ROC Tech Prep is a Rochester-based initiative focused on expanding access to career-aligned technology education. The program is designed to support students in Greater Rochester by reducing barriers to entry and creating clear pathways into high-demand technology careers.

The initiative centers on an accelerated computer science curriculum informed by industry experience and aligned with workforce needs in software development, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. ROC Tech Prep was developed in collaboration with educators, technologists, and community partners with experience building tech career pipelines across the U.S.

The long-term goal of ROC Tech Prep is to strengthen the local talent ecosystem by supporting students, schools, and employers as Rochester’s technology economy continues to grow.

Jonathan Weinberger
Founder

Jonathan Weinberger leads curriculum development and product strategy at ROC Tech Prep. With 20 years of experience as a software engineer and game developer, he builds technical training programs that take students from beginner to launching successful careers in IT. He has built applications for Fortune 500 companies such as AT&T and Coca-Cola and has delivered enterprise training to global giants including Apple and NBC Universal.

As Dean of Engineering at Tashkent Metropolitan University, Jonathan launched the American School of Engineering and designed scalable, hands-on learning systems aligned with industry needs.

Aaron Schwartz
Program Lead

Aaron Schwartz supports program operations and stakeholder coordination at ROC Tech Prep. His work focuses on relationship management and consistent communication with school staff, prospective partners, community contacts, and local stakeholders involved in education and workforce development.

His professional experience includes account management roles in cybersecurity software and recruitment technology, as well as residential real estate. Aaron holds a degree in Psychology with a Business minor from the University of Texas at Austin.

Bryan Hickman
Board Member

Bryan Hickman brings over 30 years of leadership experience across business and education. A former executive and turnaround specialist, he is now the founder of EDceptional, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing charter school growth and driving education reform throughout Rochester.

Bryan holds a bachelor’s degree from Williams College and a master’s degree from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs. He has served on the boards of Genesee Hospital, Compeer, the Rochester Tooling and Machining Association, Rochester-Hamamatsu Sister Cities, and several private corporations.

Jason Dion
Board Member

Jason Dion is a cybersecurity and IT expert with over 30 years of experience across government and private industry. A former director for the U.S. Department of Defense and consultant to the National Security Agency, Jason has also served as chief information officer and workforce development leader.

He is a global leader in IT certification training, with over 2 million students worldwide. Jason holds a master’s degree in Information Technology and specializes in developing training programs aligned with employer needs.