About Powercoders- coding academy for refugees
Powercoders - Coding Academy for Refugees: Empowering Lives through Technology
Powercoders is a coding academy that provides refugees and migrants with the opportunity to learn coding skills and integrate into the workforce. The company was founded in Switzerland in 2016 by Christian Hirsig, Andreas Gysin, and Yves Béhar. Since then, Powercoders has expanded its operations to other countries such as Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, and Portugal.
The mission of Powercoders is to empower refugees and migrants by providing them with the necessary skills to succeed in the tech industry. The company believes that technology can be a powerful tool for social integration and economic empowerment. By teaching coding skills to refugees and migrants, Powercoders aims to bridge the gap between talent shortages in the tech industry and underutilized human resources among refugee populations.
Powercoders offers an intensive 13-week coding boot camp that covers front-end web development using HTML/CSS/JavaScript as well as back-end web development using Node.js/Express/MongoDB. The program also includes soft skills training such as communication skills, teamwork, time management, problem-solving techniques among others.
The curriculum is designed by experienced developers who have worked at companies like Google or Microsoft. Students are taught by professional trainers who have extensive experience working with refugees or migrants. The program is free of charge for students thanks to partnerships with local companies who sponsor their tuition fees.
After completing the program successfully students are matched with local companies where they can gain practical work experience through internships or job placements. This approach ensures that graduates are equipped not only with technical knowledge but also practical experience which makes them more attractive candidates for employers.
Powercoder's success stories speak volumes about its impact on refugee communities across Europe. Many graduates have secured jobs at leading tech companies such as Google or IBM while others have started their own businesses leveraging their newly acquired coding skills.
In addition to its coding boot camp, Powercoders also offers mentorship programs that connect students with experienced professionals in the tech industry. This program provides students with valuable insights into the industry and helps them build their professional networks.
Powercoders has received numerous awards for its innovative approach to social integration and economic empowerment. The company was recognized by Forbes as one of the top 30 social enterprises in Europe in 2019. It has also been featured in major media outlets such as CNN, BBC, and Al Jazeera.
In conclusion, Powercoders is a game-changer for refugees and migrants seeking to integrate into the workforce through technology. Its innovative approach to education and practical work experience has helped many graduates secure jobs at leading tech companies across Europe. By empowering refugees through coding skills, Powercoders is not only changing lives but also contributing to a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive regardless of their background or origin.