adult learners in tech training

Welcome to the Cincinnati Talent Acceleration Program


Enrolled students participate at no-cost!

Jobs in technology are rapidly growing with a great need for trained employees. According to Ohio's Top Jobs List, the starting salary for a Computer User Support Specialist in Ohio is $38,000. A median salary is $49,000. An entry-level position can be a great start to your new career in tech!


ctap logo

The Cincinnati Talent Acceleration Program at UC is a way to get the training you need to get a job quickly. In addition to preparing you to earn your industry credentials, you will receive UC career support and help to connect you with prospective employers.


Watch this video for details on the program:


For help with the application: 


Tips on how to apply: the "APPLY HERE" button takes you to the Department of Ohio Higher Ed application site where the CTAP program is part of Aspire Adult Education. Follow the steps below to find the University of Cincinnati page and apply.

A graphic of the seps to navigate the application

1) Enter "University of Cincinnati" in the search bar.

2) Click on the blue "SELECT" button to bring up the green "START APPLICATION" button.

3) Click on the green "START APPLICATION" button.

Once your application is reviewed, you will be contacted with more information on the program and what you need to do to finalize your enrollment. If you have questions, please contact us by ctap@uc.edu and we'll be happy to help you.

Please fill out this form with your question or request. 


You can earn these certificates to get ready for a job in IT:

technology certificate icons

The Microsoft Office Specialist Program provides industry-leading assessments of skills and knowledge through our new project-based testing, giving students and professionals real-world exercises to appraise their understanding of Microsoft Office. This program will prepare you for certifications in Word and Excel 2019 and Office 365.  

MS Office logos for Excel and Word

The CompTIA A+ Core Series requires candidates to pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002) covering the following content:

  • Demonstrate baseline security skills for IT support professionals
  • Configure device operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, Android and iOS and administer client-based as well as cloud-based (SaaS) software
  • Troubleshoot and problem solve core service and support challenges while applying best practices for documentation, change management, and scripting
  • Support basic IT infrastructure and networking
  • Configure and support PC, mobile and IoT device hardware
  • Implement basic data backup and recovery methods and apply data storage and management best practices
CompTIA A+ logo

The certification exam focuses on the essential IT skills and knowledge needed to perform tasks commonly performed by advanced end-users and entry-level IT professionals alike, including:

  • Using features and functions of common operating systems and establishing network connectivity
  • Identifying common software applications and their purpose
  • Using security and web browsing best practices
CompTIA Fundamentals Logo

This program uses the Google IT Support Professional Certificate, developed by Google and hosted by the Coursera online learning platform. It is designed to prepare the learner for entry-level jobs in IT support.

This program is broken up into 5 courses:

  • Course 1: Technical Support Fundamentals
  • Course 2: The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking
  • Course 3: Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User
  • Course 4: System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services
  • Course 5: IT Security: Defense Against the Digital Dark Arts

3 woman smiling and working at table

THIS PROGRAM IS FOR YOU IF:

  • You are an Ohio resident.
  • You are unemployed or underemployed and would like to get a better job.
  • You are a working adult who would like to advance your academic and job skills.
  • You need assistance with upskilling, professional development, and career navigation.

WE'LL HELP YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY, CONNECTING YOU WITH THE SUPPORT SERVICES YOU NEED.


CTAP PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

  • Class are held online via Zoom.
  • In-person occupational skills training workshops available.
  • Program is to be completed in 15-weeks and includes a certification exam.
  • Online class attendance is required: 10-15 hours/week in class, plus, 10 hours/week of additional study.
  • Workforce preparation courses includes exploring careers in technology, digital literacy, and  connecting with employers through job shadowing, full- or part-time placements and/or apprenticeships.
  • Earn an CTAP digital badge and at least 1 technology-related credential.

aspire logo

The CTAP program is part of the Ohio Deptartment of Higher Education Aspire program made possible by a grant through the the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.


aspire instructor teaching in front of class

Meet the instructors:

Headshot of Emily Aleshire Mulvey

Emily Aleshire Mulvey

Director of Aspire & Adjunct Professor, Next Up/CTAP

Emily Aleshire Mulvey, M.A. is a Princeton Review-trained psychometrician who has worked as an educational consultant for 18 years. Emily teaches students the academic skills they need to be a success in college and in their careers.

Headshot of Larry Hodge

Larry Hodge

Math Instructor

Larry Hodge is a graduate of UC and the co-founder of Hodge EDU, LLC. He has been providing educational services for students in the Cincinnati area for over a decade, as he believes education is what empower's a student's dream.

Headshot of Montez Watson

Montez Watson

Technology Instructor

Montez Watson is certified in CompTIA A+ and a graduate of the Community Action Agency's tech training program and UC's Azure programs. He understands the challenges students face in tech education and provides instruction and mentorship support.

Headshot of Tonkia Bridges

Tonkia Bridges

"Coach Tee"

Coach Tee is a passionate educator and found of NERDS, an organization to inspire the inner nerd in students and address their academic and social needs. She is a graduate of UC with degrees in Chemical Engineering/Tech and Educational Leadership.

Headshot of Kristen Sims

Kristen Sims

Technology Instructor

Kristen is an experienced technical support analyst and graduate of Per Scholas Ready IT Program. Kristen teaches CompTIA IT Fundamentals training instruction for entry-level IT positions.

If you have any questions, please email emily.mulvey@uc.edu


IN THE NEWS:

1

UC celebrates first CTAP graduates

January 28, 2022

Student Ronald Lewis was the first to receive his certification in CompTIA A+ and was hired by assistant professor adjunct Tonkia Bridges to support the continuing CTAP program.

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