Forging Tech Careers: A New Model Tackles NYC's Youth Unemployment

NEW YORK, NY – January 08, 2026 – In a city defined by both immense opportunity and stark disparity, a new initiative is forging a direct pathway from unemployment to high-demand careers for New York's young adults. Mizuho Americas and the national nonprofit NPower have announced the successful completion of the first year of their Path2TECH: Networking & Systems Administration (NetSA) program, an innovative effort to equip the next generation with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy.

The partnership, backed by a three-year FutureReady grant from the Mizuho USA Foundation, directly confronts one of New York's most persistent challenges: a thriving tech sector with a severe talent shortage existing alongside a youth unemployment rate of 13.2%. By providing free, advanced, and flexible training, the program is building a bridge over this opportunity gap.

The City's Pressing Paradox

New York City stands as the nation's third-largest tech hub, a sector that has been a primary engine of job creation, responsible for 41% of all net new jobs between 2019 and 2024. With over 204,000 people employed in tech firms earning a median salary nearly double the citywide average, the demand for skilled talent is undeniable. Projections show the city's tech job market growing by another 22% by 2025.

Yet, this boom has not benefited all New Yorkers equally. The city's youth unemployment rate of 13.2% is significantly higher than the national average and disproportionately affects communities of color, with young Black workers facing a staggering 23.8% unemployment rate. This creates a paradox where companies struggle to fill well-paying roles while tens of thousands of young, motivated New Yorkers are left seeking a foothold in the economy.

The Path2TECH program was designed to address this disconnect head-on. It targets young adults from under-resourced communities, providing them with a concrete, cost-free pathway into careers that offer economic mobility and long-term stability.

A Blueprint for the Modern Workforce

At the heart of the program's success is its innovative design. Recognizing that traditional educational models can be a barrier for individuals juggling work and family responsibilities, NPower designed its first-ever blended asynchronous training program. The 26-week curriculum allows students to complete coursework on their own schedules, a flexibility crucial for accessibility and completion.

More importantly, the curriculum is meticulously aligned with the current and future needs of the industry. Beyond fundamentals in computer networking and systems administration, the program integrates training in the most sought-after skills: cloud technologies and generative AI. Students work toward certifications that are highly valued by employers, including CompTIA Network+, Linux+, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, and Azure AI.

“What makes this program best-in-class is the breadth of skills - including AI integration - that students will take away from the curricula,” said Helen Kogan, Executive Director of NPower New York and New Jersey. “Mizuho USA Foundation’s support has no doubt helped us shape a program that meets the moment in terms of what employers are looking for in candidates right now.”

The focus on AI is particularly prescient. Industry analysis shows that the role of a systems administrator is rapidly evolving. AI is automating routine tasks like monitoring and patching, freeing professionals to focus on more strategic work like security, complex problem-solving, and workflow design. By integrating AI training, the Path2TECH program isn't just preparing students for a job today; it's future-proofing their careers for the augmented IT departments of tomorrow.

Strategic Investment Meets Social Impact

The collaboration represents a sophisticated approach to corporate social responsibility, moving beyond simple philanthropy to a strategic investment in workforce development. For Mizuho Americas, a leading corporate and investment bank, the partnership is a direct application of its foundation's focused mission.

“Building a skilled and inclusive tech workforce is critical to New York’s economic future,” said John Buchanan, Chief Information Officer of Mizuho Americas and a board member of the Mizuho USA Foundation. “Our foundation is committed to supporting programs that expand opportunity, and NPower’s Path2TECH: NetSA programs are helping more New Yorkers gain the skills needed to participate and thrive in today’s digital economy.”

This initiative is part of the Mizuho USA Foundation’s FutureReady grant program, which provides multi-year support for high-impact initiatives at the intersection of technology and education. This approach mirrors a growing trend in the financial sector, where institutions recognize that investing in local tech talent is not only a community benefit but also a crucial step in building a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers for their own digitally transforming industry.

From Training to Transformation

The results from the 2025 pilot year underscore the program's effectiveness. The initiative achieved a 70% completion rate across its first two cohorts, surpassing its initial 60% goal. Of the graduates to date, 41% are already employed in tech roles or have enrolled in further education, with the program on track to achieve an 80% placement rate within a year of graduation.

These outcomes are consistent with the proven track record of NPower, a nationally recognized nonprofit with a top four-star rating from Charity Navigator. For over two decades, NPower has launched tech careers for more than 12,000 individuals, reporting that 81% of its graduates secure jobs or continue their education, leading to significant salary increases.

With nearly half of the Path2TECH students having already completed either the CompTIA Linux+ or Networking+ certification, they are emerging with tangible credentials that validate their skills to employers. The program is not just providing training; it is creating a new, diverse, and AI-ready talent pool, ready to fill vital roles and contribute to New York's economic vitality.