Leroy’s Commitment to ITWorks Brings Purpose Full Circle

Leroy Barnes’ connection with ITWorks is deeply rooted in the program’s history. As a member of the first ITWorks cohorts back in 2012, Leroy exemplifies the transformative power of the program for young adults pursuing careers in technology. At the time, Leroy was eager to break into the tech field, but was looking for the support and guidance to take that critical first step. After struggling with his first IT training program offered by another community partner, Leroy found an ad for ITWorks on Craigslist and decided to apply. “I know I needed to push myself to get to where I wanted to be, and this seemed like a great opportunity. It was free, I can get more training and more work experience than my last program, and they’ll pay for the certification testing. I needed to take another chance on myself, and I’m so glad that I did”. 

ITWorks provided the foundation he needed, and Leroy embraced the opportunity with determination and focus, setting the stage for a successful career. With unwavering drive and dedication to the ITWorks program, Leroy soared through his first 11 weeks of training and development, earned his industry-recognized Comp TIA A+ certifications and completed an internship that opened the doors to his first IT job.  

Over the coming years, he steadily advanced in his career, gaining experience in networking, cloud computing, and systems administration. Yet Leroy’s commitment to learning didn’t stop there. In 2023, he learned about Tech Impact’s pilot program called ITWorks 2.0 and 3.0 that offered a free nighttime, online course that trained alumni for stackable credentials to support a pathway to middle skills. After he was accepted into the program, he returned to ITWorks to complete ITWorks 3.0, earning an advanced cybersecurity certifications to stay at the forefront of the ever-evolving tech industry. “Technology never stands still, and neither should we,” Leroy says. “ITWorks gave me my start, and coming back to pursue ITWorks 3.0 was a way to remind myself that learning is a lifelong journey. It’s also about showing students that you’re never done growing, no matter where you are in your career.”

Today, Leroy is more than an ITWorks alumnus—he’s a frequent volunteer, advocate, and role model for the program’s students. He dedicates his time to the program by leading Friday sessions, and sharing his journey with each cohort. “I love sharing my story, especially with students who might feel like they’re starting from scratch like I was,” Leroy saidys. “Being part of the first cohort gave me a sense of pride, and now, seeing how far the program has come, it’s amazing to be a small part of its legacy.” In 2024, Leroy was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award at Tech Impact’s annual Celebration of Impact luncheon, an award bestowed on alumni that help to advance the program and its students through volunteering, recruiting, and advocating. 

Leroy’s efforts to give back aren’t limited to the classroom. He actively encourages others in his community to join ITWorks, guiding friends and family members to the opportunities that changed his life. For Leroy, volunteering is about more than sharing technical expertise—it’s about inspiring hope. “I always tell them: you’re stronger than you think. Keep pushing forward, and don’t let fear hold you back,” he says. Leroy’s return for ITWorks 3.0 serves as a powerful message that growth and success are ongoing processes. His impact is evident in the students who keep in touch, many of whom credit his guidance as instrumental to their journeys.

"ITWorks didn’t just give me a career—it gave me a purpose,” Leroy says. “I’ll always be part of this family.” Leroy’s story is a testament to the enduring power of education, volunteering, and community. As ITWorks celebrates its growth, marking its 1,000th graduate in the fall of 2024, Leroy’s journey stands as a shining example of what the program can achieve—for its students, alumni, and everyone it touches.