Raimondo visits computer coding course

GOV. GINA M. Raimondo is shown speaking to a LaunchCode student about his project. She is joined by Sprout RI owner Zachary Weinberger and TechHire Rhode Island Executive Director Damian Ewens. / COURTESY GOVERNOR'S OFFICE
GOV. GINA M. Raimondo is shown speaking to a LaunchCode student about his project. She is joined by Sprout RI owner Zachary Weinberger and TechHire Rhode Island Executive Director Damian Ewens. / COURTESY GOVERNOR'S OFFICE

PROVIDENCE – A computer coding course offered by LaunchCode to help Rhode Islanders train for and land IT jobs was visited by the governor last week.

“Building a new and stronger economy in advanced industries depends on talented technology workers because technology powers every business and industry,” Gov. Gina M. Raimondo said in a statement. “We want students and job-seekers of all ages to be creators in the digital economy, not just consumers of technology. LaunchCode’s free coding boot camp is helping nearly 40 Rhode Islanders address their skills shortages and, soon, compete for open jobs in our state’s IT sector.”

LaunchCode, a nonprofit that partners with employers to create paid apprenticeships and jobs for those lacking traditional computer science degrees and backgrounds, is the recipient of a Real Jobs RI grant.
More than 60 local employers have committed to support the organization’s mission by creating apprenticeships and offering experienced IT mentors who volunteer to help students build skills.

With some of its $350,000 Real Jobs grant funding, LaunchCode offered CS50x – a live version of Harvard University’s Introduction to Computer Science class.

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Along with three-hour classes that have been held two nights a week since May 9, it has required students to commit to at least 15 to 20 hours of coursework a week.

More than 450 applicants applied for the course. And, while 160 students started the course, only about 40 will complete it, according to information from the governor’s office.

During the visit, Raimondo was joined by R.I. Department of Labor and Training Director Scott Jensen, Associate Dean Anne Seitsinger of the URI Feinstein College of Education and Professional Studies, and officials from LaunchCode and TechHire Rhode Island.
Jensen said that between now and 2024, the Rhode Island economy will have more than 4,300 openings in computer and math jobs, adding that these jobs “are persistently hard to fill.”

“Because computer jobs add a high degree of value to employers, these jobs pay workers more – and put workers on a pathway to higher earnings over their careers,” Jensen said.
Seitsinger said that the University of Rhode Island partnered with LaunchCode to provide space, library access and laptops for the CS50x course.

“We look forward to future partnerships with LaunchCode to help Rhode Islanders acquire the skills and academic credit they need to secure well paid positions in the tech field,” she said.

Said Mark Bauer, executive director of LaunchCode, “The interest that the CS50x course has generated and the commitment of this class of students show that Rhode Island has a pool of driven, talented workers to fill employers’ tech gaps.”

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