea, it’s real training, it’s real jobs, and it can make a difference.”
Daugherty has partnered with St. Louis Community College and University of Missouri St. Louis on an initial pilot of 25 students from area school districts including, St. Louis Public Schools, Ferguson- Florissant, University City, Jennings, Hazelwood, Pattonville, Ritenour, and Maplewood Richmond Heights. Upon completion of the initial phase of tailored training, students will immediately start a paid apprenticeship that will lead to a full-time $40k+ salary and software engineering career while continuing their college education.
“The Ferguson-Florissant School District is very excited to partner with Access Point,” said Dr. Joseph Davis, Superintendent of the Ferguson-Florissant School District. “We remain steadfast in our belief that all kids can excel when given opportunity, mentorship, and access.”
“Access Point is opening up doors for me and my future,” said Fumi, a current Access Point student. “The course work, instructors and support have been outstanding.”
To celebrate the launch, Daugherty Business Solutions, a leading advisory services and technology consulting firm, hosted a kickoff event at Top Golf in Chesterfield, Mo. with Access Point partners, students, parents, educational leaders, and Grammy Award winning artist Nelly.