FOCUS recently had the incredible opportunity to share our mission and vision on Baltimore’s own Spirit 1400 AM. Hosted by the dynamic Debra Martin of Boraé Records and Bishop Gregory Brown, the interview was an inspiring deep dive into how FOCUS is transforming lives through technology and community-driven economic models.
If you missed the live broadcast, here are the highlights from our conversation about the future of Baltimore’s workforce.
A Vision Born from Experience
Minister Eric Brockman, Founder and Chairman of FOCUS, shared his 42-year journey in the IT field. From starting as a cable technician to becoming a Cybersecurity Subject Matter Expert, Eric’s career is a testament to the power of technical education.
“I’ve been in the IT field since 1984… I’ve worked my way up to Systems Engineer, Network Engineer, and for the last 20 years, a Cybersecurity expert.”
This lifelong passion led to the founding of FOCUS in 1994, which later moved its operations to Baltimore in 2018 to serve the local community.
Bridging the Skills Gap: Tech IQ
At the heart of FOCUS is the “Tech IQ” program. Designed for individuals aged 18 to 45, the program provides workforce development training in essential IT certifications, including:
- CompTIA A+ (The foundational “Old School” necessity)
- Network+
- Security+
- Amazon AWS Cloud Computing
Eric emphasized that understanding the “nuts and bolts” of a computer is essential before diving into complex fields like Cybersecurity. “You need to understand what cybersecurity means in regards to protecting a computer,” he explained.
The FOCUS Difference: Community Cooperative Capitalism
FOCUS isn’t just a training center; it’s a movement. Eric introduced the concept of Community Cooperative Capitalism, a model inspired by the history of Black Wall Street.
- Peer-to-Peer Learning: Unlike traditional lectures, FOCUS uses a facilitation model where students are placed in cohorts of five to teach and mentor one another.
- Removing Barriers: The program is offered at no cost to students, thanks to support from the Abell Foundation, Weinberg Foundation, and Google.
- Real Incentives: Students who complete the program and earn their certification receive a $1,000 check to help sustain them during their initial job search.
Real Results for Baltimore
The impact of this training is immediate. Entry-level IT roles in Baltimore can start between $40,000 and $52,000, with specialized cloud roles reaching up to $85,000. Eric noted that many students see raises of $10,000 to $15,000 shortly after certification, with the potential to reach six-figure salaries within three to four years.
Get Involved
Are you ready to boost your Tech IQ? Whether you are looking to switch careers or start a new one, FOCUS is here to provide the tools, the community, and the support you need.
- Apply Now: Visit focusorg.org to fill out an application.
- Contact Us: info@focusorg.org