Updated CODEcamp Launches For Fall 2013

By Charleston Digital Corridor Release | Share: Posted on

Charleston, SC – August 22, 2013 – The Charleston Digital Corridor announced CODEcamp's Fall 2013 schedule today, including an expanded course offering with unique classes for both beginners and software industry professionals, new curriculum paths and a dedicated Advisory Board of Software Executives from Digital Corridor Member Companies. CODEcamp's new initiatives build on the program's initial success and offer even greater educational opportunities to the community at large.

Originally launched in Summer 2012 as part of the Digital Corridor's Workforce Development Strategy, CODEcamp provides software training to students in Web and mobile technologies in order to develop the skilled software professionals that are in high demand by Charleston's growing knowledge economy. With Benefitfocus' recent IPO announcement, four local technology companies being named to the Inc. 500 2013 Fastest-Growing Companies list, and more than 1,500 new jobs announced by Digital Corridor Member Companies this year alone, the need for skilled software professionals is on a steep rise.

"Nearly 200 students successfully completed CODEcamp classes last year, proving that the demand is high for affordable, effective technology training in Charleston," said Ernest Andrade, Executive Director of the Charleston Digital Corridor. "Our member companies are collaborating to collectively support the growth of the area's skilled talent pool. Together, we are moving Charleston's tech economy forward."

CODEcamp now provides classes for two unique student groups: Beginners and Software Professionals. In addition, students interested in a topic, such as Website Basics, will be able to take a series of classes (101, 102, etc.) to continuously grow their skills on a curriculum path. All classes are limited to 14 students, and class schedules are based on student demand.

Beginner****classes are held one evening per week for 4 weeks and teach basic skills for those who want to start learning Web and mobile development skills. A sample of Fall classes include Website Basics 101, Ruby on Rails 101, Android 101, iOS and MySQL. Classes for SoftwareProfessionals are taught in a one-day boot camp format and provide in-depth training to advance students' skillset on a specific technology. Fall classes include Node.js, Bootstrap 3, CouchDB, AngularJS, Web DevTools and more.

"CODEcamp fills a fundamental need in the development of technology professionals in Charleston," said Tom Wilson, CEO of Jack Russell Software and Director of Instruction at CODEcamp. "Our students are passionate about coding, and the skills they learn prepare them for jobs, either in a new position or to better perform in their current role." Bogan Painter, a CODEcamp student, was offered an apprenticeship at Jack Russell following completion of his CODEcamp class and recently promoted to Programmer 1 at the company. "Being a student at CODEcamp was one of the best career decisions I've ever made," he said.

The CODEcamp Advisory Board provides guidance on course topics, instructs classes, and offers apprenticeships to select students. Advisory Board Members include technology executives from over a dozen Digital Corridor's member companies.

To register for Fall classes or learn more about CODEcamp, visit www.CHScodecamp.com.

About CODEcamp

CODEcamp is an independent, augmentative education program conceived in collaboration with software companies in the Digital Corridor to meet the growing demand for in-classroom instruction in Web and mobile software technologies. Four-week courses are designed for beginners, while one-day BOOTcamps offer in-depth training for industry professionals.

**About the Charleston Digital Corridor

**The Digital Corridor is a creative initiative to attract, nurture and promote Charleston's knowledge economy through a combination of technology enabled initiatives and business incentives, private business support and member-driven programming. Learn more - www.charlestondigitalcorridor.com.

Media Contact:

Name: Ernest Andrade

Email: ernest@charlestondigitalcorridor.com

Phone: 843.724.3773

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