Mississippi Coding Academies Kick Off in Jackson and Columbus
Jackson, Miss. (Oct. 4, 2017) – The Mississippi Development Authority and Innovate Mississippi announce the creation of Mississippi Coding Academies. The academies are a joint venture offering post-secondary students an intensive 11-month, tuition-free computer science education program.
“The Mississippi Coding Academies will help develop a well-trained workforce which will not only meet, but exceed, the expectations of today’s high-tech companies,” Gov. Phil Bryant said.
This public/private initiative kicks off in Jackson on October 16 and in Columbus in late fall, with support from the both the Jackson Public School District and the Columbus Municipal School Districts.
“Local companies who employ coders are key to the success of the new program. They will work closely with the academy staff to ensure that the skills developed prepare the students for their first high-tech job and for a career in technology,” said Mike Forster, Chairman of the Board, Innovate Mississippi. “There is no greater initiative for our organization than this one.”
The academies will prepare highly motivated high school graduates who are not college or junior college-bound for careers in the field of technology, reduce the shortage of available coding professionals in the state and establish Mississippi as a high-growth location for the fields of coding and technology.
“The Academies provide an excellent pathway into the field of computer coding for Mississippi’s creative, hard-working problem solvers,” said MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough, Jr.
The Mississippi Coding Academies will consist of classroom and practical training in the most current computer coding skills. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, students will focus on the practical application of technology in a hands-on work environment and learn the soft skills necessary for employment. Upon completion of the course, students will receive a certificate from the sponsoring community college.
The selection process for students has already begun. Those interested in applying for the Jackson-based Mississippi Coding Academies should immediately contact: Herbert Brown, Classroom Instructor, (601) 965-9722, hbrown@innovate.ms; Briar Bowser, Coding Instructor, (601) 965-9633, bbowser@innovate.ms; or Richard A. Sun, CFA, Co-Founder, (202) 285-7272, Rich@RichardASun.com.
Those interested in applying for the Columbus-based Mississippi Coding Academy should contact Angelia Bluitt, Classroom Instructor, 662-889-9384, abluitt@innovate.ms.
Mississippi Coding Academies is a Mississippi non-profit corporation operating under the umbrella of Innovate Mississippi.
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About Mississippi Development Authority:
Mississippi Development Authority is the state’s lead economic and community development agency. MDA focuses on new business recruitment, existing business expansion, workforce training, and tourism promotion. For more information, visit MDA’s website at www.mississippi.org.
About Innovate Mississippi:
Innovate Mississippi is a nonprofit organization with the mission to drive innovation and technology-based economic development for the State of Mississippi. Visit www.innovate.ms to learn more.
