The City of Miami Launches Women in Tech Program in Partnership with The Academy and CareerSource

A new partnership launched between the City of Miami, Miami-Dade County, The Academy, YWCA, and CareerSource South Florida is designed to support women facing financial barriers by offering free, self-paced tech certifications and professional development training—unlocking pathways to high-demand careers in the technology sector.

As many are aware, the tech industry offers tremendous opportunities for career growth and innovation. However, women remain significantly underrepresented in this field. To address this disparity, our partners are launching a Women in Tech Training Program specifically targeted towards residents of the City of Miami.

Chris Perez, President at The Academy of South Florida

“Our organization, The Academy of South Florida, will play a pivotal role in the Women in Tech program by providing comprehensive training in various tech disciplines, including coding, cloud, and data analysis. We aim to equip women with the skills needed to thrive in the tech industry, thereby fostering economic growth and enhancing diversity within our community,” shared Chris Perez, President at The Academy of South Florida.

“Our involvement is crucial as it aligns with our mission to empower underrepresented groups and contribute to building a sustainable economy in South Florida.“

Founded in 1999, The Academy of South Florida (“The Academy”) has over 20 years of experience specializing in IT training for both beginners and professionals. Whether you’re launching a new tech career or upskilling, The Academy offers certification programs and accelerated vocational tracks that can prepare you for the workforce in as little as four months. Each year, their Corporate Division also trains over 2,000 IT professionals from more than 500 companies.

With a mission to empower underrepresented groups and contribute to a sustainable, inclusive economy in South Florida, The Academy will lead the training portion of the program and offer hands-on instruction alongside career readiness support, including resume building, interview preparation, professional networking, business etiquette, and wage negotiation strategies. The Academy is committed to tackling barriers for women in tech head-on by offering training and professional development pathways that support long-term career advancement.

“Our goal is not just to educate, but to empower,” said Chris. “We are building a foundation where women have the skills, confidence, and support to lead and succeed in the tech world.”

Eligibility Requirements
To ensure a targeted impact, applicants must meet the following criteria:

✔ Be 18 years of age or older
✔ Be a City of Miami resident (see map of five districts)
✔ Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
✔ Successfully pass a Level II background screening

Tech Certification Opportunities
Participants will have the opportunity to earn valuable, industry-recognized certifications, including:

• Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals

• Azure Database Administrator Associate

• Power BI Data Analyst Associate

• Azure Fundamentals

• Azure Developer Associate

These certifications are designed to position participants for success in today’s competitive job market.

The Academy of South Florida staff and instructors.

Candidates will be selected through a structured and rigorous process that includes entrance exams, resume reviews, and interviews. Working closely with CareerSource South Florida and local partners ensures that eligible, motivated women receive access to these career-launching opportunities.

The Academy also urges community and government leaders to invest in long-term solutions by funding training programs, supporting family-friendly workplace policies, and partnering with tech employers to offer mentorship and job placement programs.

For more information about the Women in Tech program visit www.academyflorida.com/sign-up-now.

To apply, register at Employ-MiamiDade.com and complete the Women In Tech Program Interest Form.