Connected
Learning
for Jobs in Digital Marketing
& Cybersecurity
We help develop individuals to be career-ready by providing tech skill training, hands-on experience, and a network required to get hired into high-demand marketing & cybersecurity jobs.
Our Story
In 2018, after over a decade in corporate marketing, and managing brands like Cottonelle, Cottex, and Jameson IrishWhiskey, our CEO & Founder Salim Holder realized that despite helping businesses grow by millions, he had lost connection to his community’s impact. Motivated by this epiphany, he ventured out to teach digital marketing, only to discover that many students, even with degrees, couldn’t secure jobs due to a lack of hands-on experience. Recognizing this gap, he created a program that provides practical, real-world experience in digital marketing, allowing students to run real-world campaigns. This approach equipped them with the skills and confidence needed to excel in job interviews and secure their dream careers.
Our Values
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Community Impact:Fostering a strong connection to and positive impact on the communities we serve. |
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Practical Experience:Emphasizing hands-on learning to ensure students gain real-world skills. |
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Empowerment:Enabling individuals to achieve financial independence and career satisfaction. |
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Innovation:Offering alternative educational paths that address the shortcomings of traditional |
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Accessibility:Providing affordable, practical education without the burden of heavy debt. |
Our Impact
The New Trade Program was born out of a desire to offer a viable alternative to traditional college paths, which often leave students in debt without job prospects. Our program bridges the gap between education and employment by offering hands-on experience that traditional educational institutions lack. This unique approach has enabled many students to transition from dead-end roles to fulfilling careers in cybersecurity and digital marketing.
We aim to empower individuals to achieve financial independence and career satisfaction through practical learning and real-world application.
Meet Your Instructors
Salim Holder
Former Fortune 500 Brand Marketer and Founder/CEO of the World’s Largest Black Owned Online Hair and Beauty Retail Platform in the US
Frantz Merine
Chief Information Officer for Columbia University Law School. Expert in Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and the world of Tech. Highly rated instructor.
Jerome Clark
Former Fortune 500 Brand Marketer, Product developer and Founder of In Good Conscience Award-Winning Body Wash.
Our Team
Salim Holder
Program Director
Scott Drosselmeier
Program Development Lead
Feyisayo Ayobamidele
Project Manager & Marketing Manager
Jack Deline
Student & Enrollment Advisor