Grid Corps · In development
A real career. Not just a certificate.
Every year, roughly 20,000 young people age out of the foster care system in the United States, most without a college plan, a professional network, or anyone to take a chance on them. Grid Corps is the program Feathergrid is opening to close that gap: a path from training to paid technical work in in-demand trades. (Source: U.S. Children's Bureau, AFCARS Report) [1]
Why we're building this
The workforce gap nobody talks about
Young adults who age out of foster care face a job market that rewards credentials and connections, two things the system rarely provides. Not because they lack ability. Because they lack access. Grid Corps will change the equation: training, mentorship, certification and a first paid work experience. The rest is up to them.
Planned tracks
Two paths toward real jobs.
Drone Operations
FAA Part 107 Certification
Participants will work toward the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, the federally recognized credential for commercial drone operations. Training will cover flight fundamentals, airspace rules, mission planning and data capture, with the goal of a paid apprenticeship in agriculture, construction, public safety or logistics.
Field Technician
CompTIA IT Fundamentals + Field Cert
Field technicians install, configure and maintain the sensors, edge gateways and network equipment that connect a site to Feathergrid. No prior experience needed. Training will cover basic networking, sensor hardware, safety and field documentation, with the goal of a paid field placement.
The Program
How Grid Corps will work
Apply
A short application once Grid Corps opens. No resume needed. We'll look for commitment, not credentials.
Train
Complete your chosen track, drone operations or field technician, with hands-on instruction and a mentor.
Certify
Earn your credential: FAA Part 107 for drone operations; CompTIA ITF+ and the Feathergrid field credential for field technicians.
Get placed
Start a paid apprenticeship with a partner employer. Real work. Real pay. A real reference.
Who it's for
Grid Corps is being built for people who:
- You are 18 or older and aged out of foster care (ages 18 to 26)
- You have a high school diploma or GED, or you're working toward one
- You are legally authorized to work in the United States
Note
No prior technical experience needed. Grid Corps is built for people starting from zero.
Questions about eligibility? Email us at hello@feathergrid.com
Partner & Sponsor
Help us build the pipeline
Grid Corps will run on partnerships. Companies that hire graduates, organizations that co-fund training cohorts, and mentors who give an hour a week: all of it matters. If your organization wants to sponsor a cohort, offer apprenticeship placements or give in-kind support, we want to hear from you.
Cohort Sponsor
Fund one full cohort of 5 participants through training, certification, and placement support.
Placement Partner
Offer paid apprenticeship or entry-level positions to Grid Corps graduates. No cash required.
Mentor Partner
Provide one or more mentors from your technical team for weekly check-ins during the program.
Ready to get involved?
Fill out a short inquiry and we'll follow up within 48 hours to discuss how your organization can support Grid Corps.
Not open yet
Hear when it opens.
We're finalizing Grid Corps now, and applications aren't open yet. Want to hear when it opens? Email us and we'll let you know.