About FTP Academy
First Thought Project Academy was founded with a simple belief: everyone deserves access to quality education that leads to real careers and meaningful change.
Our Mission
To provide accessible, high-quality career certification programs that empower individuals — especially those who need a second chance — to build meaningful careers and transform their lives.
Our Vision
A world where anyone with determination can access the education and support they need to achieve financial stability, personal growth, and career fulfillment.
Our Story
First Thought Project Academy was born from a simple realization: the people who need education the most often have the hardest time accessing it.
We learned about the WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) grant program — federal funding designed to help justice-impacted individuals, veterans, those at the poverty line, and people exiting rehabilitation get the skills they need for a fresh start.
Rather than leaving these individuals to navigate expensive traditional education or predatory programs, we decided to build something different: a school designed from the ground up to serve these populations with high-quality, career-focused programs.
After navigating the rigorous process of accreditation, state oversight approval, and WIOA provider certification, FTP Academy was born. Today, we offer distance learning programs that serve students across all 50 states.
Our Values
Opportunity for All
We believe everyone deserves a chance at a better future, regardless of their past.
Real-World Skills
Our programs focus on practical, in-demand skills that lead to actual careers.
Student Success
We measure our success by the success of our graduates in their careers.
Integrity
We operate with transparency and hold ourselves to the highest standards.
Why Trades + Tech?
We chose to focus on AI/automation, HVAC, and CDL because these are high-demand fields with strong job growth and real career potential. They don't require 4-year degrees, they pay well, and they offer paths to both employment and entrepreneurship.
71% of all new STEM jobs are in computing. HVAC technicians are in high demand everywhere. And America always needs qualified truck drivers. These aren't just jobs — they're careers with staying power.
Transitional Housing Community
Our vision extends beyond education. We're working to establish a transitional housing community for students exiting confinement or rehabilitation centers.
This community will provide not just housing and meals, but a supportive environment of like-minded peers all working toward similar goals while attending our certification programs.
This program will be 100% funded through angel investors, grants from state and federal governments, and our non-profit sister organization.
Accreditation & Oversight
State Oversight
Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education
Distance Learning
SARA (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement)
Workforce Programs
WIOA Approved Provider with AZ DES