AIM Institute, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to changing lives through technology, received a $15,000 grant from the Union Pacific Community Ties Giving Program. The funding helps the AIM Code School, which provides technology training for people of all skill levels and at all stages in their careers, with resources for career counseling and job training and placement.
The Community Ties Giving Program prioritizes funding for workforce development programs that seek to build foundational skills for youth, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); raise awareness, educate and prepare young adults for middle-skills jobs through career training programs, workforce readiness initiatives and programs that assist with job placement; and “up-skilling” the existing workforce by providing training and resources that enable them to reach the next level of their career.
The funding provides resources for AIM to offer its students one-on-one career advising and counseling at the end of each course offering with Emily Matis, director of the AIM Code School. It also enhances the nonprofit’s ability to introduce its students to tech employers and gain valuable insights and exposure to the vast opportunities in the Silicon Prairie’s tech sector.
“AIM and Union Pacific are aligned in our goals to support career training, development and advancement opportunities for in-demand technology jobs in our communities,” Matis said. “Union Pacific’s support of our Code School gives our students a clearer picture of what is involved in the day-to-day workings of a tech career, and allows them to network with current tech professionals to learn how to present themselves as future tech professionals. It sets our students up for success in a way that wasn’t possible before.”
Matis said the funding provides more time to learn about resume-building, honing and understanding the skills they are gaining from coursework, how to search for jobs in technology, get connected with employers and practice for job interviews. In addition to the grant funding provided by the Community Ties Giving Program, Union Pacific has supported AIM’s mission by providing internship opportunities to high school graduates AIM supported through its Code School.
“This grant is just one of many examples of Union Pacific supporting our mission to grow and develop the tech talent pipeline in the Silicon Prairie, giving our students life-changing learning experiences, and invaluable experience in the field,” Matis said.
Learn more about the opportunities available at AIM Code School on our website.
As a graphic designer and project manager, Jessica Teaford knew a thing or two about creativity and problem solving.
So after she was laid off from her job last fall, the Omaha native put those skills to the test and learned to code through AIM Code School.
“I really wanted to add value to my skill set,” said Teaford, 25, who has a degree in graphic design and advertising from University of Nebraska Omaha. “A lot of employers seek those web design skills out. It’s something everyone is looking for.
In October, Teaford began AIM Code School’s Foundations of Web Development course. The accredited class, which meets at night, focuses on the building blocks of websites: HTML, CSS and basic Javascript.
10 weeks later, when the course wrapped up, she was confident in her skills and eager to learn more.
Even better, Teaford found new employment at Clark Creative Group as a graphic and digital designer, who assists with website updates.
While it may seem like an intimidating field, it’s a great option for many, says Emily Matis, AIM Code School director.
“Anyone can do tech,” Matis said. “That’s a lesson our instructors tell our students all the time — You can do it, you are capable of doing it, and we’re giving you the tools to be able to succeed.”
Read more about Jessica’s experience with AIM Code School on WOWT.com.
The latest cohort of AIM Institute’s Advanced Tech Leaders course graduated from the leadership academy last Friday. Congratulations to the 28 graduates!
Advanced Tech Leaders is an annual management course for tech professionals, with the goal of enhancing leadership skills that are essential for current and upcoming managers in the tech industry.
Each session addresses common on-the-job issues faced by tech managers, including strategic planning, communication skills, innovation and empowerment.
The 2019-2020 cohort adapted quickly to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant the last few months of the program were fully remote and online.
“Getting to hear from – and get feedback from – top local executives was so valuable,” said academy participant Laurie Lee. “The skills I’ve learned in this training have and will continue to help me be a better leader for my staff and my company.”
The academy’s focus on skill development also left a lasting impression on the participants.
“I can leave more confident in my abilities as an IT professional,” said Megan Thiemann, reflecting on sessions about personal development and pitching projects to executives.
This was the 10th cohort of advanced technology professionals to graduate from AIM’s leadership academy.
A strong emphasis on networking was also appreciated by many of the participants, including Rajan Bhattarai.
