LaunchCode and TBR choose Southwest for LaunchCodes first free computer programming courses in Tennessee
In This Issue...
- Message from President
- Southwest extends MTSU Promise to students
- S.T.E.A.M. Day allows high school students to explore careers and college life
- Medical Laboratory students play dead for disaster exercise
- HR Corner
- Submit your proposal for Summer Institute 2019
- Student Success Council debuts
- Mental Health Corner: The importance of stress management
- ATD process maps moved for better access
- New mobile app makes applying for FAFSA like booking an airline ticket
- Southwest and Women’s Foundation hold first joint graduation ceremony for EDGE
- Welcome aboard, new team members
- Saluqi Corner
- Students connect with over 40 employers at Fall Career Fair
- Donate to TBR holiday food drive Nov. 20 – Dec. 10
- Funeral Service Education program debuts at open house
- LaunchCode and TBR choose Southwest for LaunchCode’s first free computer programming courses in Tennessee
- International Studies, Communications, Graphics and Fine Arts host first student photography exhibition
- Southwest: In the News
- Holiday Survival Tips
- Important Dates
LaunchCode and TBR choose Southwest for LaunchCode’s first free computer programming courses in Tennessee
The Southwest Tennessee Community College Union Avenue Campus will be home to LaunchCode’s LC101 free computer programming courses next spring, making Southwest the first Tennessee two-year college to offer the program. LC101 is a free, part-time, 20-week class available beginning Feb. 4, 2019, to students of all ages interested in learning technology skills, including coding, web development and other career-oriented expertise.
Applications to participate in the Spring 2019 LC101 cohort are open now through January 14. These free computer classes will be offered to all interested participants and not just Southwest students Mondays and Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m. at Southwest’s Union Avenue Campus.
Associate Vice President for Workforce and Economic Development and Continuing Education at Southwest Anita Brackin says careers in technology have historically been reserved for those with a four-year degree in computer science or a related field.
“This is an excellent addition to Southwest’s workforce development curriculum, one that will enable anyone who wants to sharpen and gain valuable technology skills to not only compete for the jobs of today, but also to perform them with confidence and competence,” Brackin said.
LaunchCode’s LC101 course offers accessible training in technology skills to individuals who may not have the time or resources to participate in a four-year program. Through the partnership between LaunchCode, Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) and Southwest, more Tennesseans will have the opportunity to learn computer programming skills and gain upwardly-mobile, entry-level jobs in technology.
Based in St. Louis, Mo., LaunchCode is a national non-profit organization with a mission to build a skilled workforce in the cities it occupies by creating pathways for driven people seeking careers in technology. “LaunchCode's model has been successful around the country, delivering skills-based curriculum to thousands of motivated people at no cost to them," LaunchCode Executive Director Jeff Mazur said. “Tennessee is rich with entrepreneurship and innovation and we at LaunchCode are excited about providing aspiring coders in Memphis with the tools to succeed in a high-demand, rewarding industry,” Mazur added.
“As the technology industry across Tennessee continues to grow, so does the need for a larger workforce to fill the increasing number of tech jobs in our state,” Margaret Dolan, CEO & President of LaunchTN said. She says LaunchTN is a public-private partnership that fosters entrepreneurship with the goal of making Tennessee the most startup-friendly state in the nation. “LaunchCode’s presence in Memphis will not only offer a fantastic opportunity for individuals looking to develop skills that can help them build careers, but it will also strengthen Tennessee’s talent pipeline, bolstering entrepreneurship across the state,” Dolan added.
TBR will continue to guide the program by providing assistance with identifying and securing future LaunchCode campuses. For more information or to apply for LC101 at Southwest Community College in Memphis, visit https://www.launchcode.org/lc101 and select ‘Memphis, TN’ from the dropdown menu.