Accelerate Tech Learning targets the (urban) core of KC’s programmer shortage

By Tommy Felts | June 27, 2018

Training would-be programmers from Kansas City’s urban core isn’t about getting rich, said Joshua Clark, co-founder of Accelerate Tech Learning. But unfortunately that means it can be tricky to get underestimated students the costly education to become a certified developer in the world of information technology, added Mauri Trent, Accelerate Tech’s executive vice president of…

Read More

CEO warning: Talent pipeline collapsing with fewer immigrants; tech training needed at home

By Tommy Felts | March 21, 2018

Editor’s note: The following story on challenges within KC’s talent pipeline is part of a three-part series on the potential for immigrant or foreign-born entrepreneurs to help reshape Kansas City’s startup ecosystem. Read more about how a Kansas senator’s Startup Act legislation could reduce barriers here. Check out a feature on an immigrant entrepreneur who…

Read More

Photos: LaunchCode christens KC’s newest techies with graduation celebration

By Tommy Felts | March 16, 2018

An Afghan immigrant. A mother of six. An English grad turned techie. A man now able to provide for his family. They’re all among the graduates and inspirational stories highlighted during LaunchCode’s graduation ceremony that recognized the newest members of Kansas City’s tech community. LaunchCode on Wednesday graduated 60 students from its rigorous LC101 coding…

Read More

LaunchCode wins MIT Innovation challenge, $150K award

By Tommy Felts | October 17, 2017

LaunchCode, a nonprofit that bolsters the tech workforces in St. Louis and Kansas City by offering free but rigorous coding courses, was recently recognized for its innovative approach to reinventing the future of work. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology announced that LaunchCode is a grand prize winner of its 2017 Inclusive Innovation Challenge, awarding the…

Read More