Michigan Keystone Tech Talent, L3C turns public libraries into free technology training hubs — delivering IT support, cybersecurity, data analytics, and CAD design certifications to underserved communities.
Libraries, employers, cities, and volunteers make it possible.
We are not a 501(c)(3). Donations are not federally tax-deductible.
Our Mission
Geography, income, and background should never determine who builds a technology career. As an L3C, that commitment is mandated by law. Every track and partnership is chosen because employers are actively hiring for it.
Infinite online resources exist for learning technology — yet without the right environment and support, most learners don't make it. We built this company to change that:
the right environment can do what effort alone cannot.
How The Model Works
Students find us through library flyers and staff referrals, then join free cohorts at local branches. Every part of that chain depends on committed partners.
Partner libraries provide space, internet, and community trust — connecting us with residents who qualify.
Credentialed tech professionals deliver curriculum in IT, data, web, and CAD — as volunteers or contractors.
Graduates sit for industry exams and build verifiable portfolios.
Employer partners receive graduate introductions and matched to open roles. Free for students and employers. A stronger local workforce.
Partnership Opportunities
Library director, HR lead, city workforce manager, or tech professional — there's a meaningful role for you in building Michigan's technology talent pipeline.
Why Partner?
Founding partners shape curriculum and track selection from day one
Secure an advance look at our workforce pipeline
Quarterly outcome reports — certifications earned, job placements, demographics
Your branch becomes a career launchpad — we supply everything, you open the door.
First-mover access to certified local talent — and real CSR impact.
Fund directly into our cohort model — trackable outcomes, equity reporting included.
Volunteer & Contractor Opportunities
We're recruiting volunteer instructors, mentors, and contractors across our technology tracks. Know your craft and care about people — that's the requirement.
Sessions run at Detroit metro library branches on a flexible schedule.
Lead a certification cohort — 6–10 sessions over 4–6 weeks. Curriculum provided; your expertise brings it to life.
Design curriculum, deliver a cohort series, or lead a specialized track. Ideal for consultants and freelancers.
One hour per month — mentor a graduate through job applications, interviews, and workplace navigation. Your experience, their breakthrough.
Training Tracks
Partner note: Tell us your hiring needs and we'll build or adapt a cohort around them.
We measure success in job placements. Tracks are shaped by active hiring demand — partners can co-design cohorts and receive direct graduate referrals.
CompTIA A+ through Security+ — hardware, networking, threat defense, and risk management.
SQL, visualization, spreadsheets, and Python — culminating in the Google Data Analytics Certificate. Scope tailored to BI, operations, or automation.
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and freeCodeCamp certifications. Portfolio projects scoped to a partner's tech stack.
Resume coaching, interview prep, and graduate introductions to hiring partners — included for all completers.
3D modeling, assembly design, and drawing using industry-standard CAD platforms.
Low-income participants pay nothing. Others pay a nominal fee — any excess funds free seats. Every cohort helps fund the next.
Current Projects
Onboarding library branches across Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties as first cohort host sites. Branch managers and directors are invited to connect now.
Working with Detroit-area employers in IT, manufacturing, and engineering to co-design cohort tracks around open positions. Sponsors get named cohorts and first-mover hiring access.
Right Now, We're Looking For
In Oakland, Wayne, or Macomb County to host our pilot cohort.
For IT Support and CAD — our priority launch tracks.
To co-design and fund our training tracks.
We're in our founding year. Early partners shape curriculum and establish the hiring relationships that define graduate outcomes. They'll be recognized on this site and in our first impact report. Now is the time.
Become a Founding Partner →Common Questions
Honest answers to what partners ask most.
Yes. We're a Michigan Low-Profit Limited Liability Company (L3C) under MCL 450.4101 — a structure that legally puts charitable purpose before profit.
No. An L3C is a for-profit entity — it legally prioritizes charitable purpose but does not carry federal tax-exempt status. Donations are not tax-deductible.
The model isn't new — library-based digital skills training and employer-aligned certification tracks are used by workforce programs nationwide. What's new is bringing it to Detroit-area libraries. Founding partners shape how it's built from day one.
During our founding year, eligibility is determined using publicly available data.
Households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL) qualify for fully free participation — no fees. For reference, that is approximately $31,200/year for an individual or $64,100/year for a family of four (based on current HHS poverty guidelines). Income is self-reported and verified at enrollment. We reserve the right to adjust the threshold in future cohorts as program funding and demand evolve.
Libraries pay nothing — we bring instructors, curriculum, and hardware. Employers and government partners can engage through in-kind support (mentorship, equipment) or funded cohort sponsorship, depending on their goals.
Directly into program delivery: laptops, curriculum, exam fee reimbursements, and instructor compensation. Every partner receives an impact report.
We're self-funded in our founding year — proving the model first. Long-term, three revenue streams sustain us: employer sponsorships, donations, and government grants. None require charging students.
Absolutely. Email us and we'll keep you updated as cohorts launch and opportunities open up. No pressure, no obligation.