abilIT

abilIT is a 14-week program offered in partnership with Cybrary, creator of the most extensive online course in the cybersecurity arena. The program serves people with disabilities and injured veterans who already have a basic knowledge and understanding of IT to sit for industry-recognized certifications, then supports finding employment in IT, cybersecurity, or tech-adjacent fields.

Why abilIT matters 

By pairing innovative, highly technical training with personalized soft skills instruction, abilIT equips participants with the skills they need to build lifelong careers as competitive technology professionals through job search assistance, and placement, including in the Defense and Intelligence Community.  

abilIT graduates since the program's inception*

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Average hourly wage of people placed in jobs from this program

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Training is offered at no cost to program participants

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*FY2024 Figures

Program outcomes

Participants with core training will, upon completion of the program, be ready to sit for certification examinations and/or pursue entry-level jobs in the IT career fields.

CERTIFICATIONS

Prepared to sit for IT Fundamentals+, A+ certification examinations.  

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Soft skills necessary to land a job. 

JOB SEARCH ASSISTANCE

Searching for and speaking to potential employers. 

Eligibility criteria 

Veteran or person with a disability with either a high school diploma or equivalent. Candidates should have some intermediate experience in IT, or in using Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.   

Residency requirements

U.S. citizenship and U.S. residency required. Data Labeling Bootcamp (Enabled Intelligence) residency limited to D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Funding 

Candidates accepted to the program are trained at no cost.

Referrals accepted?

Yes, but all candidates must apply online.
The abilIT program is funded in part by two Employment and Training Administration grants from the U.S. Department of Labor totaling $807,000 from October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2025. These grants account for 65% of the costs associated with the program. The remaining 35% costs are covered by other public and private revenue streams. 

Learn more about

abilIT

Nathan

abilIT graduate

Participant spotlight

A new challenge

When his old job was no longer challenging him, Nathan enrolled in Melwood’s abilIT program and changed his life. The 14-week program pairs highly technical training with soft skills and helps participants build lifelong careers in the IT and tech sectors.

Through the program, Nathan was introduced to Enabled Intelligence (EI), a global leader in mission-critical AI data solutions for the US Defense and Intelligence Community. Nathan participated in EI’s Geospatial Data Labeling bootcamp where he learned the data labeling needs of the defense and intelligence community.

During the class, Nathan also learned other skills that would be valuable in helping him thrive in a work environment. “They started off with more of a classroom setup, basically giving a presentation on working in an office environment, working with others, and knowing how to take notes,” he said.

Gaining additional critical technical and soft skills needed in the growing AI industry, Nathan now works full-time at EI supporting the needs of the federal government as an AI data analyst while also building a life that he loves.

Nathan said he enjoys being able to use the skills he has developed to make a difference in protecting national security. “Having a computer be able to tell us that something is happening that we otherwise couldn’t have known of, could really change some things in the course of national security.”

They started off with more of a classroom setup, basically giving a presentation on working in an office environment, working with others, and knowing how to take notes.

Anthony

abilIT graduate

Participant spotlight

Empowering a new beginning

Fifteen years ago, Anthony’s life was turned upside down. “I got sick. Then I had to be put on emergency dialysis,” he said. “I was depressed. I didn’t know what to do because I was married with a child. And I had to consider, how do I provide for them now that I’m sick?”

Anthony’s search for a way forward eventually led him to Melwood’s abilIT program. Combining technical training with soft-skills development, abilIT provides participants with a pathway to meaningful employment and a brighter future. For Anthony, it became a lifeline and a chance to rebuild his life.

“I knew if I had my certifications, I could start my life all over again,” Anthony said.

Through the program, Anthony earned IT certifications and gained skills and confidence. He hopes to one day run his own cybersecurity business. “I want to help others along the way, build them up just like I was built up through the abilIT program,” he said.

Anthony’s story shows the transformative power of abilIT, demonstrating how programs like this can turn adversity into opportunity. With the right support, individuals like Anthony can overcome challenges, pursue their dreams, and create a positive impact on others.

I want to help others along the way, build them up just like I was built up through the abilIT program.