Students sought for computer training

WILTON, N.Y. >> Plans are in the works for a first-of-its-kind computer programming education and training program in Saratoga County.

The Front-End Web Development course will be offered from Jan. 29 to April 18 at the SUNY Adirondack’s Wilton campus.

The course teaches technical skills such as HTML/CSS and JavaScript, which form the foundation of the modern web. Students may also learn the basics of user interface design and work in teams to build projects for community organizations to get realworld experience.

The initiative was announced Monday by Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, the county’s economic development agency, and Albany Can Code, a nonprofit dedicated to growing the Capital Region’s tech talent pipeline.

“As one of the fastest-growing economies in New York, it is imperative that Saratoga County continues to build a skilled and savvy technology workforce. This program aligns perfectly with our long-term, sustainable approach to economic development that addresses current needs while planning for future growth,” said Marty Vanags, Prosperity Partnership president.

To learn more about the program, candidates are invited to attend an informational meeting from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 28 at the SUNY Adirondack Wilton campus.

Albany Can Code instructors will teach classes two evenings per week, three hours per session. The Prosperity Partnership will assist in recruiting students and connecting graduates with potential employers in need of computer programmers, thus filling a critical need among Saratoga County businesses while providing a pathway for students to pursue career opportunities.

Albany Can Code was established two years ago. This marks the first time The Front-End Web Development course is particularly attractive to beginning programmers with aspirations to create mobile applications, as it establishes foundations in JavaScript that support eventual progression into Full-Stack Web Development. The course will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:45 to 8:45 p.m.

The cost of the 12-week program is $1,500, and students may qualify for funding assistance.

“Educational initiatives like this align perfectly with SUNY Adirondack’s mission of offering innovative instruction, responding to community needs, and serving as a stimulus for economic development,” said SUNY Adirondack President Kristine Duffy. “As northern Saratoga County’s community college, we believe this is just the beginning of working with visionary partners like Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership and Albany Can Code to collectively improve our ability to meet the workforce needs of our region.”