Free Coding Program Receives $25,000 Grant From Duke Energy Foundation: Upskilling Program Accepting Applications Through June 17

Graduates of the spring 2022 Code/IT Academy cohort on IT Administration celebrate in front of The Mill.

The Mill, Bloomington’s nonprofit center for coworking and entrepreneurship, today announced that Code/IT Academy, a free upskilling program that prepares residents for high-paying jobs in the digital economy, has received a $25,000 grant from Duke Energy Foundation. Applications are now open for the next session of the program, focused on web development skills.
 
“This program is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who has been thinking about making a career change,” said Julie Sylvester, Program Manager at The Mill. “Web developers are in high demand, and Code/IT Academy is a risk-free way to explore whether this is a good career fit. You don’t need any previous experience, and there is no cost except the time and energy you put into it.”
 
The Mill runs Code/IT to help build the talent pool to support Bloomington’s innovation economy, Sylvester noted. “It’s a win-win. Local residents need good jobs, and we need more skilled developers and coders here to fuel the growth of our local startups and attract tech companies.”

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The summer session runs for 10 weeks starting July 11. Ivy Tech faculty lead classes at The Mill on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 5:45-7:15 pm, with about three hours of additional study required outside of class. Participants gain a basic understanding of essential web development skills and business practices and learn to build websites using HTML and CSS, following the principles of “mobile first” and responsive web design. The program also includes career counseling through Ivy Tech’s Career Coaching and Employer Connections and a part-time membership to The Mill, to ensure participants have access to high-speed WiFi, a quiet place to learn, and a supportive community.
 
“The Code/IT Academy addresses the IT talent deficit facing business owners in the area by training and connecting graduates to those businesses in need of these valuable skills,” said Bruce Calloway, Duke Energy government and community relations for Monroe County. “The Mill, in partnership with Ivy Tech Bloomington, continues to provide much-needed support to tech companies by assisting those looking to skill-up and enter the tech sector.”
 
Code/IT also receives support from the City of Bloomington, through ARPA funding. Funding from community partners and the support of Ivy Tech are essential to keep the program free for residents, said Sylvester.
 
“Code/IT Academy is a tremendous asset to the regional community and our economy,” said Adam Gross, Executive Director of Career Coaching and Employer Connections at Ivy Tech Community College–Bloomington. “Ivy Tech values our partnership with The Mill and Code/IT Academy as it seeks to support an additional talent pipeline into in demand IT careers for Hoosiers. We appreciate that the program is accessible to anyone interested in the training and provides valuable support for all participants.”
 
For more information, or to apply by June 17, visit: https://www.dimensionmill.org/code-it-academy/
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