Posted: Monday, August 28, 2017

University of Evansville student Trevor Lax recently completed training in Smart Tech Launch – a coding program for liberal arts students. Independent Colleges of Indiana and Eleven Fifty Academy partnered to create Smart Launch Tech as a way to marry the technical skills of coding with the problem-solving approach of a liberal arts education.

Lax, who studies economics and cognitive science at UE, was among the first cohort of students from ICI private colleges to complete Smart Tech Launch’s inaugural program.

He and the other 14 students in the cohort learned the basics of HTML, CSS, and Java Script. They completed assignments demonstrating badge competencies and compiled an e-portfolio, presented at the end of the program. Each participant earned the industry- and state-recognized Gold Badge Certification from Eleven Fifty, located at Launch Fishers. 

In addition to coding, students were exposed to the wide range of career possibilities within the tech field, including project and marketing management, data analysis, compliance, security, and design. In addition to classroom instruction, the students made field trips to Indianapolis tech businesses, speaking with their leaders and employees and gaining exposure to the tech working environment and protocols. Students also had the opportunity to interact with the Indy Tech Fellows, new graduates in a two-year Tech Point program to place talent with leading companies, fast tracking careers and contributing to the Indianapolis community.

ICI is a nonprofit association representing the 30 private, nonprofit colleges and universities in the Hoosier state. Eleven Fifty Academy, a nonprofit dedicated to producing technology and talent, provided the funding and in-kind services for this proof-of-concept pilot. Sustainability planning is now under way.

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