✦ Partner Program
Climb Hire

IT Support

Free, part-time, online IT Support career training. Earn CompTIA A+ and Google IT certs in 6 months. No cost to complete.

2261 Market Street STE 10955, San Francisco, CA 94114

🎯 Workforce Development Program
πŸ’Έ altAid Eligible
Remote
Part-time
Program at a glance
FreeTotal cost
6 months Program length
80%Completion rate
$46KMedian grad salary

Spring Recruitment typically runs January - March; Fall Recruitment typically runs August - October

No experience required

Program Philosophy

Talented, driven people have always existed in every community β€” but systemic barriers have kept too many from accessing the careers they deserve. Climb Hire's IT Support program was built to change that. We combine free, industry-recognized technical training with peer mentorship, career coaching, and a supportive pod-based learning community β€” because we know skills alone aren't enough. Our approach builds both the technical credentials and the confidence, connections, and career tools Climbers need to land jobs and grow long-term. We're not just training for a job. We're building a career.

Started in 2019

Visit program website

Best For

California & Colorado residents, ages 24–40, earning under $30k, ready to commit

Time Commitment

This programs meets virtually 3 times per week for 3 hours per session. Specific days of the week and times may vary, but this is an evening program and typically meets Mondays, Tuesday, and Thursdays from 5pm to 8pm Pacific Time.

What You'll Gain

Employer-valued CompTIA A+ and Google IT certs. Real job support. Lifelong career community.

Cost & Outcomes

πŸ™ŒπŸ½ Free Training
program cost

This program is completely free for all participants. Climb Hire covers all costs for participants enrolling in 2026, including tuition, materials,Β and the cost of two CompTIA exams (over $500 value).

πŸ’Έ Financial Assistance
how altAid funding can helpFood, childcare, or utility bills while enrolled; technology equipment, repairs, or internet access to stay connected to online learning format.
80%Completion rate (most recent cohort)
66%Employment rate within 1 year
$46KMedian annual salary of graduates
925+Total graduates since founding
Employment rate and earnings measured at 12 months. Outcomes data sourced from program's most recent annual report. View source β†’

Who This Program is Built For

This program was specifically designed with these communities in mind. If you see yourself, you belong here.

BIPOC
LGBTQIA+
Immigrants & Refugees
Parenting/Caregiving
Low-income
Receiving Public Benefits
Unemployed/Underemployed
Veterans

What Sets This Program Apart

Free, part-time online training that fits around your life β€” evenings only, no cost

Earn CompTIA A+ and Google IT Support certs that employers trust

Pod-based learning with a Fellow β€” a Climb Hire alum β€” who's walked the same road

Dedicated career development advisor to prep you for the job search and beyond

200 hours of specialized training in IT support, networking, troubleshooting, and cybersecurity

A lifelong community of Climbers, alumni, and employer partners invested in your success

Day in the Life

Daily Structure
  • Live, instructor-led online classes
  • Small pod-based groups led by a Climb Hire Fellow for peer learning and accountability
  • Weekly assignments and independent study (~11 hours per week outside of class)
  • Hands-on practice troubleshooting PCs, networks, mobile devices, and operating systems
  • Career development sessions covering resume writing, interviewing, and job search strategy
  • All curriculum and exam prep materials provided at no cost β€” including two CompTIA A+ exam fees covered
πŸ“„ Instructor Credentials

Subject matter experts with years of experience working in the industries they are instructing

Skills Gained

Soft and technical skills you'll gain by program completion.

