THE CHALLENGE
CyberAI Opportunity Is Growing. Access Is Not.
AI and cybersecurity are changing how nearly every industry works, but the path into these careers is often difficult to see. Young people and career-pivoters may have the interest and potential, yet still lack access to hands-on training, trusted guidance, professional connections, and paid opportunities.
FutureMakers is helping close that distance. BBR Academy and its partners are creating community-based pathways from career exploration to training, pre-apprenticeship, and eligible apprenticeship opportunities, with a broader goal of preparing and connecting 1,000 people, including 200 youth, to paid apprenticeships (backed by a 39,000-member global technologist community facilitated by Blacks In Technology Foundation).
Find the Right Next Step
Interested in training, apprenticeships, or scholarship support? Tell us what you’re looking for.
This session covers the work BBR Academy does to create community-based pathways for youth, early-career professionals, and career changers to explore careers in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and more.
Join the Future Ready Families
Real cybersecurity & AI training for you and your family.
A Clearer Path Into CyberAI Careers
Whether you are helping a young person explore technology or considering a new direction for yourself, FutureMakers offers hands-on learning, trusted guidance, and connections to training and career opportunities.
Youth Career Exploration
Young people explore AI and cybersecurity careers through beginner-friendly workshops, team projects, and practical challenges. Eligible WIOA participants may also receive additional preparation and support.
Apprenticeship Pathways
Participants learn what apprenticeships require, build job readiness, and prepare to pursue eligible training, pre-apprenticeship, and paid apprenticeship opportunities.
Career Upskilling
Early-career workers and career-pivoters can strengthen their skills through short-term, in-person or hybrid CyberAI training focused on practical and ethical technology use.
Quality Career Growth
Support continues beyond the first training experience. Participants can explore credentials, continued education, and advanced skills that support long-term career growth.
Participation does not guarantee eligibility, admission, employment, or apprenticeship placement.
Proven Performance
A Model Recognized for Excellence
BBR Academy is proud to have been recognized twice by the US Department of Commerce as an innovative, community-led workforce development program creating robust solutions in technology.
Adult AI Upskilling
Designed for current professionals transitioning into high-demand AI and cybersecurity roles, our pathways offer a faster, more agile alternative to traditional four-year degrees. We focus on connecting workers to quality, living-wage employment through:
- Industry-Backed Credentials. Short-term training programs explicitly aligned with hiring commitments.
- Accessible Learning Models. Flexible hybrid and multilingual delivery to remove barriers to entry.
- Proven Attainment Goals. Targeting a 70–85% certification success rate to meet immediate employer needs.
OUR TARGET
1,000 Adults Upskilled
Youth & Early Career
FutureMakers helps young people and early-career adults explore, prepare for, and connect to CyberAI careers. BBR Academy and its partners are working toward creating pathways to 200 youth apprenticeships, with hands-on training, career guidance, and referrals for eligible participants.
Hands-On Preparation. Build practical skills through employer-informed projects in AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, and cyber defense.
Career Pathway Navigation. Understand the training, assessments, certifications, and experience needed to move toward pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities.
Community-Connected Support. Access welcoming, culturally responsive guidance through nonprofits, educators, workforce partners, and employers who understand the communities they serve.
Supporting a younger person who is still exploring? FutureReady Families helps caregivers connect youth ages 12 and older to technology learning and future career opportunities.
Participation does not guarantee WIOA eligibility, admission, or apprenticeship placement.
OUR TARGET
200 Youth Annually
Explore. Prepare. Connect.
FutureMakers turns an interest in technology into a clearer next step. Participants explore CyberAI careers through hands-on projects, cybersecurity labs, and Security Operations Center activities. They also receive guidance to build readiness and pursue eligible training, pre-apprenticeship, and apprenticeship opportunities.
Join an information session to learn about available pathways, eligibility requirements, and what to do next.