Enter into Fiber Optics Training and be a part of the movement to Connect the Commonwealth by enrolling in the Governor’s Broadband Bootcamp!

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What is the Governor’s Broadband Bootcamp?

The Governor’s Broadband Bootcamp (GBBC) is an accelerated workforce development program designed to equip participants with both hard and soft skills essential for success in the fiber optic network deployment industry. In partnership with the CNMI Office of the Governor, CNMI Broadband Policy and Development Program (BPD), Northern Marianas College (NMC), Northern Marianas Technical Institute (NMTech), Island Training Solutions (ITS), and the CNMI Department of Labor – Workforce Investment Agency (DOL-WIOA), this program provides an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge in fiber optics and career readiness.

Participants will develop skills in fiber optic installation and maintenance, while also honing essential soft skills to thrive in the workplace. The goal is to ensure local job readiness and retention for upcoming BEAD-funded broadband projects within the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Join us to accelerate your career and help build the future of broadband connectivity.

The Governor’s Broadband Bootcamp is a free program open to qualified residents of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, with virtual participation available for those from Tinian and Rota.

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What will I learn during the program?

Course Overview and Requirements:

Participants will be enrolled in the following courses. These courses are structured in specific order, and participants must pass all courses to complete the program and receive a Certificate of Completion:

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Earn While You Learn: Up to $6,000 in Stipends

Participants can earn up to $6,000 in stipends over the course of the program to help reduce financial barriers and enable participants to focus fully on completing their training.

Stipends will be distributed at various points throughout the program, based on performance and fulfillment of specific criteria, ensuring that participants remain engaged and supported as they work toward success.

Disclosure: For stipend issuance, participants will be required to complete an Automated Clearing House (ACH) form, a W9 form, and either a voided check or a bank certification. Please note that stipends can only be provided through direct deposit, therefore a bank account is needed. These forms will be provided prior to the start of the program.

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Who can enroll in this program?

Minimum Qualifications

Participants must be:

• 18 years of age by May 31, 2025

• US qualified/eligible workers; includes US Citizens, US Permanent Resident, CNMI Long Term Residents, FAS citizens or Employment Authorization Document holders

Application Processing

Completed applications, along with all required supporting documents, will be processed in the order they are received.

An application is considered complete when all sections are fully filled out, and all supporting documents are successfully uploaded. The required supporting documents include:
•⁠ ⁠A valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport, etc.) in PDF or JPEG format.
•⁠ ⁠Proof of Citizenship (e.g., passport, birth certificate, green card, etc.) in PDF or JPEG format.

*All uploaded files must be clear and legible; blurry photos or documents will not be accepted.

Incomplete applications will not be processed until all required supporting documents are submitted.

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How long is the program?

The Governor’s Broadband Bootcamp is a 19-week program, spanning from January 13 to May 24, 2025. Classes scheduled on holidays will still be held.

Cohort Structure and Maximum Enrollment

This section provides an overview of the cohort structure and the maximum number of participants allowed per cohort:

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Where will the trainings be held?

Training location for each cohort is as follows:

• Tinian: Northern Marianas College – Tinian Instructional Site (San Jose, Tinian)

• Rota: Northern Marianas College – Rota Instructional Site (Tatachog, Rota)

• Saipan: Location to be provided prior to the start of the program

A detailed schedule will be provided to registered participants prior to the start of the program.

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How do I apply?

Application Deadline:

Friday, December 20, 2024, 5:00PM

Our team will be diligently reviewing all applications, and applicants will be notified of their application status by December 30, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to regularly check their email for updates.

For inquiries or issues regarding the application, please call Island Training Solutions at +1 (670) 285-7314 or email office.its@pticom.com. They are open from Monday to Friday; 9:00am – 5:00pm.

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About the CNMI Governor’s Broadband Boot Camp

The CNMI Governor’s Broadband Boot Camp (GBBC) is led by a collaboration among the CNMI Broadband Policy & Development Office (BPD), Northern Marianas College (NMC), Northern Marianas Technical Institute (NMTech), Island Training Solutions (ITS), and CNMI Department of Labor – Workforce Investment Agency (DOL-WIOA). This initiative aims to equip participants with the skills needed to support broadband deployment and digital equity initiatives. This initiative is funded through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program as part of federal efforts to expand high-speed internet access across the United States and its territories. Participants in the program will receive a stipend and training in broadband installation, network maintenance, and essential digital skills to prepare them for careers in the telecommunications industry. Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. For additional information or to arrange for accommodations, please contact the the CNMI Broadband Policy & Development Office at cnmi.bpd@gmail.com or Northern Marianas College Community Development Institute at cdi@marianas.edu. Services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis.

About the CNMI BEAD Program

The Broadband Policy and Development (BPD) Program was established by Governor Arnold I. Palacios under Directive 2023-003 on April 24, 2023. The program is led by a Special Assistant for Broadband Policy and Development, appointed by the Governor. The purpose of the BPD Program is to improve and expand the internet infrastructure in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. They are located within the Office of the Governor and work towards developing a comprehensive broadband strategy for the Commonwealth that promotes advanced broadband network services, expands the digital economy, and supports access and affordability for residents across the islands. Their work is critical given the essential role of the internet in everyday life, particularly in education, healthcare, transportation, emergency response, and other public services.

Yet, our Commonwealth has lagged behind most of the United States in its internet infrastructure and broadband technology. To address this, they are tasked with leading the Commonwealth’s efforts to apply for federal grants and coordinate the use of broadband funding available to the CNMI.

By engaging with stakeholders both in the public and private sectors, the program aims to transform our internet infrastructure, improve its reliability, affordability, accessibility, and speed. This includes developing strategies to facilitate the buildout and implementation of broadband infrastructure to achieve functionally universal broadband access for all homes and businesses in the Commonwealth.

Also part of their mission is to promote digital equity, ensuring all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in the local economy and way of life.

BPD is committed to improving the quality of life of our residents through equitable access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet, and the social, educational, healthcare, and economic benefits provided thereby.