Study, Opportunity, Aspiration, Rutgers-Newark (SOAR) was created in early 2008 as an innovative workforce development program through a strategic alliance with Workforce Opportunity Services (WOS). The 12-month certification program targets high school or GED graduates in New Jersey’s urban areas, as well as military veterans.
At no cost to those accepted into the program, the SOAR partnership offers local residents an intensive series of professional courses, career advising, mentoring, and ultimately placement in full-time consulting roles in IT field. SOAR bridges the digital divide with long-term academic, social, and professional support, targeting populations traditionally underrepresented in the high-technology industry, building their skill sets, and enlarging the local pool of qualified technology workers.