Tech Impact Graduates First Cohort of Participants in Nashville's Inaugural IT Career Pathways Program
NASHVILLE, T.N., September 22, 2025 – Tech Impact, a 501(c)(3) that leverages technology to advance social impact and a leader in workforce training, will graduate its first Nashville cohort Friday, Sept. 26 at the Greater Nashville Technology Council. Their Pathways to Middle Skill Careers in Technology, which trains young adults towards industry-recognized IT certifications through hands-on training, paid internships, and mentorship, has grown to four locations including the new Nashville headquarters and has graduated over 1,200 participants nationwide.
“I am very proud of our graduates today,” says Patrick Callihan, Tech Impact’s Chief Executive Officer. “The students worked hard for this achievement and the community has come together to embrace this program. Through our partnership with the Greater Nashville Tech Council and partnerships with dozens of employers that provide mentors, professional development coaching and internship opportunities, we are making an impact on our community in Nashville.”
The program initially prepares young adults for entry-level IT careers without the need for a degree through its 16-week ITWorks program which is provided at no cost to students. As the graduates gain a year of hands-on experience, they are eligible to return for additional no-cost training and certifications to boost their careers. “The outcomes of this program are excellent” added Callihan. “Our graduates that return for additional training in areas like networking and cybersecurity are seeing promotional opportunities and double digit pay increases. That is life changing impact.”
As a Cisco-certified training partner and through the generous support of regional foundations, companies, and government programs, Tech impact identified Nashville as its next expansion target due to the city’s strong corporate presence in healthcare, automotive, tech and finance sectors, the number of its Fortune 500 firms and a noticeable gap in specialized IT training. Dozens of volunteers from across the Greater Nashville region spent hundreds of hours supporting cohort participants through mentorship, soft skills training, and weekly Lunch and Learns. New to this year’s program was the inclusion of Cisco’s Intro to Modern AI curriculum which aims to cover key AI concepts and provide hands-on practice with AI-enabled apps.
“Being part of the ITWorks program gave me hands-on experience in IT support and workplace technology, allowing me to apply the knowledge I gained in training to real-world situations” said Cayden Garrett, a ITWorks Nashville Fall 2025 cohort participant. “This program not only provided me with technical skills but also built my confidence in my ability to learn, adapt, and excel in the face of new challenges and changes within the industry. My experience with Tech Impact has been nothing short of transformative, and I am excited to follow the organization’s continued success in the years to come."
Garrett’s testimonial joins a library of graduate success stories across the country that showcase how the technical and soft skills gained during the program help participants overcome barriers, enter the job market, and secure living wage positions not readily available beforehand. Following the September graduation, Tech Impact will kick off its second cohort in October and expect a full class of students. "We're excited to celebrate the continued success of our graduates as we expand our efforts to build a more robust talent pipeline in the cities we serve and meet the growing need for skilled technology professionals." says Callihan.
For local business, foundations, or individuals interested in supporting or participating in ITWorks Nashville, visit www.itworks.org to learn more.
About Tech Impact
Tech Impact, a 501c3 nonprofit, leverages technology for social impact. The organization operates proven IT and customer experience training programs coupled with workforce intermediary services designed to help individuals launch careers that fosters individual growth, economic mobility, and diverse IT talent. Tech Impact is also a leading provider of technology education and solutions for nonprofits and offers a comprehensive suite of technology services that includes managed IT support, data and strategy services, telecommunications, cybersecurity, and cloud computing integration and support. More information can be found at https://techimpact.org.