Code Collective: Memphis-based organizations launch education program for students interested in sof

FOX13 Memphis News Staff | May 11, 2021

In April, the NBA Foundation announced over $3 million in grants to create employment opportunities, further career advancement, and drive greater economic empowerment in Black communities.

Two Memphis-based organizations have launched an education program with help from the NBA Foundation.

CodeCrew and The Collective Blueprint launched the Code Collective, an educational program designed for Memphis and Shelby County residents interested in becoming entry-level software developers.

Students must be 17-30 years of age who have been out of work at any point in the last year, according to a release from the organizations.

Students must also have a high school diploma (equivalent certification accepted) or be a current high school senior. Additionally, students cannot have an associate or bachelor's degree and must not currently be in a certification or college program.

In April, the NBA Foundation announced over $3 million in grants to create employment opportunities, further career advancement, and drive greater economic empowerment in Black communities, the release said.

CodeCrew and The Collective Blueprint are two of nine organizations throughout the country receiving support through the Foundation's second grant round.

CodeCrew, founded in May 2015, has mentored over 2,000 students across Memphis.

Of the 500 kids the organization mentors each week, 91% are Black and Latinx, 47% are girls and 89% of all students are more likely to study computer science, the release said.

Check out the Fox 13 article here