Funding from County of Monroe COMIDA Continues NextCorps’ Innovative Embark Program with a New Workforce Development Focus
ROCHESTER, NY, October 19, 2023 — NextCorps, a non-profit that helps innovative technology companies launch and grow, announced today that it has been awarded funding from the County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency (COMIDA) to run the Embark “No-Code” Bootcamp. The free, part-time training program will teach individuals living in Monroe County how to be no-code software developers in just six months, giving them a fast path to employment and higher paying careers. People with no-code development training and experience can go on to make $100,000 or more as a freelance or full-time developer, or by starting their own software business.
“Our mission with this second cohort is to educate a large, local workforce of no-code developers, which will help Monroe County to strengthen our local economy,” said Matt Foley, Managing Director, Incubation Services, NextCorps. “Rochester has already been identified as a hub for software-focused talent and emerging businesses. We’re hoping this initiative will also put Monroe County on the map for talent that can serve this new, no-code tech sector.”
NextCorps introduced the Embark no-code program in 2021 with a focus on helping non-technical professionals start their own software business using no-code tools, and do so without having to quit their day jobs. Forty people in the first cohort learned no-code developer skills and 10 went on to launch software businesses focused on solving a variety of industry challenges. While this new bootcamp will still encourage individuals to create a startup, the majority of the programming will focus on teaching participants the basics of no-code software development.
No-code software developers are people who build apps and websites by dragging and dropping visual elements in a logical way using tools like Bubble.io, FlutterFlow, Zapier, and others. The no-code movement is a fast-growing trend because it enables companies and startups to build applications much faster than traditional software development.
“NextCorps’ innovative Embark ‘No-Code’ Boot camp is a win-win for those looking for high-paying jobs in software development and for employers searching for freelance coders to fill positions,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “The program perfectly aligns with our efforts to have COMIDA help train the workforce for the jobs we create in Monroe County. I applaud NextCorps for offering this unique program to our residents.”
“The County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency established its Workforce Development Fund to support programs just like this one, which train and equip people in Monroe County with the skills they need to elevate their careers and fill in-demand jobs,” said COMIDA Board Chair Ann L. Burr. “Software developers are needed in nearly every industry, as technology becomes more and more ingrained in every aspect of daily life. NextCorps’ Embark No-Code Bootcamp will grow Monroe County’s workforce pipeline in this crucial occupation, enhancing Greater Rochester’s economic strengths while also putting jobseekers on track to pursue family-sustaining entrepreneurial and career paths.”
To be eligible for the program, individuals must be full-time residents of Monroe County, NY, available at least 5 to 10 hours each week for training and learning, and be able to attend weekly, 2-hour in-person sessions held on weeknights. Prior coding or programming experience is helpful but not necessary. Individuals, however, should have a strong interest in designing and building apps and websites, as well as in building a software startup. They also need to have access to a desktop or laptop and the internet.
Applications for participation are being accepted now until Dec. 1, 2023. Apply here.
The program, which will train a maximum of 75 people, will kick off January 10, 2024. During Phase 1, participants will learn the basics of no-code development over two months. In Phase 2, 25 participants from the group will be selected to learn advanced no-code concepts over four months, which will result in certification. In the final phase, 10 participants will be chosen from Phase 2 to receive guidance on how to launch their own software startup.
All phases of the bootcamp are designed around the needs of people who have full or part-time jobs to provide a flexible learning environment, without requiring people to leave their jobs. Sessions also will be recorded so that people can make up a class should a conflict arise, such as illness, childcare needs, travel, etc.
NextCorps will be holding three informational sessions to help people assess if they would be a good fit for the bootcamp. Registration is required to attend. To register, go here.
- Monday, October 30, 2023 from 7:00-8:00PM (Virtual Session)
- Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 11:45AM to 1:00PM (In Person Lunch and Learn at NextCorps, 260 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14604)
- Tuesday, November 28 from 8:00-9:00AM (Virtual Session)
For more information about NextCorps, visit nextcorps.org. For more information about County of Monroe COMIDA visit monroecountybusiness.org/comida/.
