About CCTCA
Central Coast Tech & Career Academy Inc. (CCTCA) is a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to bridging the digital divide through inclusive, affordable workforce development. We operate in compliance with California Education Code §94874(f).
Our Mission
At CCTCA, our mission is to expand equitable access to technology skills, digital literacy, and career readiness. Through inclusive, hands-on learning integrated with wraparound community services, we empower underserved and underrepresented communities to navigate digital tools, explore career pathways, and strengthen their economic stability — all while keeping education affordable and accessible to all learners.
Our Vision
We envision a future where every adult learner — regardless of background or circumstance — can access the digital fluency, technical knowledge, and real-world learning opportunities needed to thrive in a technology-driven economy. By offering programs that are affordable, accessible, and rooted in high-quality standards, we remove cost barriers while building a more inclusive and adaptable workforce.
What We Do
Our programs combine individualized instruction with practical, real-world tools and resources:
- Essential digital literacy and computer navigation skills
- Cybersecurity awareness for safe browsing, phishing prevention, and digital safety
- Introductory IT and technology support skills
- Accessible AI and emerging technology concepts
- Web design and content creation for personal, community, or entrepreneurial projects
- Introductory programming and problem-solving skills
- Career readiness guidance including resumes, interviews, and job search resources
- Academic support in core subjects and foundational technical skills
- Low-cost or scholarship-supported technology assistance
- Project-based learning, mentorship, and individualized coaching with community support
All offerings are provided under our §94874(f) tuition policy.
Our Programs
CCTCA offers short-term, non-vocational digital literacy and technology awareness programs for adult learners across the Central Coast. We deliver hands-on training in alignment with California Education Code §94874(f) and our charitable nonprofit mission.
Digital Basics
Entry-level digital literacy workshop covering typing, file management, email, internet navigation, and Google Workspace. Designed to build everyday confidence for personal tasks, community participation, and continued learning.
Cybersecurity Foundations
Everyday online safety skills including phishing awareness, password hygiene, device security, and safe browsing habits—practical steps to protect yourself and your community.
IT Support & Cybersecurity (Google Career Certificates)
Facilitated access to the Google IT Support and Google Cybersecurity Certificates via Coursera, with mentorship, study labs, and coaching from CCTCA. Certificates are issued directly by Google (via Coursera), not by CCTCA. This program is not designed for state licensure preparation and is offered solely for skill-building and career exploration in alignment with California Education Code §94874(f).
Intro to HTML & CSS
Beginner web workshop on page structure and styling. Learn headings, links, images, layouts, and simple design concepts—culminating in a small personal project to build creative confidence.
Intro to Programming with Python
Hands-on introduction to programming concepts—variables, loops, conditionals, and functions—through small, practical projects that encourage problem-solving and creativity.
Prompt Engineering with ChatGPT
Explore ethical and effective use of AI tools for writing, research, organization, and creativity. Learn prompt design techniques and how to evaluate AI-generated output to strengthen digital literacy.
Resume & Job Readiness
Career preparation skills including resume building, mock interviews, and guidance for navigating online applications—plus connections to local community resources. No job placement is guaranteed.
Digital Equity Navigation
Access to laptops, Wi‑Fi hotspots, and assistive tools, plus guided support for using essential online services such as benefits portals, housing applications, reentry programs, and local community resources.
Tutoring & Academic Skills
One-on-one and small-group support in English, math, and introductory technical topics (e.g., programming and basic networking) to strengthen foundational skills for continued education or community projects.
Tech Support Services
Supervised, community-based learning where participants practice troubleshooting common tech issues (setup, malware cleanup, Wi‑Fi configuration) in an educational setting that reinforces skills while serving neighbors.
Compliance Notice: All programs are short-term, non-vocational, and offered solely for charitable purposes. CCTCA is not a degree-granting or state-licensed institution and operates in compliance with California Education Code §94874(f). Certificates, when applicable, are issued by the original provider (e.g., Google via Coursera), not CCTCA. No licensure preparation or job placement is offered or implied.
Meet Our Instructors
Our instructors bring extensive experience in digital literacy, technology awareness, and community-based learning. They’re dedicated to helping learners build skills, confidence, and self-sufficiency through practical, hands-on instruction.
Darrell Friday
Technology Education & Software Engineering
Darrell is a seasoned technology educator and software engineer with over 20 years of experience in the tech industry. He specializes in making digital tools approachable for learners of all backgrounds, integrating real-world examples into lessons that support everyday life, personal projects, and continued education.
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you — whether you’re a potential learner, funder, volunteer, or partner organization.