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The Arlington Talent Program

Arlington County came to Exelaration seeking a workforce program that could energize Arlington’s population while giving dozens of community members a chance to launch tech careers. As one of the most innovative communities in the mid-Atlantic, Arlington needed software developers and cybersecurity experts — but too many entry-level postings confusingly demand 2+ years of experience. The Arlington Talent Program closed that gap, giving 25 aspiring technologists a real foot in the door. Arlington Talent graduates can cite real engineering experience as they launch their careers thanks to the innovative Arlington Talent Program.

The Summer of Cyber

Through mid-2024, we offered clients free cybersecurity services when they engaged the Arlington Talent Program team. These services included:

  • Cybersecurity Checkup: our teams conducted a comprehensive evaluation to identify potential vulnerabilities in digital defenses
  • Risk Management Strategy: proactively safeguarded sensitive data, systems, and networks from potential cyber threats with a customized strategy
  • Vulnerability Scanning: identified weaknesses in networks or systems that could be exploited to gain unauthorized access.
  • Incident Response Plan: developed a comprehensive strategy for responding to security threats, minimizing the impact on business operations

Let’s bring this to your community!

Anatomy of a Successful Workforce Program

The Arlington Talent Program connected early career developers and cybersecurity analysts with a temporary, full-time role at Exelaration. Participants gained essential skills and experience to grow their tech careers under the guidance of expert mentors.

Here’s how we do it:

  1. Prospective participants fill out their application and complete the interview process, which includes group activities and tech and interest assessments.
  2. Selected applicants join the Arlington Talent Program for a paid, full-time software developer role for 12 weeks (duration is tailored to the program).
  3. Throughout the program, participants work with Exelaration’s expert tech mentors on real client projects to learn skills in software development, testing, and more through experiential learning.
  4. Following the program, participants are equipped to pursue a long-term career in the tech field. Some participants may be invited to continue working on a client project with Exelaration.

Program Requirements

The Arlington Talent Program is complete, after four successful cohorts. Here is the application guidance we provided to the several hundred applicants.  Applicants must:

  1. Live in Arlington or Alexandria, Virginia, and be able to report to Exelaration’s Arlington office three days per week
  2. Be able to commit to the 40-hour program for 12 weeks
  3. Have access to a computer and reliable wi-fi
  4. Have their GED, high school diploma, or equivalent
  5. Legally live and work in the U.S. without need for future employer sponsorship
  6. Successfully complete a background check if accepted

See Arlington Talent in Action

The Results

The Arlington Talent Pilot Program’s results are more than numbers; they’re real-world achievements reflective of each participant’s personal and professional growth. We are proud to report:

  • A 100% program completion rate
  • The majority of participants are now full-time tech employees
  • An average 26% pay increase for all participants, which will continue to increase with time
  • An average increase of 11 working hours, or 38% work rate increase, per week

Become an Arlington Talent Program Sponsor

Building up Arlington’s tech community is a group effort. While Exelaration is the expert in engineering and mentoring, we partner with select organizations to develop new programs targeted at specific skill sets and industries. If you’re ready to help us build tomorrow’s workforce, let’s do it! Through events, networking, projects, donations, lectures, and more, you can help make our community even greater.

Learn More

A Thank You to Our Partners

 

Featured Participant

Munira Tabassum

Munira joined the Arlington Talent Pilot Program in 2023 to learn from industry experts and enhance her skillsets as an IT professional. Following program completion, she was hired full-time as a technologist for Arlington County.

“The program has made it very easy to improve my skillset and helped me grow as a better engineer. It’s an amazing place to start your tech career. You feel valued while working with industry experts that help you gain experience to guide you in your future projects.”

 

The tech world has made careers in the field seem so unapproachable and complex that it’s built a self-fulfilling barrier of intimidation and exclusion. Exelaration gives emerging engineers the experience and confidence they need to overcome this obstacle.

Steve Cooper

Exelaration CEO