Pathways to Technology

Pathways to Tech: Workforce Training for High-Growth Tech Careers

Pathways to Tech is The Bean Path’s workforce development program designed to close Mississippi’s tech opportunity gap. We equip low-income, and underemployed residents with job-ready digital skills, industry-recognized certifications, and employer connections, preparing participants for high-growth careers in AI, cloud computing, data science, UX/UI design, digital marketing, and tech entrepreneurship.

 

Who Can Apply

Pathways to Tech is open to Mississippi residents ages 18 and up who are interested in starting or growing a career in tech. No prior work experience is required, just basic computer skills, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to complete the program. The program is especially designed for underemployed individuals and youth seeking better career opportunities.

 

Job Placement & Career Support

Pathways to Tech provides job placement and career support to help participants move from training to employment. Participants receive assistance with portfolio development, and employer referrals, along with access to hiring partners across technology, education, manufacturing, and business sectors. The program prioritizes placement into paid internships, contract roles, and full-time positions aligned with participants’ skills and career goals.

 

Pathways

Digital Media: AI Design & Content Creation

This program is designed for creatives who want to use AI-powered tools to build skills that lead to real income. Participants choose one of two tracks based on their interests and career goals:

• Canva & AI Design (2 weeks): Learn to create professional graphics, branding, and digital content using Canva and AI tools.

• Video Production (6 weeks): Develop hands-on skills in video editing, storytelling, and content creation for social media, marketing, podcasts, and digital platforms.

Participants may earn certifications in Canva AI, Adobe Firefly, ChatGPT, Figma and a recreational drone certification, helping strengthen portfolios and job readiness. This program prepares learners for roles such as Content Creator, Graphic Designer, UX/UI Designer, Social Media Manager, Video Editor, Branding Consultant, or Freelance Tech Consultant, with earning potential starting at $45+ per hour or $50,000+ annually.

 

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IT Support / Help Desk

The IT Support / Help Desk program is a 16-week training designed to prepare participants for entry-level and advanced roles in tech support. Learners gain hands-on experience in troubleshooting, customer support, and IT systems while working toward the Google IT Support Certificate with support from a Google Coursera facilitator. This program prepares participants for roles such as Help Desk Technician and IT Support Specialist, with career opportunities offering $65 per hour or $75,000 annually, depending on role and experience.

 

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Cloud Computing & Data Center Infrastructure

The Cloud Computing / Data Center Infrastructure class is a 18-hour training program designed to prepare participants for in-demand careers supporting today’s digital infrastructure. Learners gain knowledge of data center concepts and hands-on experience with cloud technologies while working toward industry-recognized certifications such as AWS Cloud Practitioner. This program prepares participants for roles such as Cloud Support Associate, Data Center Technician, Junior Cloud Engineer, IT Infrastructure Specialist, or Cloud Operations Analyst. Earning potential starts at $75,000 annually, depending on role, location and experience.

 

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Data Analytics / Data Science & Computer Science

This program prepares participants for high-growth careers in data and computing by combining analytical thinking with hands-on technical skills. Participants choose one of two tracks based on their interests and career goals:

• Chatbot Development (2 weeks): Learn how to design, build, and deploy AI-powered chatbots and data-driven tools used in customer service, operations, and business intelligence.

• Python Coding (8 weeks): Develop foundational programming skills for data analysis, automation, and application development using Python.

Participants may earn industry-recognized certifications, including IBM Data Analytics, Coursera Data Analytics, and Python, strengthening both portfolios and résumés. This program prepares learners for roles such as Data Analyst, Junior Data Scientist, Business Intelligence Analyst, Python Developer, AI/Chatbot Developer, Data Technician, and Automation Specialist, with career opportunities starting at $75,000 annually, depending on role and experience.

