The information technology industry is one of the fastest-growing fields worldwide, providing a wealth of job opportunities and avenues for professional success. The IT field offers rapid employment prospects due to the increasing demand for skilled professionals alongside technological advancements. IT work is well-compensated, as specialists are highly valued for their unique skills. Additionally, with continuous skill-building, IT professionals can advance their careers faster and more easily than workers in other fields. The good news is that this industry does not require a college degree; some companies only look for completed IT courses. Here is a selection of institutions in Queens that offer free IT training, available on queens-future.com.
LaGuardia Community College
This college offers over 60 programs, from nursing to business, arts, and computer science. It provides students with all necessary resources for academic, professional, and personal success, including laptop lending and remote learning options. Most full-time students receive financial aid, and LaGuardia boasts a record number of scholarships.
Thanks to scholarship programs, you can take IT courses at LaGuardia for free. Learn the basics of the tech field to start an entry-level job or enhance your skills. Courses cover cybersecurity and privacy management, computer and network maintenance, data analysis and data science, artificial intelligence, and digital project management.
The college’s faculty is composed of highly qualified, experienced educators dedicated to helping students achieve their academic goals. Small class sizes allow students to receive personalized attention and support. LaGuardia fosters a sense of community, with students representing over 150 countries, promoting diversity and respect for different cultures and perspectives.
Queens Community House
Queens Community House is a non-profit social service agency in Queens offering programs for children, youth, families, and seniors. It serves residents of all ages, races, religions, and ethnicities, supporting the borough’s vibrancy. Recognizing the connection between housing, employment, education, health, self-esteem, and financial well-being, Queens Community House provides programs to help community members succeed in learning, employment, healthy choices, and civic engagement.
In collaboration with IBM and CompTIA, the world’s leading IT association, Queens Community House provides youth in Queens with pathways to IT careers, even without prior experience. IBM SkillsBuild is a national program designed to prepare individuals for medium- and high-skill jobs in IT. Although valued at over $5,000, the program is entirely free. Applications are open to young people aged 18 to 24, with preference given to Queens residents. A high school diploma or GED is welcome but not mandatory.
The CompTIA A+ certificate, a key credential in IT, validates skills needed to work in the modern digital world. With this certification, one can find jobs as a service desk analyst, data support technician, or computer support administrator.
Queens Public Library
As one of New York City’s three public library systems, Queens Public Library has 62 branches, serving the multicultural community of Queens. In addition to English, collections are available in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and other languages, making it one of the largest library systems globally by circulation and among the most extensive in the country by collection size.
Queens Public Library is a model for libraries worldwide, offering more than just access to books and archives. It hosts educational, informational, and cultural programs. Eighteen branches participate in the STACKS program, enriching students’ knowledge outside school hours. Additionally, popular books and multimedia collections are available in multiple languages to help immigrants integrate into American society. Programs for adaptation and cultural arts are held periodically, and free English classes are available to all. Queens Library HealthLink and Queens Library ConnectCare help visitors access affordable medical check-ups and make appointments regardless of insurance status.
The library supports job searches and skill improvement, offering free computer literacy workshops. The QPL Job & Business Academy provides monthly computer and tech workshops at the Central Library and Flushing Library.
ATTAIN Lab
ATTAIN Lab is a community center offering a variety of courses to prepare students for IT careers. This interactive learning lab offers free training to develop or enhance academic skills and earn relevant certifications.
Basic digital literacy courses teach participants essential computer skills, such as typing, using a mouse, saving files, and using basic software. Participants receive an official certificate upon completing a course, which typically lasts one to two weeks.
The Microsoft Office Specialist program helps students gain marketable skills valued by employers. Certifications offered include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access. The program also includes resume preparation, interview training, and job placement assistance. This program usually lasts four weeks. ATTAIN Lab coordinators support all students and organize various events to meet the community’s needs.