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December 19, 2017AlbanyCanCode Receives $75,000 Grant From KeyBank Foundation
Albany Can Code, a 501(c) (3) founded in 2016 to develop non-traditional talent and to advocate for a vibrant, inclusive tech talent pipeline in New York’s Capital Region, announced a significant financial grant of $75,000 from Key Bank. Albany Can Code plans to launch a new course in automated testing in partnership with the college’s Workforce Development Institute in 2018.
KeyBank announced a $75,000 KeyBank Foundation grant to Troy-based AlbanyCanCode to support further development of its employer engagement program.
In its first 18 months, the start-up nonprofit launched workforce training and K12 programs designed to grow the region’s pipeline of tech talent.
“We’re a very young organization reaching for sustainability and scale. KeyBank’s forward-thinking vision and generous grant allows us to focus resources on a critical part of the organization’s infrastructure: the employer engagement program,” said Annmarie Lanesey, board chair and founder of AlbanyCanCode.
In 2017, more than 100 area employers posted nearly 2,000 software and IT jobs. AlbanyCanCode’s employer engagement initiative will improve planning and follow-up on interactions between employers, as well as help the program’s students find coding careers.
“Thanks to this grant, in 2018 we’ll have a template of employer engagement programs to bring more consistent and meaningful involvement from those who will ultimately benefit from our work—local technology companies,” said Janet Carmosky, executive director, AlbanyCanCode.
“At KeyBank, we support organizations and programs that prepare individuals for thriving futures,” said Kelli Arnold, director of Corporate Responsibility, KeyBank. “By creating educational opportunities for non-traditional local talent and advancing workforce development in our region, AlbanyCanCode is creating a pathway for economic growth in our communities. We are proud to support their efforts.”
In 2017, more than 200 adult students applied for acceptance into AlbanyCanCode’s training program. Nine out of a total twenty-three graduates are currently working in technical positions, with far higher earnings than before they started the course.
One of the non-profit’s many success stories, Poestenkill resident Misael Virissimo de Moura, says, “I did not finish college because, while I love to code, I love playing the trumpet too; being in a band was more lucrative and fun than getting a computer science degree. When it was time to get a day job, I applied to AlbanyCanCode. The curriculum, teacher, mentors, and projects gave me the environment I needed, where I could grow quickly, both individually and as part of a developer team.” Misael was making pizza and waxing floors when he applied to the course in February. He is now a full-time app developer at Troy-based MTX.
A press conference was held December 14 at Hudson Valley Community College’s Bulmer Telecommunications Center. AlbanyCanCode announced a new course in automated testing in partnership with the college’s Workforce Development Institute in 2018.
“We are very excited about our partnership with AlbanyCanCode and look forward to strengthening our workforce development presence within the community,” said Dr. MaryAnn Janosik, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs at Hudson Valley.
For more information about AlbanyCanCode’s training programs and employer engagement initiative, visit albanycancode.org.