 

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Cybersecurity

The Cybersecurity program is designed to prepare participants for in-demand careers protecting digital systems and data. Offered in partnership with Tougaloo College, the program provides hands-on learning aligned with industry standards and prepares participants to earn the CompTIA Security+ certification. Participants are prepared for roles such as Cybersecurity Analyst, Information Security Analyst, Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst, IT Security Specialist, Network Security Technician, and Risk & Compliance Analyst. Career opportunities in this field offer starting pay of $65 per hour or $75,000 annually, depending on role and experience.

 

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Advanced Manufacturing

The Advanced Manufacturing classes prepare participants for hands-on, high-demand technical careers at the intersection of technology, infrastructure, and innovation. This training focuses on practical skills used in modern production, installation, and fabrication environments—ideal for learners who enjoy working with tools, systems, and emerging technologies. Participants gain exposure to areas such as drone operations 3D printing, CAD and drafting, electronics assembly, prototyping and fabrication, fiber optics installation, EV charging systems, and electrical technology. Learners may earn certifications including a Hobby Drone Certification and electrical certification, strengthening job readiness and employer appeal. This pathway prepares participants for roles such as Drone Operator, IoT Technician, 3D Printing Technician, CAD Operator, Electronics Assembly Technician, Prototyping & Fabrication Assistant, Fiber Optics Installer, EV Charging Technician, Electrical Technician, and Drafting Technician, with earning potential starting at $55 per hour or $65,000 annually, depending on role and experience.

 

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Project Management / Administration

The Project Management / Administration program is a 6-week training designed to prepare participants for organized, people-facing roles that keep projects and teams running smoothly. Learners build practical skills in planning, coordination, communication, and workflow management while preparing for PMP and SCRUM certifications.

This program prepares participants for roles such as Project Coordinator, Project Manager, Program Assistant, Administrative Manager, Operations Coordinator, Executive Assistant, SCRUM Master (Entry-Level), and Business Operations Assistant. Career opportunities in this field offer starting pay of $35 per hour or $45,000 annually, depending on role and experience.

 

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Community & Education: Technology Integration Training

The Community & Education class is a 6-hour training program designed to help community leaders, educators, and organizations confidently integrate technology into their programs and services. This hands-on session focuses on practical tools, digital platforms, and simple tech strategies that enhance learning, engagement, and program delivery—without requiring advanced technical experience. This training is ideal for Tech Instructors, STEAM Program Coordinators, Workshop Facilitators, Digital Literacy Coaches, Youth Mentors, Instructional Designers, nonprofit staff, educators, librarians, afterschool providers, and community organizers looking to strengthen their programming through technology. Bean Path is working on obtaining CEUs for this pathway! Please stay tuned for more information. 

 

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Entrepreneurship & Tech Consulting

The Entrepreneurship & Tech Consulting program is a 6-week training designed for aspiring founders and professionals who want to turn technology expertise into scalable businesses and consulting opportunities. Participants learn how to package tech skills, assess client needs, develop service-based solutions, and position themselves for growth in today’s digital economy.

This program is ideal for Startup Founders, Co-Founders, Small Business Tech Consultants, Business Development Associates, and aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to launch or expand tech-enabled ventures. Learners can pursue opportunities with earning potential starting at $65 per hour or $75,000 annually, depending on business model and experience.

 

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Artificial Intelligence

This hands-on curriculum prepares participants for AI-enhanced roles in administrative assistance, executive support, digital marketing, data analysis, and small business consulting. Students will gain practical experience with AI tools, learn responsible AI practices, and develop marketable skills for immediate job placement or entrepreneurial ventures.

BONUS SESSION INCLUDED: Learn how to launch your own AI consulting business and create revenue-generating products using your new skills.

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand and differentiate between traditional AI, generative AI, and agentic AI

• Train and deploy lightweight machine learning models

• Master AI chatbots for business tasks (prompting, content generation, summarization, analysis)

• Build functional tools using AI-powered development platforms

• Apply responsible AI principles in professional settings

• Identify job opportunities and position themselves for AI-enhanced roles