Zip Code Wilmington, Wilmington University andHackerRank became part of a handful of groups nationwide selected to participate in the Educational Quality through Innovative Partnerships (EQUIP) program.
U.S. Department of Education (DOE) initiative is designed to provide low-income students with access to new models of education and training.
Zip Code Wilmington is a non-profit, 90-day intensive software development boot camp developed in partnership with local and national employers. It teaches students the skills needed to land software developer jobs upon graduation. Within three months of graduation, Zip Code places more than 93 percent of its graduates in jobs paying, on average, over $60,000 annually – more than double students’ average entering salaries.-
Through this relationship, eligible Zip Code students will be able to receive Pell Grants and a full semester of college credits through Wilmington University’s Applied Technology degree program. HackerRank will serve as the partnership’s third-party quality assurance entity (QAE).
This will mark the first time a non-accredited teaching entity will pair with an accredited institution to make Federal financial aid available to students, a release stated.
Through Wilmington University’s College of Technology, Zip Code graduates can leverage their earned credits into associate and bachelor degrees.
“The EQUIP program enables Zip Code Wilmington to offer students an outstanding education and a semester’s worth of college credits at Wilmington University in only 12 weeks, potentially at no cost to the student,” said Zip Code President Jim Stewart.
Melanie Augustin, head of school at Zip Code, added, “Zip Code Wilmington is honored to be selected for the EQUIP program. This furthers our mission to create a one-of-a-kind learning opportunity that leads to job placements at top companies and helps our graduates change their income potential for life.”
“The Wilmington University College of Technology has championed flexible, tech-based programs because we recognize that high impact, quality education can occur outside our doors,” said Dr. Mary Ann Westerfield, Dean of the College of Technology. “Zip Code Wilmington is doing an amazing job, and this partnership is aligned with our mission’s commitment to excellence in teaching, relevancy of the curriculum and individual attention to students.Together, we saw this unique opportunity to open up higher education to low-income students with no financial aid barriers.”
HackerRank is providing its services for the EQUIP pilot on a pro bono basis.
“Unfortunately, traditional education is not always accessible to everyone who needs it,” said HackerRank CEO & Co-Founder Vivek Ravisankar. “HackerRank is excited to help change that through this partnership, which empowers low-income students with a new education model to improve their lives. This program helps to create opportunities for developers regardless of their backgrounds.”
“As a state, Delaware has the opportunity to become one of the world’s technology leaders.What we need is the talent to meet the opportunity. Zip Code Wilmington is here to provide that talent,” said Ben duPont, co-founder and board member of Zip Code Wilmington
