Fall Momentum is Here!

As summer winds down and the rhythm of fall returns, we're reflecting on the energy and innovation that shaped the past few months—and turning our sights to the meaningful work ahead. Below you'll find details on the work of the summer and how the fall is shaping up!

This August, we partnered with leaders in artificial intelligence, nonprofits, and the Synchrony Skills Academy for our first-ever AI for Impact Hackathon, bringing together professionals to co-create real-world solutions for local mission-driven organizations.

Now, as September unfolds, we’re picking up speed across the the SW CT Tech Hub:

• For Educators: We’ve convened high school and college leaders to learn where to strengthen industry collaboration.

• For Employers: We’re hosting a strategy session later this month to tap business leadership in defining and shaping sector partnership direction.

• For Partners: We’re continuing to support high school internship development ad career exploration this fall.

We’re grateful to all of you who’ve helped build momentum—and we’re excited to keep moving forward together. Let’s make this a season of connection, clarity, and collective impact.

Best,
Patricia Meyer
Director

Good Jobs Challenge Grant

EVENT RECAP: AI HACKATHON

In August, Synchrony Skills Academy Fellows took on real nonprofit challenges—delivering AI-powered solutions in just 48 hours.

🏆 Top Prize: Ferguson Library team created an API tool to integrate communications, calendars, and impact tracking. Other solutions included a chatbot for the Black Business Alliance, a digital assistant for CAAWC, and a mobile-first redesign for the Women’s Mentoring Network.

Thanks to Synchrony, The Knowledge House, Benchmark IT, and our judges for making this possible. This was a powerful example of tech skills put to work for community impact.

CALLING ALL TECH SECTOR BUSINESS LEADERS

Tech Sector Strategy Session — September 26, 2025 | 8:30–10:30 AM | GE CoCreate, Stamford.

The Stamford Partnership invites tech leaders to a Tech Sector Strategy Session at GE CoCreate. This business-led session is an opportunity for regional employers to help shape the future of the tech industry in Southwest Connecticut.

This working session will focus on:

• Defining the tech sector in our region today
• Exploring the real-time needs of employers
• Identifying gaps in participation
• Outlining a shared path forward

We are seeking C-suite executives, regional business leaders, and civic-minded leaders who care about both the future of their companies and the prosperity of our community.

SEPTEMBER SNAPSHOT: TECH HUB ACTIVITIES

This month, the Tech Hub brought together partners from across education and industry to strengthen tech career pathways in Fairfield County.

Higher education leaders kicked things off on September 4 with a virtual listening session alongside industry partners. The conversation highlighted where employer perspectives are most valuable, from shaping curriculum to expanding work-based learning opportunities.

A week later, on September 11, high school educators and counselors convened to explore how schools can better prepare students for high-demand careers. The discussion emphasized the importance of industry collaboration and creating stronger connections between classrooms and the real-world needs of today’s tech workforce.

BY THE NUMBERS: TECH READY IMPACT

Through the Good Jobs Challenge, the Tech Ready program is building a pipeline of skilled talent for Connecticut’s tech sector.

• 124 Participants Placed – in tech and tech-enabled roles across industries statewide
• 320 Enrolled – in stackable credential programs such as project management, generative AI, Python, and SQL
• 55 Ready for Work – completers who have finished coursework, credentials, and micro-internships
• 75% College Degrees – most participants hold an AA degree or higher
• 3 Re-Entry – providing second-chance opportunities for returning citizens

This program, delivered in partnership with The WorkPlace and led by Mark Lazarus, Director of Workforce Innovation, connects completers with employers and ensures participants gain both credentials and real-world skills. Employers can tap into this growing pool of talent—ready to contribute on day one.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS

Lunch & Learn: Internships with Fairchild Wheeler Students

September 25, 2025 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM

Fairchild Wheeler Campus, Bridgeport, CT

Learn how local employers can connect with Fairchild Wheeler students through internships and hands-on opportunities. Registration required.

Tech Sector Partnership Strategy Session

September 26, 2025 | 8:30 – 10:30 AM

GE CoCreate, 47 John Street, Stamford, CT

Strategize with regional tech leaders to set priorities for Southwest Connecticut’s tech industry. RSVP by Email.

2nd Annual Virtual Tech Career Expo

October 24, 2025 | 9:00 – 10:30 AM | Virtual

Interactive event introducing high school students to in-demand tech careers, with opportunities to connect directly with industry professionals and learn about training programs and certifications to kickstart their futures. Contact us for more information.

December Quarterly Sector Partnership Meeting

December 4th, 8:30 - AM 10:30 AM, Location TBD

Connect with regional tech sector business leaders, learn about Good Jobs Challenge grant outcomes, support regional sector priority advancements. Contact us for more information.

January OWS Statewide Convening

January 12, 2026 | 8:30 AM - 2 :00 PM

Central Connecticut State University, 1615 Stanley Street New Britain, CT 

Connect with industry leaders and spark new collaborations at the 4th Annual Connecticut Regional Sector Partnership Convening!

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Thank you to the following organizations for supporting the Southwest CT Tech Hub:

Advance CT · Airbornway Corporation · Analytic-Aware LLC · Bank of America · Benchmark IT · Blueprint Business Consulting · Business-Higher Education Forum · Charles IT · Charter Oak State College · City of Stamford · Deloitte · GE Appliances · George Comfort & Sons · Havyn Coworking · IBM · Indeed · Interactive Brokers · Janus Associates · KJM Textiles · McKinsey · Merrill · Neolumin · NBC Sports · Nuvance· Office of Workforce Strategy · PreRound · Priceline · Renquiry · Scala Computing · SDG Corp · Silicon Valley in Your Pocket · Social Venture Partners · Software Development Resources  · Southern Connecticut State University · Sparks Policy Group · Stamford Health · Synchrony · The Workplace · Thorney Advisors · UCONN 

This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number ED22HDQ3070186, awarded to the State of Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy by the U.S. Department of Economic Development Administration.