VICKSBURG – Hinds Community College has partnered with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center on a computer coding academy and is looking for applicants.

Classes begin Sept. 13 at ERDC’s facility on Halls Ferry Road and represents opportunities aplenty for the Vicksburg-Warren Campus and those looking to build a career in Information Technology. The classes will meet 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“This is the first for-credit course we’ve done at Vicksburg, and it’s a great chance for the community to move toward the kinds of skills needed to compete in the workforce of the future,” said Marvin Moak, vice president of the Vicksburg-Warren Campus.

Students in the program will learn the most current computer coding skills in a mix of classroom and practical training. Students will focus on the practical application of technology in a hands-on work environment and learn the soft skills necessary for employment. Upon completion of the course, students will receive a certificate from HCC.

“The Vicksburg Coding Academy is a unique educational opportunity that will provide a hands-on immersive workplace environment that will provide a wide variety of coding instruction that will result in skills we need at ERDC and other employers in the region,” said Jerry Ballard, ERDC’s Information Technology Laboratory Computational Science and Engineering Division chief.

The program represents another opportunity to grow the local economy through cutting-edge workforce training.

“The future of technology developments in our community is tied to a highly capable coding workforce,” said Dr. Jeff Holland, chairman of the Warren County Economic Development Foundation and board member of the Vicksburg Warren Economic Development Partnership. “The Vicksburg Coding Academy is a critical step toward achieving that workforce. It sets our community up for success.”

For information on the program, contact Moak’s office at 601.629.6804.