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Kansas City women turning into job-qualified coders

As of 2019 females made up 19% of software developers in the U.S.
Elise Hu
/
KCUR
As of 2019 females made up 19% of software developers in the U.S.

Launch Code is bringing Coder Girl to the metro. The program provides training to write computer code and the opportunity for jobs in tech to women only.

LaunchCode aims to draw more women into the tech field with CoderGirl, a new free course in the Kansas City area.

The program helps self-identifying women and non-binary people enter the tech field.

Participants choose one of three specialized tracks: Data analysis, Introduction to product, or Java web development. After completing the course, they also have access to LaunchCode's job-readiness program, Liftoff, and its apprenticeship program.

Leah Freeman, director of public relations at Launch Code discussed the need for a more diverse workforce in the industry.

Freeman points out, "A variety of backgrounds and a variety of viewpoints and opinions, lead to better products and better services . . . we cannot afford to have one mindset or one viewpoint creating these products and services."

David Mitchell, chief technology officer with VMLY&R agrees that representation is needed in the marketing industry.

"These are fantastic, highly paid careers and women are a huge part of the available workforce," notes Mitchell. "It's a win win for us, it helps us find talented, dedicated candidates, who completed rigorous coursework that are ready to continue their learning."

Launch Code graduate Tara Dunmore, now a technology apprentice at VMLY&R, says this is the highest paying job she's had. She is currently on pace to make more if she is offered a permanent position. Overall, Dunmore says "as of right now, I'm still happier than I was".

  • Leah Freeman, director of public relations, Launch Code
  • David Mitchell, chief technology officer, VMLY&R
  • Tara Dunmore, technology apprentice, Launch Code graduate
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