Application Deadline Nears for IT Readiness Certificate Program at U of A

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May 14 is the deadline to apply for the IT Readiness Program offered by the University of Arkansas Global Campus Rogers.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The application deadline is May 14 for a University of Arkansas Global Campus certificate program designed to train people for entry-level programming and coding jobs, which are in demand in Northwest Arkansas.

The Global Campus and its industry partners developed the IT Readiness Program’s four paths: Back-End, Front-End, Java and Mobile. Participants complete an online course in basic web development languages beginning May 17, before starting on selected development paths.

Participants can apply online for the six-month program, which is offered two nights per week and alternating Saturdays at the Global Campus Rogers, 3300 Market St. The cost is $799 for Arkansas residents and $1,299 for out-of-state residents. Seating is limited to 14 students per path.

“Our program is unique because our industry partners are guiding the curriculum to provide the best training needed to fill jobs that are in high demand in the region,” said Mark Berkowick, assistant director of workforce Readiness at the Global Campus.

Upon completion of the program, participants are prepared to enter the workforce, sit for industry certification exams or continue their education.

This program is the product of a partnership between the Global Campus, Acxiom, Bentonville Public Schools, CaseStack, Collective Bias, Field Agent, J.B. Hunt, Metova Inc., NorthWest Arkansas Community College, Northwest Arkansas Council, Northwest Technical Institute, RevUnit, Rockfish Digital, Saatchi & Saatchi X, Springdale Public Schools, Startup Junkie Consulting, Tata Consultancy Services and Walmart Stores Inc.

“These partners helped identify critical skills shortages in Northwest Arkansas and then helped develop training programs to satisfy those industry needs,” said Tara Dryer, director of training, corporate development and academic outreach for the Global Campus.

The cost of the IT Readiness Program is subsidized through an $851,062 Arkansas Department of Higher Education Regional Workforce Implementation Grant awarded in July 2016.

This program is one of many professional and workforce development programs offered by the Global Campus Rogers to provide people in the region with the workforce skills and certifications needed to enter the workforce or to change or advance their careers.

About the Global Campus: The Global Campus supports U of A colleges and schools in the development and delivery of online, distance and workforce education programs and courses. It provides instructional design services, technology services and assistance with marketing, recruiting and strategic academic development.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.