TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A Tallahassee program is connecting students to a special opportunity to build skills in technology and computer science.
"Tech Success" is organized by the Children's Home Society of Florida.
The future of the tech industry could be right here. These students have spent weeks online, learning the basics and beyond.
"Technology, it's a big thing nowadays, and there's new developing technologies and I want to get in on it!" said Emily Hoffman.
Emily Hoffman got connected to "Tech Success" through "Big Brothers Big Sisters." The 15-year-old sophomore at Godby High School says this program built on skills she already has.
"The Microsoft softwares; I'm already certified, and I wanted to see if there was stuff I missed," said Hoffman.
A few months ago, Hoffman completed the program, which rewards students through a point system. Save up enough and the top prize is a Microsoft tablet.
"Usually at school, I use it for like Office 365 stuff, making emails, typing papers and stuff," said Hoffman.
She's considering a career in information technology or graphic design and credits this program as a step in the right direction.
"I want to teach people more about it. I've taught my mom a lot more things, because she uses Excel everyday at her job," said Hoffman. "So, I taught her a lot of things that she didn't even know."
While the program is geared toward students with interests in technology and computer science, graduates of "Tech Success" say they'd recommend it to anybody, regardless of age or career.
"I would say this is in line for everybody's career, because you need to be proficient in computer literacy for all jobs not just the tech field," said Justin Randolph.
Justin Randolph is an engineering student at TCC. He found "Tech Success" through Capital City Youth Services.
That's where you might recognize him. In 2015, we shared his story of being homeless, while spending a night on the streets.
"I can't be confident that I won't be homeless ever again in my lifetime, because stuff always happens. You have to learn that it is a journey throughout life," said Randolph.
Fast forward to now and Randolph has a much brighter situation.
"A few months ago, I saved up enough money to buy my own vehicle," said Randolph. "I've put away enough money to go move out and get my own place."
Having finished with "Tech Success" a few months ago, Randolph says he's on his way to a career in business administration or information technology.
"Education... that's what life is all about," said Randolph. "It's educating yourself on the possibilities and outcomes of the things around you. That's the benefit of CHS and the 'Tech Success' program."
