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Current State of our Region
In the heart of Florida, Tampa Bay is teeming with potential. Its becoming one of the country's prominent tech hubs, bringing both unparalleled opportunities and substantial challenges for our region. Underneath this growth lies a harsh reality: not everyone in our region may fully partake in its tech boom.
Tampa Bay's increasing influence in the tech world means more opportunities for high-paying, in-demand careers. CodeBoxx Foundation is committed to transforming these growth opportunities into realities for people across all income levels. Through cutting-edge programming education and the proper support infrastructure, we seek to bridge the digital skills gap and ensure that no one is left behind in Tampa Bay's ascension to a thriving tech hub.
Pinellas County has a higher percentage of low-income workers than the national average.
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12% are living in poverty
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An additional 34% are living within the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold (Source: United Way of Florida)
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That’s a staggering 46% combined!
Those who need to take advantage of workforce development opportunities often lack the resources and support to do so.
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The scenario is particularly acute for Black residents. Persistent racial disparities in income and wealth attainment suggest inequitable access to training and upskilling opportunities.
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There is a $6 per hour wage gap between Black and White workers. Child poverty rates are 43% for Black families as compared to 15% for White families. (Source: Pinellas County Equity Profile, UNITE Pinellas, 2019).
A shortage of trained workers compromises regional competitiveness.
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This is particularly true in the technology sector.
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70% of IT employers surveyed in Tampa Bay reported moderate-to-extreme skills shortages.
CareerSource + CodeBoxx
The partnership with CareerSource Pinellas provides additional resources and pathways to success for adults seeking a better future for themselves and their families.
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CodeBoxx Academy is an approved training provider by CareerSource Pinellas, allowing eligible residents to receive financial assistance to cover the cost of CodeBoxx programs through its WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) programs.
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CareerSource provides job placement services to CodeBoxx graduates, helping grads find jobs in their field of study and start their careers.
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Through CareerSource programs such as Paid Work Experience and On-The-Job Training, our graduates become an appealing choice for potential employers. These programs enrich the employability of our students, while also providing a financial incentive to hiring companies by offsetting a portion of the graduate's salary for a certain period, creating a win-win for both parties.
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CareerSource Pinellas and CodeBoxx work together to provide outreach and marketing to Pinellas County residents about the benefits of coding and data science training. This raises awareness of these high-growth career paths in technology and encourages more people to consider training.
Codeboxx plays a crucial role in nurturing and developing top-tier talent within the technology sector. As the demand for skilled professionals continues to rise,
Codeboxx stands out as a premier institution that propels Florida's tech
ecosystem forward. By providing a comprehensive curriculum, practical hands-on experience, and a strong emphasis on professional development, Codeboxx
equips its graduates with the necessary skills to contribute meaningfully to the
state's thriving tech industry.
The program's commitment to providing a well-rounded education, coupled with its emphasis on work ethic, adaptability, and continuous learning, prepares graduates to excel in their careers and contribute to the growth and innovation of the state's technology sector.
Marissa Huggins
Co-founder & COO, Spontivly