“This is a very powerful tool we have in Omaha,” he said. “I’ve met so many great people, and a few people I will be friends with forever.”
During Friday’s virtual graduation ceremony, former participant and steering committee member Todd Campbell charged the group to step up in their organizations and in the community.
“More than ever, we need leaders,” said Campbell, who also taught one of the academy’s sessions. “You’re good leaders, and I know you care about the people you are about to lead and serve. I’m so proud of you.”
“This class of Advanced Tech Leaders showed personal growth and a commitment to their career development during the last nine months,” said Monika Philp, director of tech leadership development at AIM. “They have built a great personal network and I’m excited to see how their careers advance.”
Interested in participating? Find out more about AIM’s leadership academy for advanced and emerging IT leaders here.
Congratulations to this cohort’s graduates!
Robby Antonio, First National Technology Solutions
Ashwin Bhatnagar, Blue Cross Blue Shield
Rajan Bhattarai, Werner Enterprises
Ravinatha Buchupalli, Prokarma
Heath Christiansen, Nebraska Public Power District
Peter Gamboian, Blue Cross Blue Shield
Roger Garfoot, Omaha Public Power District
Cory Haglund, Blue Cross Blue Shield
Michelle Jenson, CSG International
Gaynor Kipp, Mutual of Omaha
Jonathon Klimek, Mutual of Omaha
Deepa Vasanth Kumar, National Indemnity Company
Laurie Lee, DTN
Collins Love, Omaha Public Power District
Katherine Palmer, Mutual of Omaha
Jayendra Pawar, Farm Credit Services of America
Jessica Porter, Omaha Public Power District
Travis Reineke, Omaha Public Power District
Sara Rivedal, Fiserv
Bidisha Roy, CSG International
Michael Sachar, Goodwill Omaha
Babu Shafi, Tenaska
Donald Shirley, Millard Public Schools
Divya Singh, National Indemnity Company
Jessica Steffen, Metropolitan Community College
Megan Thiemann, First National Technology Solutions
Shelly Welch, Farm Credit Services of America
Jeff Yost, Millard Public Schools
The AIM Institute is an innovative not-for-profit that grows, connects and inspires the tech talent community through career development and education.
AIM Code School has been named one of the top online coding schools of 2020 by Newsweek. One of seven organizations to be chosen for the list, AIM Code School is the only one in the Midwest.
Our code school courses moved fully remote and online during the COVID-19 global pandemic, making it easy for students to continue their coursework on the foundations of web development and coding speciality courses.
“This designation reflects the success of our flexible AIM Code School offerings,” said Emily Matis, AIM Code School director. “Our accredited courses have changed the lives of our students and strengthened the Omaha tech talent pipeline.”
No matter where you are on the tech continuum, AIM Code School has a course for you, from free workshops on web development basics to advanced programming courses in Python, .Net and full stack Java.
In addition to learning crucial programming and development skills, our students build meaningful connections within the community — the kinds of connections that lead to new jobs, new opportunities and new perspectives. Like Java class graduate Eric Swanson, whose AIM Code School contacts opened the door to his first programming job at Flywheel, along with the opportunity to give back to the community by teaching at Highlander Code Camp.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for a programmer is $86,550. The average salary for an entry-level web developer in Omaha is $60,409 (indeed.com) and $76,604 for an entry-level full-stack developer (Glassdoor).
Contact one of our tech navigators today to learn more about how the AIM Code School can help advance your career.
Two students explore robotics and programming at the AIM Brain Exchange.
AIM Institute has had an impact across generations throughout its 27-year history. The 2018 nonprofit impact report highlights how AIM, through the support of its partners, donors, collaborators and the community, has impacted lives through the footprint of its programs and services, and how to support AIM as it elevates its mission.
We are at an unprecedented time where technology touches every industry and occupation. AIM Institute is the only nonprofit dedicated to building a connected community for tech talent. In 2019 and beyond, AIM Institute is steadfast in its mission to continue to grow, connect and inspire the tech talent community, impacting thousands of lives across the Silicon Prairie.
