WLOS News 13 Spotlights ALULA's abilIT Program
It's a story worth sharing.
Who We Are
ALULA has been rooted in Brevard, North Carolina, since 1967. For nearly six decades, we've created real opportunities for people too often overlooked. Our mission is clear: we uplift people and businesses through purpose-powered programs and manufacturing, creating inclusive opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
We give good work wings.
That means employment pathways with real direction, programs built on skill, and partnerships with companies that want their work to matter. Everything ALULA does reflects one belief: when the right support meets real potential, people rise.
abilIT is exactly that.
What abilIT Is
abilIT is a14 week workforce development program for neurodivergent adults, adults with disabilities, and veterans that prepares students for industry recognized certifications in tech while also giving them in depth insights into professional development skills. The program is sponsored by ALULA and is at no cost to the individuals.
Participants leave with:
Preparation for CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+, certifications employers know and value
Hands-on technical training and professional skills coaching to support success on the job and beyond
Nationwide job placement support, including connections to employers in the Defense and Intelligence Community
No cost to participants, with training fully covered for every accepted applicant
Melwood's public abilIT materials point to strong momentum: the program launched in 2019, its February 2025 class marked the 17th cohort, and by May 2026 more than 300 people had graduated. Graduates have gone on to careers with companies and agencies including Wells Fargo, Nickelodeon, MITRE, Enabled Intelligence, and the federal government.
The Team Behind the Program
abilIT is powered by a team that believes in people and supports participants every step of the way.
At ALULA, Erin Baty serves as Professional Skills Trainer, Wes Shipley as Technical Trainer, and Erica Whitaker as Employment Development Specialist for abilIT. Together, they help participants build technical skills, grow confidence, and move through the program with steady support. That commitment shows up in each participant's progress and in the program's results.
Cohort 1 Graduated on May 14th
On May 14, 2026, ALULA's first abilIT cohort reached an important milestone, and they reached it with something to show for it.
The graduation included presentations from the participants themselves. Over 14 weeks, they took on complex material and turned it into clear, confident work. They did more than complete the program. They showed the thinking, discipline, and communication that technology careers require.
People noticed.
That recognition reflects what Erin, Wes, Erica, and the graduates built together.
To every graduate: you showed up, did the work, and earned this. What comes next is yours to build.
Cohort 2 Registration Is Open, Apply Today
If you have a high school diploma, foundational IT knowledge, and the drive to build something for yourself, abilIT may be the right next step. Training is at no cost to the individual. The support is real. The opportunity is here.
Once your application is in, someone from our team will reach out directly. We'd be glad to connect.