Generation West Virginia (GWV) is excited to announce the opening of applications for the ninth cohort of NewForce, a transformative six-month, fully-remote, tuition-free coding school. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with classes slated to start April 8. The aim of the program is to empower West Virginians with no prior coding experience, equipping them for their first tech job and facilitating connections to entry-level software development positions.
NewForce attracts individuals from diverse backgrounds, providing them with the skills and opportunities to thrive in the ever-expanding technology industry. One of the program’s success stories is Joel Dick, a 2023 NewForce graduate who transitioned from his job as a security guard to become a fintech developer at Tru Treasury.
“Attending NewForce is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The way it’s structured gives you real-world experience that you’re unlikely to gain through self-learning or a traditional education. I’m grateful for the program, and thrilled to start my career in software development.” Dick said.
With the tech sector representing approximately 8% of West Virginia’s workforce, NewForce plays a crucial role in addressing the state’s growing demand for a skilled workforce. Through a hands-on curriculum where students build applications for a mock company, collaborate on teams, and graduate with in-demand software development skills, NewForce ensures its graduates are well-prepared for the workforce.
Since its founding in 2019, NewForce has trained and placed over 100 West Virginians, with an impressive 86% of job-seeking graduates securing positions in software development within six months of completing the program.
“Our graduates’ success is a testament to NewForce, and we’re eager to support more students in launching their software development careers while contributing to the state’s tech ecosystem,” said Aaron St. Clair, NewForce director.
To learn more about the program or to apply, visit generationwv.org/newforce.
About Generation West Virginia
Generation West Virginia is a statewide organization dedicated to attracting, retaining, and advancing young people in the Mountain State. The organization accomplishes this by connecting young people to jobs and opportunities in the Mountain State; providing accessible programs and educational tools that empower and inspire young leaders; developing and sustaining an activated, diverse network of young people; and identifying and communicating the priorities, motivations, and needs of the next generation of West Virginians. For more information, visit generationwv.org.