Nonprofit “LaunchCode” Opens in Philly and is Offering Free Digital Tech Training and Job Placement
Nonprofit “LaunchCode” Opens in Philly and is Offering Free Digital Tech Training and Job Placement
LaunchCode, a nonprofit focused on adding new talent to the local tech ecosystem, has announced an expansion into the Philadelphia market. LaunchCode’s work will create a pipeline of diverse, homegrown talent to local companies and provide economic opportunity and upward mobility through free digital training and job placement.
Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, LaunchCode has launched over 2,300 careers across the country, placing learners into paid apprenticeships and jobs with companies from startups to Fortune 500 corporations like Mastercard, Boeing and Microsoft. LaunchCode focuses its curriculum on the programming languages needed by the industry and also incorporates soft skills and job-readiness.
“PACT is excited to support LaunchCode’s expansion into Philadelphia. We have already supported their launch financially through our Foundation and look forward to helping LaunchCode build deep relationships with our region’s tech community and employers in particular,” said Dean Miller, President & CEO at Philadelphia Alliance for Capital & Technologies (PACT). “LaunchCode’s mission to improve the diversity of our tech workforce is well aligned with PACT’s mission on equity and access for our underrepresented citizens. “LaunchCode chose to enter Philadelphia after evaluating the job market, digital skills gap and thanks to startup support from the Philadelphia Schools Partnership. Even in the midst of the pandemic, Glassdoor reported nearly 6,000 open tech jobs in Philadelphia in November 2020 – jobs with average salaries of over $68,000.
“What LaunchCode brings to the Philadelphia market is a proven model of tech workforce development that connects employers with the talent they need,” said Keighan Gunther, AVP of LaunchCode Philadelphia. “Our model teaches coding languages and skills in demand by employers, which we know will lead to success for Philadelphians. As a Philadelphian, I am proud to be leading the expansion to our market and seeing the impact LaunchCode will have on our region’s workforce and our community’s future.”
A 2019 report revealed a majority of the region’s job growth is in the low-wage sector, paying $35,000 a year or less – wages that are typically not family-sustaining. LaunchCode believes in order to create new economic growth in a region, we must provide more opportunities for individuals to access digital skills and high paying jobs for free. By breaking down the barrier of cost, LaunchCode’s programs open doors to individuals traditionally shut out of the tech industry.
LaunchCode also opened applications for its flagship LC101 program – a free, part-time evening course that teaches learners programming languages in high demand by employers. LaunchCode is currently accepting applications from aspiring technologists of all backgrounds and career experience at launchcode.org/lc101. No previous technical experience is required.
While typically held in-person, LaunchCode’s inaugural LC101 course in Philadelphia will be held online due to ongoing safety concerns around large gatherings. Students will still enjoy LaunchCode’s community-style model with one-on-one attention from teaching assistants and mentors.
Applicants who are interested in applying for LC101 can do so at launchcode.org/lc101. Companies interested in adding a LaunchCoder to their team can email Keighan Gunther at keighan@launchcode.org.
