Empowering OKC Residents: Code Fellows Brings Quality Education to Your Doorstep

In 2023 the Alliance for the Economic Development of Oklahoma City partnered with Code Fellows, a Seattle-based tech academy. This partnership would aid in tackling the need for skills-based training in underserved communities across Oklahoma City. Tailored to cater to individuals at every experience level, these programs offer a gateway to the dynamic world of software development and operations (Ops) and cybersecurity. 

Code Fellows offers flexible course schedules with part-time, full-time, and self-paced options, catering to diverse needs. Their program accommodates individuals at all experience levels, from beginners to advanced technologists. 

Lola Adeyemi, Managing Director of Code Fellows OKC, describes her role as a genuine instrument for growing Oklahoma's technology landscape.  

"I feel like a pioneer in the technology industry," said Adeyemi. "In our program, 11.8% of the people who come through their program go on to work for Facebook Meta.” 

Upon joining Code Fellows, Adeyemi, a former realtor and owner of the Loop Magazine, was tasked with amplifying awareness of Code Fellows scholarship programs.  

These programs are crucially dependent on active participation for sustained funding. At the inception of her role, the program had a modest 35 applicants. Under Adeyemi's leadership, the initiative has experienced remarkable growth, now boasting an impressive count of over a thousand applicants.  

Adeyemi sheds light on the challenges facing Oklahoma's tech job landscape, notably the prevalent outsourcing practices and the lack of diversity in the industry.  

Despite these hurdles, Oklahoma is undergoing a substantial surge in its tech sector, with Tulsa's 36 Degrees North emerging as a central hub for entrepreneurs, remote workers, and startups. 

Simultaneously, Oklahoma City is actively fostering tech opportunities to contribute to a positive economic impact on the region. The city's growing minority population is a focal point, and strategic partnerships with organizations like The Alliance are playing a crucial role in driving this growth. 

Code Fellow’s partnership with The Alliance involves covering 100% of scholarships for underserved communities in Oklahoma City.  

 Click here to learn more about Code Fellows and Apply to their scholarship program.