The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) Learners Program is an innovative workforce development initiative designed to build job-ready technology talent while delivering immediate value to local governments. The Learners Program launched its first cohort in Loudoun County, where enrollees have served as salaried, full-time COG employees since early 2025.
Working on real-world projects, learners modernize systems and improve service delivery for the county. Guided by experienced mentors, they receive hands-on training and earn industry-recognized certifications in high-demand areas like ServiceNow, cybersecurity, and cloud platforms.
Harnessing the power of local residents, this paid apprenticeship-style program lasts for at least one year. Participants progress from intensive training to sustained project delivery across multiple departments. The program creates a strong pipeline of skilled professionals prepared for permanent IT roles in the public or private sectors. It also gives local governments a skilled workforce who can deliver advanced technology for their residents, schools, and taxpayers.
As Loudoun and COG launch the program’s second generation, COG’s workforce team has built this initiative for expansion to additional jurisdictions across the region.
This initiative marks a significant step for regional workforce development, a top priority for COG’s Board of Directors. It provides essential support as the regional economy undergoes major shifts and prepares the area for a more prosperous, sustainable future.
Hear from our Learners
The following testimonials highlight the experiences of Loudoun students currently participating in the Learners program.
Mehdi Akbari
I moved to the United States in January 2024 with years of experience in software development and full-stack modernization. While adjusting to the U.S. job market was initially challenging, the Learners Program helped me strengthen my skills, earn key certifications, and gain experience in a U.S. office environment. I now live in Leesburg with my family and focus on growing my career and contributing to the community I have made home.
Andrew Else
The Learners Program has drastically changed my situation and future for the better. Prior to the program, I was working as a delivery driver, despite having earned a bachelor's degree in software development. Being accepted into the program reinvigorated my pursuit for a career in a field I truly wished to call mine. In the past 11 months, I've been able to bridge the gap between my academic knowledge and hands-on, real-world experience, preparing me to contribute effectively as a professional software developer in a highly competitive market.
Micaele Lee
Originally from Opelika, AL, I moved to the DMV area to pursue my passion for art—eventually becoming an elementary art teacher in Prince George’s and Loudoun County schools for eight years. While I loved teaching, I always felt a growing pull toward technology—only I didn’t know where to start. The Learners Program helped me pursue a career in technology by giving me the tools, training, and support I needed to make a successful transition from education to tech. Its flexibility, hands-on curriculum, and dedicated mentorship built my technical knowledge and professional confidence, empowering me to embrace a new path with purpose and clarity. This program didn’t just open doors—it equipped me with the skills to thrive in high-demand fields and build a bold, future-focused career in technology.
AbdElrahman Mancy
This program has been a turning point in my career and life. As a CSA-Certified ServiceNow Developer, this journey helped me bridge my technical skills with modern development practices, automation, and strategic thinking in a way I never thought possible. The knowledge I’ve gained hasn’t just advanced my career, it’s given me the confidence to aim higher, secure better opportunities, and provide a stronger future for my family. I’m not just keeping up with technology, I’m leading with it.
Farheen Saifullah
My professional journey began with 13 years of experience in healthcare as an administrative assistant, where I developed comprehensive experience in healthcare administration, supporting patient services, insurance coordination, and multiple operational workflows. I have since transitioned into IT as a software engineer, beginning with Java and expanding my skills through the Learners Program. I’ve gained hands-on experience with technologies such as HTML, CSS, Python, SQL, and cybersecurity, and I’m grateful to be part of a supportive team guided by dedicated mentors. Outside of work and learning, I am a working mother of six beautiful children and the proud owner of two lovely cats. In my free time, I enjoy water coloring, plaster work and gardening, which allows me to express creativity and stay connected with nature.
Shaista Shaik
After moving to the United States, I settled in Ashburn with my husband and our two children, who now attend Loudoun County Public Schools. The Learners Program has been a vital step in my technology career, allowing me to serve our local government while continuing to develop my professional skills. I hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science and enjoy spending my free time cooking and exploring the arts.
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