The Mill’s Code School kicked off its second cohort on Monday, May 10, and we couldn’t be more excited! This cohort is focusing on IT administration, and enrollment was free for qualified Hoosiers who had not yet earned a higher ed degree. Participants will leave the program ready to take the CompTIA Network + exam for certification. The cost of the exam is also covered by the program.
Eighteen participants attended the opening session, and an additional ten people have been invited to join. The 10-week program prepares the cohort to take tests for industry-recognized certifications, get access to high-paying jobs in high demand, while also earning credits toward an academic pathway at Ivy Tech.
We’re proud to increase equitable access to opportunity with this program. Women compose a third of the cohort, which is 44% diverse and also includes differently abled folks and immigrants.
Thanks to a $100,000 grant from the City of Bloomington, we launched our first cohort last fall. Our partner gener8tor Upskilling will guide participants through the free IT Administrator learning modules on LinkedIn Learning platform. Coursework covers skills to become a certified Network + administrator, including essential networking concepts, techniques to manage and administer network infrastructure, and preparation for the N10-007 exam. They’ll also earn LinkedIn Certifications in diversity, inclusion, and belonging, and professional soft skills. Our awesome partners at Ivy Tech provide technical support and mentoring throughout.
Those who pass the CompTIA Network + exam will earn Ivy Tech credits toward a full academic pathway. The final week of the program includes an “interview swarm” where participants will use their new technical and job-seeking skills to impress hiring companies during a speed-dating-style facilitated meet-up.
Code School graduates receive free part-time Mill membership during and after the program. Thanks to a generous grant from the Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association, The Mill will have laptops available for Code School participants to use at The Mill.
With access to fast wifi, necessary hardware, technical support and mentoring, interviewing skills training, and job placement support, Code School is a pretty awesome opportunity for motivated individuals to change their career trajectory. We can’t wait to share the success stories from this cohort!
To become a partner or a sponsor of The Mill Code School, or to inquire about employing graduates, please contact Melissa Ward, Head of Partnerships and Initiatives.
Learn more about the program at gener8tor.