Technology Metro Area Pathways (TechMAP)
Accelerate your career with TechMAP
Career advancement for IT, cyber, data, and cloud professionals in the DMV
Montgomery College is proud to announce the Technology Metro Area Pathways (TechMAP) grant program. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, TechMAP aims to support current and aspiring IT professionals in the DMV-area to obtain industry-recognized certifications and high-quality employment, particularly in the field of IT.
The DMV ranks 2nd out of the top five cities for emerging tech job postings.
Three certification preparation programs available through TechMAP.
$0 is the average student tuition (course materials may cost up to $200 if needed).
Programs Offered
Certification Prep Programs
Ready to level up your tech skills and get expert career support? Apply now for one of our Certification Preparation Programs.
Choose from one of three certification-bearing pathways and access instructor-led courses.
- Data Analysis: CompTIA Data+
- Cybersecurity: CompTIA Security+
- Cloud Technologies: AWS Solutions Architect Associate
Who is eligible?
- Applicants must reside in the DC, Maryland, or Virginia (DMV) area.
- Applicants must have at least two years of experience in their chosen pathway, demonstrated through professional work or education (including degrees, self-paced online learning, prior bootcamps/trainings, etc.).
- A resume is required and must clearly show this relevant experience.
- Applicants must pass a skills assessment to be considered for program entry.
- Applicants must have authorization to work in the United States.
We are currently accepting applicants for Fall 2025
Application for Certification Prep Program
Tech Foundations
Just starting out? Interested in exploring tech as a career?
Register for FREE introductory lessons for aspiring tech professionals to gain skills for high-demand IT positions.
Applications accepted on a rolling basis.
Who is eligible?
- DMV-area participants who do not have technical experience in the field of IT but who are interested in gaining skills for high-demand IT jobs.
- Applicants must be a current resident of the national capital region (geographic area located within the boundaries of (A) the District of Columbia, (B) Montgomery and Prince Georges Counties in the State of Maryland, (C) Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties and the City of Alexandria in the Commonwealth of Virginia).
- Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of application submission.
- Applications are open to all eligible participants, including dislocated workers, incumbent workers, new entrants to the workforce, older youth, historically marginalized or underrepresented populations and communities–including people of color, women, individuals with disabilities, those previously incarcerated, veterans, and military spouses.
The TechMAP Grant Program is funded by the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) through the Strengthening Community Colleges (SCC2) Training Grant. The purpose of TechMAP (Tech Metro Area Pathways) is to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and certifications necessary to secure entry-level IT jobs and advance in their careers. By addressing local employment gaps, TechMAP connects talent with career pathways such as Cybersecurity, Cloud Technologies, and Data Analytics.
The program focuses on several key objectives. Bridging the skills gap, TechMAP provides training that aligns with employer needs in the IT industry. To increase career readiness, it helps students develop both technical and professional skills through structured learning pathways. To facilitate employment, TechMAP offers career navigation services, mock interviews, resume-building, and job search support. Additionally, by strengthening workforce development, the program collaborates with employers, economic development groups, and chambers of commerce to create a robust talent pipeline.
TechMAP is designed to provide a clear, structured path from training to employment, ensuring that students are job-ready and positioned for long-term career growth in IT.
The Tech Foundations program is designed for aspiring IT professionals who have little to no technical experience but want to learn about foundational IT knowledge needed to pursue in-demand certifications and entry-level tech roles.
The Certification Prep Programs are intended for individuals with at least two years of experience in their chosen pathway gained through professional work or education and are looking to advance their careers through industry-recognized certifications and career navigation support.
Both programs provide pathways for individuals seeking to build or expand their careers in information technology (IT) through structured training and skill development.
a. If you meet the preliminary eligibility requirements, you will be instructed to provide one document for each of these categories. At least one document needs to be a photo ID.
- Current DC, Maryland, or Virginia residence (select one):
- Drivers license
- Government issued, non-drivers identification
- Voter registration
- Vehicle registration
- Insurance card
- Bank statement
- Credit card or utility bill
- Mail from a federal, state or local government agency
- Valid employment authorization document: (select one):
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Social Security account number card
- Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card
- Employment Authorization Document Card
Use Career Coachnew window to explore career options, job outlooks, and salary information based on your interests and skills.
You can also connect with a TechMAP career navigator to learn if TechMAP is right for you. Email techmap@montgomerycollege.edu to request an appointment with a TechMAP Career Navigator.
TechMAP provides job search support in the form of resume reviews, interview coaching, job search strategies, and more. TechMAP is not a job placement service. Students are encouraged to actively seek employment with our support.
You can take courses in career pathways offered by the Information Technology Institute (ITI), part of Workforce Development and Continuing Education at Montgomery College. These courses are designed to prepare you for industry-recognized IT certifications that can lead directly to employment.
Approved programs of study include:
- Data Analysis
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud Technologies
Please note: Course offerings vary by semester based on demand, so not all pathways are available every term.
Some classes are held remotely while others meet face-to-face. Check the schedule to confirm your class meeting time and location.
Face-to-face classes may be held at any of the following locations: Germantown, Rockville, Takoma Park/Silver Spring, and Gaithersburg Business Training Center. Check the schedule to confirm your class meeting time and location.
Once you submit a screening eligibility form, allow 3-4 weeks for your submission to be reviewed. All applicants will receive a response by email. Eligible students will receive an official invitation by email with further instructions.
Eligible students may qualify for course tuition and fees, career counseling, and
referrals to holistic and wraparound services. This resource guide (PDF, 
) is a comprehensive guide to achieving success through your TechMAP journey and beyond.
Explore Free and Low-Cost Training Resources
There are a variety of low-cost and no-cost resources available to help you build your tech skills, including courses offered through Montgomery College’s Information Technology Institute (ITI), the MC IgnITe Hubnew window, and other providers. Please visit their websites for the most up-to-date course offerings.
Below is a quick list of relevant online resources:
- Network+: Professor Messer – Network+ Training Coursenew window
- Security+: Professor Messer – Security+ Training Coursenew window
- Cloud: AWS Skills Center – Arlington Location new window
- Data+: Khan Academynew window
- Power BI: Microsoft – Power BI Learning Pathnew window
These resources can support your learning before, during, or after your participation in TechMAP.
The total cost of the Montgomery College TechMAP program is $2,109,091. 75.86% ($1,600,000) is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor Employment & Training Administration’s Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grant Program. 24.14% ($509,091) is funded through non-federal leveraged resources by Montgomery College and its partners.
This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The U.S. Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it.
