QUEENS — You now have a chance to crack the code to computer careers.
Local nonprofit A Better Jamaica has teamed up with Inclusion, a company seeking to promote digital literacy skills, to offer a free software coding class in Jamaica.
During the 6-week introduction course, attendees will learn three languages — HTML, CSS and JavaScript — which will allow them to “build any sort of website,” said Saeed Jabbar of Inclusion.
The class is meant primarily for young people ages 18 to 25 from the area, who are unemployed or underemployed, the organizers said.
“Our goal is to equip young people with a skill that can lead to jobs that are both well paid and in high demand,” Jabbar said. “This free, introductory course will provide a solid foundation for young people who want to prepare for an entry-level job within the information economy.”
The class will accommodate up to 15 participants, who by the end of the course will receive a certificate.
Greg Mays of A Better Jamaica said he hopes that in the future the initiative will develop into a larger program which will serve more people.
It’s also part of his vision for Jamaica to “become a technology hub,” he said.
The neighborhood, according to Mays, has affordable office rents and offers easy access to several major highways, express subway trains to Manhattan and the Long Island Rail Road.
It’s also slated to get a tax-free zone for tech startups, after York College was recently selected to become a new center for high-tech businesses, as part of the statewide Start-Up NY program.
The classes launch on Oct. 12 and will be held at SUNY Queens Educational Opportunity Center at 158-29 Archer Ave. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Those interested can apply by Oct. 5 here.
