The Arkansas Coding Academy (ArCA) announces a continued partnership with Philander Smith College Workforce Innovation and Strategic Economic Public-Private Partnership (WISE-P3). The WISE-P3 program will host part-time ArCA classes on its campus, providing a safe and stable learning environment in the heart of Little Rock.
This partnership allows local students an additional option for continuing their education or changing careers. Students attending ArCA courses at Philander Smith College will have access to free parking and a classroom, as well as the built-in benefits of being a student with the Arkansas Coding Academy.
“Philander Smith College WISE-P3 initiative was formed to address existing gaps in the representation of underrepresented minorities and women in highly-skilled technical jobs in the central Arkansas workforce,” said WISE-P3 Program Executive Director Glenn Sergeant. “WISE-P3, in collaboration with the University of Central Arkansas’ Coding Academy, will provide Arkansans with the opportunity to develop the technical skills to qualify for high-wage jobs in coding and programming.”
Students entering this course will attend class part-time and in the evenings, allowing working students to continue their education while providing for their families. Courses will begin Jan. 21 and conclude with a Demo Day on July 12. Enrollment is currently open for the ArCA courses in Little Rock.
ArCA aims to provide training and mentorship to students interested in information technology industries in Arkansas. It seeks to equip students with the skills needed to gain employment and succeed.
Mary Condit, director of ArCA, said, “We are excited to continue working with the WISE-P3 Program and their staff on a partnership in the city of Little Rock. Students local to the area will have a more convenient opportunity to take courses through the Arkansas Coding Academy.”
Funding for this program is available for eligible applicants. All interested parties are encouraged to apply and begin the interview process. For more information about part-time or full-time courses, email Mary Condit at mdunlap@uca.edu, call (501) 450-5276, or visit www.arkansascodingacademy.com.
Established in 2016, the ArCA strives to create a talent pipeline from the classroom to the workforce for individuals seeking careers in programming, information technology or software development.
The ArCA is part of the Division of Outreach and Community Engagement at the University of Central Arkansas and has partnerships with various organizations such as Acxiom, the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, Innovate Arkansas and a host of other companies across the state.
For ArCA enrollment information, please visit www.arkansascodingacademy.com or email arcoding@uca.edu.
