Hinds Community College is about to embark on the second year of its partnership with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center on a computer coding academy and is looking for applicants.

Classes begin Aug. 19 at ERDC’s facility on Halls Ferry Road and meet at 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Campus officials say the 12-month program represents opportunities aplenty for the Vicksburg-Warren Campus and those looking to build a career in Information Technology.

“The academy continues to be offered as a for-credit curriculum here in Vicksburg, and it’s a great chance for the community to develop the skills needed for the workforce of the future,” Marvin Moak, vice president of the Vicksburg-Warren Campus, said.

Students in the program will learn current computer coding skills in a mix of classroom and actual coding. Students will focus on the practical application of technology in a hands-on work environment and also learn the soft skills necessary for employment. Upon completion of the course, students will have earned a career certificate from the college.

Officials also believe the program represents an exceptional opportunity to grow the local economy through cutting-edge workforce training.

“The Vicksburg Coding Academy is a unique educational opportunity that will provide a hands-on immersive workplace environment that will provide a wide variety of coding instruction that will result in skills we need at ERDC and other employers in the region,” Dr. Jerry Ballard, ERDC’s Information Technology Laboratory Computational Science and Engineering Division chief, said.

Coordinating the program for Hinds, along with full-time instructor Jim Dismuke, is Dr. Jeffery Holland, former director of ERDC.

“The in-demand skills being taught in the Coding Academy are essential to the future of economic development in our community and state,” Holland said.

For information on the program, contact Moak’s office at 601-629-6804.