As we celebrate Black History Month, Consult Lemonade is making a lasting impact by creating new opportunities for underrepresented communities to break into high-paying IT and cybersecurity careers. Since joining the Maryland Innovation Center (MIC) in March 2023, Consult Lemonade has expanded its mission to engage, empower and employ individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse tech workforce.
Consult Lemonade is more than a workforce development program—it’s a movement designed to bridge the economic gap and restore financial security to families. By equipping individuals with the skills needed for sustainable, six-figure careers in tech, Consult Lemonade is making a lasting impact on employment, community engagement and economic mobility.
With a bold vision to help one million underrepresented individuals secure high-paying tech jobs, the organization is proving that education, mentorship and opportunity can change lives.
The Growing Demand for Tech Talent
The technology industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the U.S., with cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and software development driving demand for highly skilled professionals. By 2030, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an approximate 15% growth in tech-related jobs, significantly outpacing the average across all industries.
Despite this demand, a significant skills gap remains, with many employers struggling to find qualified candidates. Consult Lemonade is addressing this challenge by bridging the gap between talent and opportunity, ensuring that individuals from underrepresented backgrounds gain the technical expertise and industry connections needed to thrive in this high-growth field.
By providing specialized training in IT and cybersecurity, Consult Lemonade is aligning its programs with industry needs, making it easier for employers to access diverse, well-prepared talent. As the tech sector continues to expand, organizations like Consult Lemonade are essential in building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
Consult Lemonade’s Mission to Create Employment Growth
One of the most significant challenges facing underrepresented communities is access to well-paying, sustainable careers. Many individuals hold multiple low-wage jobs just to meet their basic needs, leaving little time for personal development or family. Consult Lemonade aims to replace the need for multiple jobs with a single, high-paying career in tech.
Since its founding, Consult Lemonade has helped over 110 individuals secure tech jobs, many earning more than $100,000 per year. On average, program participants experience a 40% increase in income, dramatically improving their financial stability and quality of life.
What makes Consult Lemonade unique is its focus on fast-tracking employment. Most candidates find jobs within six to twelve months of completing the program, making it an ideal solution for professionals looking to transition into the tech industry quickly.
By providing the training, certifications and job placement support necessary to enter high-demand tech fields, Consult Lemonade ensures that its graduates are prepared for long-term career success.
Building Stronger Communities Through Engagement and Skill Development
Consult Lemonade’s impact goes beyond just employment. The organization is actively engaging with hundreds of individuals to build a stronger, more connected community of professionals in tech.
In 2024 alone, Consult Lemonade reached over 800 individuals through virtual and in-person events, with projections to engage more than 1,000 people by year-end. This growing network represents a powerful support system for those looking to break into tech, gain mentorship and connect with like-minded professionals.
Additionally, Consult Lemonade maintains a database of over 468 active candidates pursuing careers in IT and cybersecurity. This ever-expanding pool of talent is a testament to the program’s effectiveness and the growing demand for career development resources tailored to underrepresented communities.
At the core of Consult Lemonade’s model is a structured 17-week tech training program that provides hands-on learning opportunities for those entering the field. Designed to accommodate working adults, the program allows participants to upskill without disrupting their current income, ensuring a smoother transition into higher-paying careers.
The organization also goes beyond technical training by providing life skills, career guidance, and professional mentorship, ensuring that candidates not only enter the workforce but thrive within it.
Consult Lemonade’s Economic Impact on Underserved Communities
The financial impact of Consult Lemonade is undeniable. Many underserved communities experience stagnant wages, with average household incomes hovering around $40,000 per year. For individuals in these communities, breaking into tech represents more than just a job change—it’s a pathway to financial independence and generational wealth.
By equipping individuals with in-demand skills, Consult Lemonade is addressing wage gaps and ensuring that people from diverse backgrounds have equal access to the booming tech industry.
Higher salaries not only benefit individuals but positively impact entire communities. As graduates of the program earn more, they contribute to local economies, invest in businesses and create stronger financial foundations for their families.
By elevating household incomes and closing opportunity gaps, Consult Lemonade is proving that education and career development are key drivers of economic change.
How MIC Supports Consult Lemonade’s Mission
As a Maryland Innovation Center (MIC) member, Consult Lemonade has gained access to mentorship, business development resources and a network of industry professionals. MIC plays a crucial role in supporting entrepreneurs, startups and workforce development initiatives.
For Consult Lemonade, MIC’s ecosystem provides essential tools for scaling its impact, refining its approach, and connecting with key stakeholders who share the mission of expanding economic opportunities in tech.
Through MIC, Consult Lemonade has been able to grow its reach, expand its programming and increase its influence within the business and technology sectors. This collaboration is a testament to the power of strategic partnerships in driving workforce transformation.
The Future of Workforce Development with Consult Lemonade
Consult Lemonade is not just focused on short-term job placement—it’s creating long-term career pathways that lead to economic stability, financial growth and generational wealth.
With an unwavering commitment to helping one million individuals secure high-paying jobs in tech, the organization is poised to change the landscape of workforce development for underrepresented communities.
By offering accessible, high-quality training and job placement services, Consult Lemonade is ensuring that diverse talent has a seat at the table in the future of tech.
This is just the beginning. As Consult Lemonade continues to expand its programs, enhance its outreach, and forge new industry partnerships, the potential to reshape workforce equity and economic mobility is limitless. The road to one million success stories starts now.
