Through a partnership with the MassHire Metro North Workforce Board (MNWB) and Resilient Coders, 20 Everett High School (EHS) students are participating in a fast-paced, high-visibility computer coding boot camp.
Students in the 10-week Resilient Coders program get paid to attend the weekly six hours of instruction, which includes web design, mobile app creation, and game development. Students learn and apply a variety of programming languages currently used by industry leaders, including JavaScript, Android Studio, and HTML. They will develop a portfolio of work that may help them secure a job in computer, information technology or related fields.
“Resilient Coders is an on-ramp to the tech economy,” says founder David Delmar.
EHS student Rothsaida Sylvaince agrees, saying, “This opportunity has been critical in my formation as an adult. It has prepared me for my future since the skills we learn will apply to any career I choose.”
Besides coding instruction and job readiness training, Everett students will also have workplace experiences in the form of guest speakers and mock interviews. Innovative partnerships like this align with the high school’s college and career readiness mission to prepare students for lucrative, in-demand jobs in the local economy.
“The ‘T’ in STEM weaves itself through multiple departments here at EHS,” says Science Director Ann Ritchie. “From web design in the art department to programming in robotics, Resilient Coders brings an energy and awareness about tech careers to the building.”
Resilient Coders is a Boston-based organization dedicated to promoting a diverse workforce in the local tech economy. The MNWB provides employers with the workforce they need to effectively compete in the changing world economy and enables area residents to gain the skills to maximize their economic self-sufficiency. MassHire and EHS have partnered on a number of career awareness and readiness programs in the past.
“To be a software developer is like a super power,” says Emilio Murillo, the instructor of the boot camp at EHS, which will run through April. “Resilient Coders has helped me discover these powers that I have as a creative person. Not only do I have the ability to influence and make differences but it also has given me financial stability. Coming from a low income family of immigrants, this is a big deal.”