New IT Skills Help Three Arizona Students Change Careers

September 13, 2024

NTIA awarded Phoenix College more than $4.25 million from the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program to improve high-speed Internet service capacity and workforce development training. This funding also enabled Phoenix College to purchase devices and software, create paid internships within the college's Information Technology Department, and revise programs within their new Bachelor of IT program, among other changes and improvements. 

Randisha Gaines

Stevii Rios-Pua (left) and Randisha Gaines (right) smile for a photo at Phoenix College.

Gaines is pursuing a B.A. in Information Technology with a focus in Administration Networking and Cybersecurity, while also working as a part-time 3D Lab Technician in the college's 3D printing lab. Following an eight-year stint in the Navy, and then the medical field during the Covid-19 pandemic, she was interested in shifting to an IT career. However, she found it difficult to break into the field.

"It's such an underserved field that needs those resources, as far as technology, training, and other opportunities go," Gaines explained.

Stevii Rios-Pua

Rios-Pua, who currently works part time as a Connecting Minority Communities (CMC) Lab Technician while pursuing an associate degree in Mobile App Development, encountered similar difficulties entering the field. They initially pursued a degree in Mechanical Engineering before enrolling at Phoenix College.

Although they didn't finish their first degree, they wanted to return to school, this time to create their personal stack, or knowledge of specific technologies, programming languages, and other tools used by developers.

"It was difficult looking for resources," Rios-Pua said. "IT is very broad and very customizable to your person."

Emmanuel Conde

Emmanuel Conde, former student athlete and current IT professional.

Emmanuel Conde, a first-generation college student who initially received his Associate of Arts from Paradise Valley Community College as a student athlete, is currently employed full time as an IT Support Specialist. 

He knew he wanted to pursue a degree in Computer Science, and transferred to Phoenix College, where he served as an NSF Mentor after completing their Internship Program.

"I just wanted an opportunity," he said.

Hands-on Learning

All three students cited their hands-on learning experience at Phoenix College as a key factor in their career development. NTIA funding helped PCC purchase cutting-edge equipment to implement real-world applications and telecommunication scenarios in the classroom, including software that typically requires a paid subscription to use.

"It's really propelled my career substantially." Rios-Pua said. "With all the work-based experience it's giving me, and the resources provided, it's helped me personally, a lot...The internship really helped me get an inside look into what the industry is looking for."

"I found my new home in IT. I love it. I'm learning a lot and it's giving me a great sense of purpose," Gaines said. "In this career, I'm able to see myself long term just because of the faculty, the mentors you come across, the resources and opportunities they're able to conjure up."

Benefits for Maricopa County

Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Don Graves, Phoenix Community College President Dr. Kimberly Britt, and Paul Ross, PI for NTIA CMC Broadband and NSF Externships/Internships, tour the College's 3D Printing Lab during an NTIA site visit.

As a two-year community college and Hispanic serving institution, PCC's IT programs are designed to contribute directly to the economic vitality and workforce training of the Maricopa County community.

"Phoenix College students have benefited meaningfully from the NTIA Grant," said Dr. Kimberly Britt, Phoenix College President. "Their access to technology, educational supports and resources, and a faculty who have committed to expanding their pedagogical expertise to support them has enabled Phoenix College to ensure more students to succeed. This grant has ensured that Phoenix College continues its commitment to removing barriers that hold students back."

Gaines, Rios-Pua, and Conde are all currently employed in the IT field.  

Why does Internet for All Matter to Me:

"Technology is becoming almost like air, you need it to survive in this day and age. So for people who don't have access to that...they need it to function and to have those tools to be successful." --Randisha Gaines, Phoenix, AZ

"Technology is very important, and we need to adapt that to everyone else's lives. We can't live without that anymore." --Stevii Rios-Pua, Phoenix, AZ

"Without this program, I wouldn't have been able to have the experience I did, [and] I wouldn't have the opportunity to tell this on my resume. People like me who don't have opportunities like this, we're able to get into these programs. I'm showing my siblings that it can be done." --Emmanuel Conde, Phoenix, AZ