Free Training for Cybersecurity Jobs: Code/IT Academy opens applications for spring 2022

​The Mill, Bloomington’s nonprofit center for entrepreneurship and coworking, announced the launch of a new session of Code/IT Academy. A partnership between The Mill, Ivy Tech Community College, and the City of Bloomington, Code/IT is a free 10-week upskilling program for locals seeking to transition to higher-paying jobs in the digital economy. The spring 2022 session prepares students to take the CompTIA Security+ certification exam, which is a springboard to intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs.
 
“For this cohort, you do need to have a basic understanding of computer systems and network infrastructure in order to participate,” Melissa Ward, Head of Initiatives and Partnerships for The Mill. “But that’s the only prerequisite. We’ll provide access to laptops to those who need them, and a voucher to cover the exam costs.”
 
The spring 2022 session launches in early March and runs for 10 weeks. Classes are held twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:30-7:30 pm. Participants should also expect to spend about 3 hours a week outside of class, according to Ward. Code/IT Academy will be held in person, on site at The Mill, with full COVID safety precautions.
“We’ve found that in-person instruction with peers produces deeper engagement,” said Ward. “The ultimate purpose of this program is to help participants improve their career options, and for that, we need to do all we can to be sure they emerge skilled, confident, and ready.”

The program also includes career counseling through Ivy Tech’s Career Coaching and Employer Connections, mock interviews, and job placement support. Participants receive a part-time membership to The Mill to ensure they have access to high-speed WiFi, a quiet place to learn, and a supportive community.
 
The Mill launched the program in 2020 to build Bloomington's tech talent pool and to increase equitable access to high-paying jobs in the digital economy. Code/IT Academy is funded in part through a generous grant from the City of Bloomington. Preference is given to applicants without a college degree.
 
The deadline to apply for the CompTIA Security+ cohort is February 25. Learn more and apply here. Employers interested in supporting Code/IT Academy graduates with mock interviews or job placement should contact Melissa Ward, Head of Partnerships and Initiatives.