We seek to improve the career trajectory for the smart, the motivated, and unfortunately, the often overlooked talent in Washington DC
Through technology training, UPO Inspire aims to improve the career prospects of locals residents who are committed to pursuing a path towards sustainability. Because when people work their way out of poverty, good things happen. Positive contributions to society. Local businesses have access to top rated technical skills. It's a win-win.
We aim to produce a steady stream of qualified graduates but we cannot achieve our goals alone. Find out how you can help.
The Program
The UPO Inspire Technology Training Initiative is designed to increase middle-skill job opportunities for those on the edge of poverty. This program attempts to close this opportunity gap by funding job training and support for underemployed individuals. Our students undergo comprehensive well-rounded IT training covering help desk support, technical professional development, and career and social coaching. 32 weeks in duration (at a minimum) combining in-class sessions and internships, students receive their CompTIA A+ certification upon successful completion.
Phase 1: 12 weeks
Technology certification training, professional development and work readiness.
Course topics include introduction to personal computers, internal hardware components; the fundamentals of storage; and working with mobile devices and networking with a strong focus the installation, configuration and management of various operating systems, virtualization and system security.
Phase 2: 8 weeks
Internship placements with local businesses and governments including various branches of the DC government, Conservation International, University of Maryland, and numerous non-profits and private employer. Mentors work closely to ensure a positive outcome for both employers and students.
phase 3: Minimum of 90 days
Job placement and retention with local employers, including government, commercial and non-profit organizations. Students gain real world experience in IT customer service, problem solving and professional development. Employers gain a qualified and motivated team player.
“My life has changed and I’m in a better place overall to help my family and career”
Our Impact
To date, over 200 people have successfully completed the program and received their certifications. This means an increase in individuals with improved economic mobility - from working poor to middle class. And brighter prospects for continued career and financial advancement. And higher tax revenues returned to the community. Good for citizens, good for business and good for society.
81% Placement Rate
$35 - 62K Starting Salary
85% Employment retention Rate
“Before I was taking any job I could but NOW I know what I can do. I have developed a marketable skill and I can put it to good use ”
Success Stories
Lamont K. is currently employed full time with the U.S. Army’s Health Defense Headquarters performing Help Desk Support, earning a starting salary of $45,000 with benefits. Lamont’s new duties include reimaging, troubleshooting and providing support for well over 700 Pentagon employees and staff.
Prior to attending the UPOIT program Lamont was a 2014 high school graduate seeking a career path. Following the recommendation of a friend, he enrolled in the UPOIT program and credits his decision with drastically changing his life. According to Lamont, “I now feel like I am on the path towards building a career for myself. I like what I am doing and look forward to new horizons”.
Alexus was working as a residential concierge at an apartment complex. Her goal was to find a career path that would support her and her child. She followed her boyfriend who was in the prior class and made it her goal to become a help desk professional.
Alexus is currently employed as a contractor with The U.S. Department of Labor as a Tier I Service Desk Specialist following a successful internship with Department of Human Services (DHS). According to Alexus, “I like what I do. Life is way better financially. Mentally I have matured and I look forward to getting up and going to work.”
After recently giving birth to her first child, Allyse K. was having a rough time finding employment. She knew that finding a “decent job” that could turn into a career would be difficult due to her lack of education and training. So she set out to find an opportunity that would cover all bases for her. “UPOIT had been a life changing experience for some of my friends and I saw firsthand how it could lead you into a career in a rapidly growing industry. I did my research and learned that it is predicted that the demand for help desk workers will increase by 18% over the next year. So I felt that I would be in a great position if I could get into this program.
And get into to a “great position” she did. Allyse K. completed all of the components in fine fashion, constantly receiving praised for her attitude, effort, and dedication throughout the process. She was one of the top field workers in her internship placement with the District’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) and recently received and offer of employment from OCTO to continue her good work on a full-time basis. “I want to be able to provide a wonderful life for my daughter and to show her that when you apply hard work and dedication to anything you do, you will succeed”.
About Us
UPO Inspire is working with UPO, Washington DC's Community Action Agency, a leader in providing services to break the cycle of poverty. Inspire Foundation is focused on creating opportunities for smart motivated, but underserved, youth to strengthen their career prospects through IT training. We are lawyers, bankers, business owners but most importantly, dedicated changemakers who seek to deliver transformational opportunities to those less fortunate.
With your support, we can affect real positive change and enable our graduates to be positive contributors to society and the local economy.
John Oberdorfer
John is a big enthusiast of UPO and UPO Inspire . He is president and chair of the board of UPO Inspire, and previously served for 8 years on the UPO board, including 3 as Chair.
A life-long resident of Washington, John had an interesting and satisfying law practice at Patton Boggs and then Squire Patton Boggs, before retiring in June 2015. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College and the Yale Law School.
