District Arts and Education (DAE) officially launched a new youth “Skills Academy” with the New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) on Thursday.
Located in the District technology campus at 470 James St., the new program will be a year-round effort aimed at “instilling tactical STEM skills that will allow participants to get a leg-up in the higher education process, secure an entry-level job in computer science or start their own micro-business,” according to a statement.
A nonprofit tenant at the District, DAE utilizes education as a vehicle for social justice while developing the state’s tech workforce.
DAE CEO A.M. Bhatt said, “By tending the soil now, together with NHPS and the city of New Haven, we’re cultivating our community for long-term, sustained positive impact.”
A total of 50 students enrolled in January as the first cohort of DAE’s immersive 12-month software engineering track. The program is open to all NHPS juniors as well as those working toward their GED through the New Haven Adult & Continuing Education Center.
Students build websites and mobile apps with an emphasis on product research, design and development.
In addition to youth programs, DAE offers an Adult Skills Academy that provides a four-month immersion in software engineering.
Contact Liese Klein at lklein@newhavenbiz.com.
