How did this Albany Can Code thing start? Long story with lots of people and parts. One part is: the piece about being a grassroots organization aiming to get non-traditional talent into the pipeline for software careers.
We didn’t invent that. Here are some of our sources of inspiration.
There’s Code Louisville, organized by the workforce development board of Kentucky, because employers in Louisville – like employers in the Capital Region – could not find the talent the needed to grow their businesses. Putting together mentors and online courses from Treehouse – which we also subscribe to at Albany Can Code – they’ve placed dozens of graduates from their program. Check out their facebook page for some inspiring stories. The video is easy to follow also.
YesWeCode was started by CNN Anchor and social activist Van Jones, in Oakland, aining to bring tech training and industry connections to 100,000 young people. This org rocks the house, and has expanded into the Bronx.
Girls Who Code was started by Reshma Saujani, former Deputy Public Advocate of New York City, because it’s hard to understand why there aren’t more women doing software jobs. This video by Girls Who Code is intentionally ridiculous. The work they do is serious stuff.