David Farber
David is a partner at King & Spalding specializing in litigation, regulatory matters, and public policy, with a focus on healthcare, Medicare and Medicaid issues.
In 2016, David was awarded the Hyman Bookbinder award, recognizing his work with the Jewish community. Beyond his law career, David loves to bike, play guitar, watch his daughters dance with Texas Ballet Theater, jump horses, and root for the Hoosiers.
Gladys Mack
Gladys is a retired executive who has worked in Federal and District Governments Agencies, and the United Planning Organization (UPO). She held cabinet level appointments by District of Columbia Mayors Marion Barry and Anthony Williams. At UPO, Ms. Mack served as Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer and is currently a member and officer of the UPO Inspire Foundation. Ms. Mack was inducted into the District of Columbia Hall of Fame in 2003.
John Jameson
John Jameson is President of Winning Connections, a Washington political consulting firm whose clients range from Everytown for Gun Safety and Planned Parenthood to the Sierra Club and American Cancer Society. John earned a BA from Millsaps College, a JD from Duke and an MBA from Harvard. He has served on boards of Christ Episcopal Church, International Bridges to Justice, and the Ballot Initiatives Strategy Center. John, a Mississippi native, lives in Washington, DC.
Scott Jacobs
Scott Jacobs the President of New Century US. New Century US (NCUS) is a global leader in building host nation law enforcement, military capacity and institutional reform. NCUS delivers programs that train vetted and approved civilian organizations on a range of policing tactics and security sector reform to enhance their ability to detect and dismantle criminal networks.
Mike Harreld
Mike is a leader in the financial services industry, holding executive positions at Citizen Fidelity and PNC where he was Washington DC’s Regional President until his retirement in 2016. A dedicated champion to poverty alleviation, he has received numerous awards Greater Louisville Inc.'s Gold Cup Award; and the Metropolitan Housing Coalition's Different Hero Award for his persistent commitment to affordable housing programs and related issues.
Elayne Chow
Elayne is a global sh*t disturber. Literally. As co-founder of Sankoya Technologies, Elayne is focused on reinventing the toilet to improve lives of 2.5 Billion people who currently lack access to appropriate facilities..
A dedicated do-gooder on this side of the ocean as well, she volunteers for UPO, Compass and Girls on the Run. A Canadian transplant, Elayne now calls DC home. She is a graduate of University of Waterloo and Cornell.
Jacqueline Kinlow
Jacqueline is the current chair of UPO. An accomplished author, she was ghostwriter and amanuensis for “Lorenzo and His Parents,” and “L’Olio di Lorenzo,” respectively. She also authored “Dear America,” which is scheduled to be published later this year.
Ms. Kinlow is a graduate of Georgetown University, where she studied government and international relations.
Clifford Barnes
Cliff is a member of Epstein Becker Green in the Health Care and Life Sciences practice in the and serves as Co-Chair of the firm's Health Plan Compliance Group. Mr. Barnes is the Co-Founder of Medicaid Health Plans of America, Inc., and currently serves as Vice Chair of the Accountable Care Organization Task Force of the American Health Lawyers Association. In 2016, Mr. Barnes was selected to the Washington DC Super Lawyers list in the area of Health Care.
Allison Hasser
Allison Hasser joined the UPO Inspire Board in 2018. She has worked on NPR’s Development team since 2012, building relationships with member stations and major donors to increase philanthropic investment in public radio. Her current portfolio includes the DMV, Virginia, North Carolina, and Kentucky, among other regions. Allison lives in Northwest DC with her husband and daughter.
Monique L. Poydras, J.D.
Monique Poydras, J.D. is expert at building relationships and seizing opportunities. A dedicated senior-level professional, she has 20+ years experience in business operations, program management, and government relations. She is VP and GM of Cornerstone Concilium, Inc. and is a graduate of Howard University School of Law (where she met her future husband, Jeffrey G. Poydras, Esquire).
Dominic C. McNear
Dominic McNear is Assistant VP at BB&T (now Truist), where he is a business service officer and commercial lender. Previously, he was a financial analyst for major corporations, international political organizations, and cybersecurity firms. He taught English and business development in the U.S. Peace Corps and was NAACP chapter president at his alma mater, the University of South Carolina..
Take Action
Got time? Skills? Resources? Job openings? We need all the above. There are many ways companies and individuals can support motivated youth, opening doors to a brighter more sustainable future.
Provide an internship
Hire a new graduate
Host a training class
Teach a work skills training session
Make a donation
Checks can be sent to:
Attn:UPO Inspire
301 Rhode Island Ave NW.
Washington, DC 20001
For more information, please contact Andrea Thomas at athomas@upo.org
UPO Inspire is a recognized 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization. Federal ID#: 90-0634570. Contributions to UPO Inspire are tax-deductible. No goods or services were provided in consideration of this donation.