Tech Partnership Focuses on Fort Wayne Youths

The coding program will take place at The Atrium in downtown Fort Wayne.

Start Fort Wayne is reaching outside the city for a high-tech youth education partnership. The collaboration with South Bend Code School involves coding and computer programs for kids ages 7-18 in Fort Wayne. South Bend Code School was launched in 2015 and 100 northern Indiana students have completed its formal program. Through outreach efforts, the nonprofit has also connected with more than 600 additional students.

School co-founder Alex Liggins says "through our curriculum, career mentorship and trips to major tech companies, the program gives students skills to help them in the job market and prepare them for higher education. It is very exciting for us to partner with the Start Fort Wayne team to bring a program we believe in to other parts of the state. We know that tech skills are in high demand in most regions." She adds South Bend Code School is looking to partner in additional communities, too.

Start Fort Wayne was also launched in 2015 and serves as an entrepreneurial hub in the city’s downtown. It is home to The Atrium, coworking space that opened last year and has nearly reached membership capacity, as well as LevelUp Entrepreneurial Coaching, which has offered advice to more than 80 entrepreneurs.