Coding | News

Tech Talent South Offers Tuition Matching for Teachers Learning To Code

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 04/02/14

Tech Talent South, an Atlanta-based company that provides entry-level Web development and coding education, has launched news initiatives designed to get teachers and women involved in the technology community.

To get teachers involved, the company is offering to match any amount of money a school system puts toward a teacher's tuition in its Code Immersion program.

"We feel strongly that the solution to introducing children to code and STEM fields at earlier ages starts with our educators, who can bring the skills back to the classroom," said Richard Simms, Tech Talent South cofounder, in a prepared statement. "It is important that we find ways to connect with kids and make them aware of the exciting possibilities that are available to them in technology and computer studies."

Efforts to bring women into the program include community outreach with local groups such as Girl Develop It and scholarships.

"Jobs in computer science are growing at two times the national average, but the percentage of women in computer science is on the decline," said Betsy Hauser Idilbi, cofounder, in a prepared statement. "More women are needed in the industry, and Tech Talent South wants to be part of that drive. I found the experience of learning code so empowering that I launched Tech Talent South with Richard Simms to help other professional women learn the digital skills they need to get involved and make a difference."

More information is available at techtalentsouth.com.