Hardware fundamentals and troubleshooting
Computer networking and network infrastructure
Operating systems
System administration and IT infrastructure
Virtualization and cloud computing
IT security and defense against threats
Mobile devices
CompTIA A+ Core 1 & 2 exam preparation
Google IT Support Professional Certificate (5-course series)
Professional networking and relationship-building
Effective communication
Resume writing and tailoring
Job search strategy and career goal-setting
LinkedIn profile development
Interview preparation
Translating prior work experience into IT career narratives
πŸ“œ Certification Exam Required

CompTIA A+ Core 1

78% pass rate

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Highs & Lows

hardest part

At 20 hours a week β€” including evening classes and independent study β€” balancing the program alongside work, family, and life is the biggest challenge most Climbers face. The coursework is rigorous and builds quickly, so falling behind can feel daunting. That's exactly why we built in so much support: pods, Fellows, career coaches, and a cohort of peers who are all in it together. The Climbers who push through consistently tell us it was worth it.

most rewarding part

Climbers consistently tell us that the most rewarding part isn't just the certifications β€” it's the transformation. Going from someone who doubted themselves to passing their first CompTIA exam. Or leaving low-growth roles in retail, healthcare, or manual labor and landing their first tech job. The community they find here changes them. The confidence they build, the connections they make, and the doors that open make the hard work worth it. You don't just finish the program β€” you come out on the other side a different version of yourself.

Possible Career Outcomes

Climbers typically land entry-level roles like Help Desk Technician, Desktop Support Specialist, or IT Service Desk Analyst. From there, the path opens up fast. Within a few years, many move into roles like Network Administrator, Systems Administrator, or IT Security Specialist β€” with salaries that grow significantly as experience and additional certifications stack up. The most common next steps after CompTIA A+ are Network+ and Security+, which unlock doors into cybersecurity, cloud computing, and infrastructure management.

By years 5–10, Climbers are stepping into senior, specialized, or leadership roles in some of the fastest-growing corners of tech. IT is a field where motivated people can climb far β€” and the demand for skilled talent isn't slowing down anytime soon.

Employment Support

Career Coaching 1:1s: Personalized sessions with a dedicated Career Coach covering resume strategy, LinkedIn, interviews, and job search planning.

Career Development Advisors (CDAs): Alumni mentors who provide job search accountability, application support, and interview prep guidance.

Resume Workshops & Reviews: Hands-on sessions to build and polish industry-aligned resumes that attract recruiters.

Mock Interviews: Practice interviews using the STAR method to build confidence and real-world readiness.

LinkedIn Optimization: Personalized guidance to create recruiter-friendly profiles that increase visibility.

Job Search Process (JSP): A structured, step-by-step roadmap to help Climbers land interviews faster and stay on track.

Job Search Accountability Tracking: Weekly check-ins via Prentus to maintain momentum and measure progress.

Social Capital Development: Training on building and leveraging professional networks to expand career opportunities.

Networking Events: Connections with Climb Hire alumni, employer partners, and industry professionals.

Alumni Network: A lifelong community of Climb Hire graduates offering mentorship, referrals, and ongoing support.

Alumni Success Team: A dedicated staff team supporting graduates throughout their job search journey.

partner Employers

Hear From the Program

N
Nancy Flores

Senior Admissions Manager

You can do this. So many people doubt themselves or are afraid to bet on their own potential β€” but you are worth betting on. Whatever brought you here, we see you, and we're here to support you every step of the way. We'll be rooting for you the whole journey through.

How It Works

1

Complete Application (takes about 15 minutes)

2

Attend 30 minute Admissions Interview

3

Provide documents that confirm your eligibility (proof of identity, proof of income, proof of residency, proof of U.S. work authorization)

4

Attend Open House

5

Complete Assessment (determines which track you start in - beginner or advanced)

Attend Orientation

Frequently Asked Questions

If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to contact us.

Yes! Programming is Tuition-Free. Through our team’s intensive work to find, apply, and secure funding through government grants and philanthropic funds, we are able to provide free tuition.

For our IT Support Learning Track, you'll finish with the CompTIA A+ Certification, and you'll have the option to also get the Google - IT Support Professional Certificate. The IT Support course is designed to give Climbers a practical understanding of Information technology over the course of 24-weeks.

95% of qualified applicants are accepted to the program.

While we do not guarantee job placement, we do provide deep support and services to help you land a job. Getting you a job is our goal and so we join you in this part of your journey as a partner and helper!