Program Targets Middle Schoolers in Charleston County Public Schools

The Charleston Digital Corridor is pleased to announce it has selected two schools, Cario and Moultrie Middle Schools, as the initial locations for the CODEcamp After School pilot program. Students will receive their instruction from educators at their respective school who will be trained by software professionals from Charleston's tech industry who share the Digital Corridor's vision and passion for building the regions talent pipeline.

Recent data from national publications, including the Milken Institute, demonstrates that Charleston's economy, and specifically tech, is performing above the national average. With this rapid growth, Charleston has recognized the need to increase the talent pool at all levels including getting middle school students interested in the high-wage computer science profession.

"Charleston County School District is thrilled to be partnering with CDC to pilot a unique afterschool opportunity for middle school age students," said Anna Dassing, Interim Executive Director for College and Career Readiness. "The demand for skill in coding and computer science is exploding and we have to keep pace if we want our students to be able to compete."

CODEcamp After School is an iteration of the Kids program that was started in 2015. "While there is a lot of conversation nationally about the shortage of tech workers and the diversity of the tech workforce, the CODEcamp After School program is yet another example of focusing on durable, long-term talent solutions and effective partnerships," said Charleston Digital Corridor Director, Ernest Andrade.

The CODEcamp After School pilot is scheduled to start September 12, 2016. Classes will take place from 3:45pm to 5:15pm, four days per week for eight weeks and will be held at the respective schools computer lab.