What Your Students Should Know
Whether you're starting out or starting over, the Technology & Systems track equips you with the software development, systems analysis, AI, and technical support skills that companies and organizations are actively hiring for — right now.
From software development to computer systems analysis, from AI tools training to technical support, every role in this track shares one throughline: the ability to build and maintain the digital infrastructure that lets impact-driven work scale.
Workforce Snapshot
AI & Technology
- Training & Development Specialist (AI-focused)median $63,080/yr
- AI & ML Engineermedian $165,000/yr
Software & Systems
- Software Developermedian $132,270/yr
- Computer Systems Analystmedian $103,800/yr
- Computer User Support Specialistmedian $57,910/yr
Research & Data
- Social Science Research Assistant (data & systems focus)median $76,540/yr
- Market Research Analyst (data track)median $74,680/yr
Salary data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and LinkedIn Talent Insights 2025.
Why This Lab, Why Now
AI-related roles are the single fastest-growing job family in the U.S. labor market. The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs 2025 report projects 86% of employers expect AI to transform their business by 2030 — with AI/ML specialists, data engineers, and security engineers leading net job growth. Impact organizations are not exempt from this transformation. They need technologists who understand both the infrastructure and the mission.
AI fluency isn't optional in this track — it's the foundation.
- +17.9% projected AI & Technology sector growth through 2034
- $112,720 median pay across the technology sector
- 377,000+ U.S. technology openings per year
- 153 live roles currently on the Brand Evangelist marketplace
Learning Modules
Each partner purchase includes CORE 102, 109 & 207 + (1) sector speciality of your choosing.
Technology Foundations & Digital Literacy
Sector Focus: Software & Systems
Build your technical foundation from the ground up. Learn how modern digital systems work, how organizations depend on them, and how to navigate the tools and environments that technology professionals use every day.
- →How the internet and digital infrastructure works
- →Introduction to operating systems, networks, and cloud basics
- →Command line, version control (Git & GitHub), and developer environments
- →Introduction to developer speak and systems thinking
- →AI tools for technical productivity and learning acceleration
Introduction to Software Development
Sector Focus: Software & Systems
Learn to build. This course introduces programming fundamentals using languages and frameworks that are in active demand at impact-driven companies and organizations.
- →Programming logic and computational thinking
- →HTML, CSS, and JavaScript fundamentals
- →Introduction to Python for automation and data tasks
- →Building and deploying simple web applications
Systems Analysis & Technical Support
Sector Focus: Software & Systems
Learn to diagnose, document, and improve the technology systems that organizations depend on — and to support the humans who use them.
- →Systems analysis methodology and requirements gathering
- →Technical support fundamentals and help desk operations
- →Process mapping and workflow documentation
- →Database basics and data management
- →Tools: Jira, Notion, Zendesk, and ServiceNow
AI, Data & Emerging Technology
Sector Focus: AI & Technology
Go deep on artificial intelligence — how it works, how to build with it, and how to train others to use it responsibly inside organizations.
- →Machine learning fundamentals and AI model types
- →Prompt engineering and LLM application development
- →Data pipelines, APIs, and integration basics
- →AI ethics, bias, and responsible deployment
- →Training & development design for AI tools adoption
Applied Technology for Impact
Sector Focus: AI & Technology, Software & Systems
Put your skills to work in the context that matters most — mission-driven organizations navigating digital transformation with limited resources and high stakes.
- →Technology strategy for nonprofits, B Corps, and social enterprises
- →Systems migration, implementation, and change management
- →Building internal tools and automations for impact teams
- →DevOps basics and deployment pipelines
- →Capstone: build or improve a real technology solution for an impact organization
AI Tools for the Future of Work
All Sectors
In the technology track, AI isn't just a tool — it's a subject and a workflow. Let's bridge both.
- →Advanced prompt engineering for developers and analysts
- →Answer Engine Optimization (AEO, the SEO of the future)
- →Vibe Coding with AI: using Claude, Lovable, GitHub Copilot
- →Security, data storage and ethical AI deployment
- →Staying current: how to keep learning in a fast-moving field
Portfolio & Career Readiness
All Sectors
Participants don't just complete a course — they gain a network, hands-on experience, and industry credibility.
- →Portfolio development across 3–5 real-world technical projects
- →GitHub profile and technical portfolio optimization
- →Resume and LinkedIn optimization for technology roles
- →Interview preparation, technical assessments, and salary negotiation
- →Access local and regional ecosystems with warm introductions
- →Creating and tracking S.M.A.R.T. goals
About the Lab
Each lab at Upskill Appalachia follows these signals:
- →Greet each student with a support system from day one (mentor, instructor, network, peers)
- →Embody a cohort-based program for skill building and project-based for speciality
- →Encourage original thought, critical analysis and real-world experiences
- →Use of AI tools responsibly and strategically
- →Blend delivery to serve learners with different styles, schedules and goals
- →Connect the dots between technical skill, leadership, impact and opportunity
Program Details
| Lab | Technology & Systems |
|---|---|
| Fee | $9,998 |
| Seats per Cohort | 10 |
| Format | Live sessions, virtual labs + self-paced modules |
| Duration | 15 weeks |
| Placement Strategy | Included — Career Advisor, Workforce Counselor & Instructor |
Who This Is For
This lab is built for:
- Career changers ready to pivot into technology, systems, or AI-adjacent roles
- Working professionals in non-technical roles who need to modernize their skills and cross into tech
- Nonprofit and impact-driven professionals who want to lead their organization's digital transformation
- Recent graduates looking for structured, career-specific immersive technical training
- Anyone who has always been curious about how technology works but never had a clear entry point
No prior coding or technical experience required — only curiosity, commitment, and a desire to do good work.
Financial Assistance
We believe cost should never be the barrier to professional development. Options we can coordinate:
- →Educational scholarships and grants
- →WIOA workforce development funding (where eligible)
- →Employer-sponsored professional development or reimbursement
- →Other scholarship opportunities through local and regional partners