Talent accelerator Andela has partnered with General Assembly, the global educational institution offering instruction and opportunity in technology, business and design to train and mentor brightest young people in Africa.
The deal is aimed at allowing Andela developers, as well as thousands of applicants who were not able to join the program, the opportunity to pursue an education in technology through General Assembly’s educational offerings, including its online Web Design Circuit, Front Row and research and curriculum from GA’s most popular courses and workshops, at no cost.
“Through this partnership, thousands of young people around the world will have the chance to become world-class web developers. This directly advances the mission of both Andela and General Assembly, and we’re excited to be working with the GA team to make this opportunity possible,” said Jeremy Johnson, Co-Founder and CEO of Andela.
General Assembly’s Web Design Circuit enables students to develop their ideas into reality, creating functional, stylized websites through an online, mentor-driven learning experience. Front Row offers unlimited access to live streaming classes as well as an on-demand video library. General Assembly will also provide the curriculum for several of its classes and workshops, including those related to user experience design, mobile design, and software development. GA has a team devoted to researching and updating class curricula based on employer needs and will make that information available to Andela.
“We believe in the power of technology skills to change lives in a profound way,” said General Assembly Co-Founder and Chief Executive, Jake Schwartz. “We are dedicated to helping people develop the practical skills that global companies are seeking and are proud to partner with Andela to bring our offerings more people around the world.”
Andela’s inaugural class received 5,200 applicants, all of whom can benefit from the Andela–General Assembly partnership. The 28 developers who were accepted are currently participating in a Boot Camp based in Lagos, Nigeria. Following the Boot Camp, developers will take part in an immersion training program which will prepare them for continued training and employment with Andela.