The BlackRock Foundation Awards Grant to Atlas School, Expanding Services that Reduce Barriers to Enrollment and Drive Student Success
New Funding will Support Job Training and Strengthen Oklahoma’s Tech Workforce
Tulsa, OK – March 28, 2025 – The BlackRock Foundation has awarded a $500,000 grant to Atlas School, a tech training provider in Tulsa that teaches software development and prepares students for careers in technology. The grant will fund new case managers that will give students greater access to services like housing, nutritious meals, and transportation – also known as wraparound services – helping to lower key barriers to enrollment and completion of Atlas’ job training programs.
Atlas School offers 20-month full-time programs designed in partnership with local tech employers. The classes focus on machine learning, systems programming, and full-stack development, preparing students for in-demand careers. However, students from low-income backgrounds often face significant financial barriers that impact their ability to enroll in and complete these programs.
With funding from The BlackRock Foundation, Atlas’ new case managers will work with local nonprofits to connect students to wraparound services. This holistic approach will enable students the stability and support necessary to complete their training successfully. Research underscores the importance of these services—program participants in community-based job training programs who receive supportive services are more likely to complete training.1
“Our students are often pursuing their dreams of becoming software engineers while caring for others at home. An unexpected financial expense can cause significant stress that may make it difficult to focus on their studies,” said Libby Ediger, CEO of Atlas School. “This funding from The BlackRock Foundation will help provide students access to resources to help weather unforeseen challenges and stay engaged with their coursework.”
Investing in Oklahoma’s tech workforce is more critical than ever. Over the next decade, more than 70% of jobs in Oklahoma will require a postsecondary credential, yet only 42% of the state’s current workforce meets that qualification.2 At the same time, The Greater Tulsa Region has been designated a national Tech Hub by the U.S. Economic Development Administration which is expected to create 60,000 high-paying tech jobs in Oklahoma.3 The grant will support students as they gain skills needed to thrive in Oklahoma’s most in-demand industries and strengthen the state’s talent pipeline for technology jobs in industries important to Oklahoma’s economic future, like healthcare, energy, and aerospace.
"At The BlackRock Foundation, we're committed to ensuring more Americans can secure the skills needed for in-demand jobs. However, that goal is out of reach if prospective students cannot afford to remain enrolled and complete workforce training programs," said Claire Chamberlain, President of The BlackRock Foundation. "That’s why we’re proud to support these wraparound services—breaking down financial barriers so more students can pursue training, graduate successfully, and ultimately contribute to a stronger Oklahoma workforce."
This grant is part of a larger effort at The BlackRock Foundation to expand economic security across the US by partnering with nonprofit organizations in local economies to scale their impact. By equipping local leaders with the resources to drive meaningful change, The Foundation aims to strengthen economic security and help more people stay on the path to a secure retirement.
About The BlackRock Foundation
Guided by BlackRock’s purpose to help more and more people experience financial well-being, The BlackRock Foundation focuses on increasing economic security for low- to moderate- income households by helping them earn, save and invest – earlier, more often and for their futures. With our partners, we support the building of a financial safety net to protect against shocks that widen disparities and make it easier to build wealth and support upward mobility.
About Atlas School
Atlas School is an independently operated and innovative software engineering school located in downtown Tulsa with a commitment to help remove barriers to entry in the technology field. Atlas School’s instructor-driven curriculum trains students in both the technical and professional skills to start their career in the full-stack development, machine learning, and systems programming fields. Learn more and apply today at www.atlasschool.com.
