Enrollment Form for the Computing for All Pre-Apprenticeship Program (Digital Skills Youth Academy)
Note: Currently we are able to accept applications only from WA State Residents
Thank you for your interest in Computing for All. If you are a Washington State resident who is between the ages of 17 and 24 and interested in interviewing for fall quarter please fill out the application form and indicate you would like to enroll for the fall quarter Pre-Apprenticeship program that begins September 26th. By applying for fall quarter you are confirming that you are available to commit to attending eight weeks of classes that meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 PM – 6:45 PM September 26th through November 16th. Once you have filled out your application our Education Director will contact you by email to set up an interview time to determine your placement level. If you would rather wait and begin winter quarter in January, please indicate that on your application.
WELCOME!
Thank you for your interest in applying to the Computing for All Pre-Apprenticeship Program (Digital Skills Youth Academy). At the completion of the program requirements, you will receive a stipend, SPS service learning credits, and the opportunity to earn Microsoft certification in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Please read all the information provided below and contact us with any questions you may have.
About the Computing for All Pre-Apprenticeship Program (Digital Skills Youth Academy)
Our Web Development program is broken down into six 45-hour levels of sequential foundation skill-building. Students are required to complete each level’s “sprint” before moving on to the next level, and regular attendance is necessary for student success. All students are encouraged to be present and prompt to achieve the maximum possible benefit from this experience.
This internship is designed to help you prepare for either an IT Apprenticeship in a program like Apprenti, a two or four-year college IT career pathway, an IT tech internship with a local company, or an entry level tech job. You will be meeting mentors from local tech companies who visit our virtual classroom or host field trips to their company. We encourage you to ask questions and be professional in your interactions with these mentors. Use these opportunities to network and begin laying the foundation for your future career in tech.
Levels 1 - 3: You will complete the UX Design, Python, HTML and CSS front end web development half of the internship after completing Level 3. Students create a PowerPoint presentation of the websites they build following a template supplied by an industry mentor. You will present this to students, teachers, and guests and follow up with questions and comments.
After completing Level 3, we will ask you to complete the Microsoft MTA or equivalent professional certification test. More information will be provided about where and how to take this industry standard test during Level 3. This is a useful certification to have on your resume.
Levels 4 - 6: You will learn the JavaScript and back-end development half of the Pre-apprenticeship during Levels 4 – 6. You will complete a capstone project and once again do a formal presentation of your work followed by questions and answers. Those who feel ready can take the Microsoft JavaScript certification test.
Last Mile Training: Those students who have completed their Level 1 – 6 projects and passed all tests for these levels can take Last Mile training for more back-end, full-stack instruction and hands on application of what they have learned. Students will work with a team to complete a capstone project for their portfolio. Last Mile training will also help them prepare for summer internships with local companies.
WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
- Participants who are self-motivated, punctual, enthusiastic, open-minded and team players.
- Participants who work safely, think positively, follow agreements, and put forth their best effort.
- Participants must attend all scheduled classes and activities. If for some unavoidable reason you are running late or must be absent from a scheduled day, you are required to contact the Education coordinator and cc your instructor. We will arrange for you to make up the hours missed during office hours. If you think you will miss more than 3 scheduled classes please do not apply for this program at this time. Be sure to review the dates and times of the program to ensure it fits your schedule.
Digital Equity: Learning about the issues facing diverse groups of people can help us develop empathy and learn to tackle real-world problems by looking at them from multiple viewpoints. Learning how to think critically about the world is a key strategy to develop your agency and find your voice on your way to becoming a socially responsible participant in a democratic, civil society. When you discuss and select themes for your website that address issues that you care about, you can invite thoughtful, respectful conversation about topics you care about with your team members. We encourage critical thinking and problem-solving, both as software programmers and as individuals.
Respectful Communication Agreement: We ask that students respect each other's opinions and beliefs in class and choose to offer thoughtful, positive, and constructive feedback in their conversations with peers, teachers, or guests. If a student makes unprofessional or personally negative commentary to any individual (whether student, instructor, or mentor) and cannot keep this agreement, they will be asked to take a centering break away from the class until they are ready to rejoin the conversation with a respectful attitude. We support students using their voice to express their convictions in their work, but disagreements or negative arguments or attacks are stressful to students and are not productive or helpful during class time. We appreciate your agreement to follow these guidelines.
YOU SHOULD:
- Young Adult Pre-Apprenticeship Program: 16 - 24 years of age, high school juniors and seniors on up through college.
- Understand how to use a computer and Internet basics, or a desire to learn these skills; and demonstrate positive interpersonal skills; including verbal communication and commitment to work constructively with others.
APPLICATION PROCESS AND INTERVIEWS:
Please answer all questions on this form. Only applications completed in full will be reviewed. If you have any questions, please call, text, or email the contact person on the application.
We would like to do a short phone interview to get to know you ahead of class. The interview will be your opportunity to shine and tell us anything we may not have learned from your application. Interviewers will ask you questions about yourself, your experience, and your interest in technology. You will want to arrive online or in person for class prepared, energized, and on time.