Charlotte’s Black Residents get a Boost with New Tech Partnership

Diverse innovators in Charlotte, North Carolina, are getting a boost thanks to a recently launched partnership between inclusive tech hub BLKTECHCLT and coding bootcamp Flatiron School.

The collaboration will majorly increase access for entrepreneurs and technologists of color. They’ll participate in a series of information sessions throughout the Queen City at the third and latest WeWork location to open in the area. The aim is to help residents learn about and connect to the Flatiron School’s online programs.

BLKTECHCLT, who will be hosting the sessions, told UrbanGeekz the team is serving as ambassadors on the ground to help the BLKTECHCLT community and aspiring techies from the communities in their city (that are often passed over for tech jobs and training) connect to the rigorous, digital learning that will also help them create a pathway to a career in software development, data science, or UX/UI design.

Since launching in December 2016, BLKTECHCLT has been a key resource for black tech talent and entrepreneurs in the southeastern city. It has grown to include learning labs, fireside chats with top-level executives, and even connections to capital.

Charlotte’s overall tech scene is small but mighty, with fintech being a key sector thanks to it also being the U.S. banking capital. Proven success stories include Tresata, AvidXchange Inc., and Red Ventures. With Charlotte’s reasonably good living standards, the region is poised for increased growth and new companies.

Consequently, BLKTECHCLT, led by Sherrell Dorsey, Enovia Bedford, and LaFreda Hendley, sees this as a critical step to prepare the community through Flatiron’s flexible program.

“As Charlotte aims to increase its footprint of tech talent and attract the best and most forward-thinking companies to the city, it is critical that we activate and optimize a workforce that reflects our existing community,” said Dorsey, CEO of BLKTECHCLT. “That means enabling access and opportunity for local Charlotteans to gain the tech skills they need without having to sacrifice full-time employment or family duties in order to learn and accelerate their career paths into high-growth, high-paying industries.”

Flatiron qualifies those with little to no experience for competitive technical positions. And according to their most recent Jobs Report, 94% of students who completed online courses accepted a job offer. The report also said the average salary for a full-time salaried role obtained was $67K. The coding bootcamp also offers deferred tuition plans.

This partnership is just another step in strengthening the tech community and solidifying a path for generations to come. Black residents will be armed with the skills and support needed to pursue tech jobs. And fill the roles needed to continue to help Charlotte’s tech scene expand.