LaunchCode Brings its Free Coding & Job Placement Opportunity to Broward
BROWARD COUNTY, FL – LaunchCode, a national nonprofit providing accessible pathways to tech careers, is now accepting applications for its free, part-time computer programming and job placement course in Broward County for the first time. LaunchCode has hosted several iterations of the free course in Miami-Dade since expanding to the region in 2015 and has since launched nearly 200 tech careers in the region.
LaunchCode recently received funding and in-kind resources for the course from three separate entities: The Jim Moran Foundation, The Batchelor Foundation and the City of Deerfield Beach. The funding will support around 100 people to enroll in LaunchCode’s LC101 course, to begin on June 25 at the Hillsboro Community Center.
LC101 is an intensive, part-time 20-week coding fundamentals course designed to train students in the tech skills necessary to ultimately land a career in the high-demand and upwardly-mobile industry. After honing both their technical and job-readiness skills, LaunchCode matches learners with employer partners for paid apprenticeships. Four out of five LaunchCode apprentices are hired on full-time and the average LaunchCoder more than doubles his or her previous salary. Broward County companies like Financial Apps, Gemaire, Insurance Technologies and City Furniture have added LaunchCoders from past cohorts to their team.
“My husband, Jim, knew hard work was very important to being successful, but he also recognized that opportunities to learn and demonstrate your potential were equally important," said Jan Moran, chairman and president of The Jim Moran Foundation. "We are excited to be a part of expanding LaunchCode to equip and provide residents in our community with a career pathway into coding, particularly for those who may have thought it was beyond their reach.”
“The City recognizes that its employers have a continued high demand for tech savvy employees and is constantly looking for key partnerships to increase the pipeline of qualified candidates. We are so excited that LaunchCode’s free coding training will be made available in Deerfield Beach and to our residents, which will enhance their skills and better prepare them for the workforce,” said Deerfield Beach Mayor Bill Ganz.
LaunchCode's programs are free to motivated individuals who are assessed for passion, drive and aptitude rather than credentials. Applications close June 13. The course begins June 25 and will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Hillsboro Community Center, 50 Hillsboro Technology Drive. Information sessions for those interested in applying will be held on Thursday, May 9 and Tuesday, May 28 the Hillsboro Community Center.
Individuals interested in applying for LC101 can do so on LaunchCode’s website. No previous technical experience is required.
About LaunchCode
Founded by Jim McKelvey, co-founder of Square, LaunchCode is a nonprofit creating economic opportunity by adding new talent to tech ecosystems across the nation. While careers in technology have traditionally been reserved to those who can afford a our-year computer science degree, LaunchCode's programs are free and accessible to motivated individuals who are assessed for passion, drive and aptitude rather than credentials.
Media Contact: Leah Freeman, leah@launchcode.org, 901-359-1104
