Springboard, a rapidly-growing workforce development company that prepares students for in-demand careers through comprehensive, mentor-led programs, has announced its collaboration with Auburn University Office of Professional and Continuing Education, or OPCE, to deliver the completely remote, self-paced, experiential programs in software engineering and UI/UX design that is open to the public.
The programs are designed to fit into the lives of busy working professionals looking for flexible opportunities to help them upskill and reskill to pursue a new career. Participants do not need industry or academic experience and are not required to apply as degree-seeking students. Enrollment for the first cohorts is open until July 3, and classes begin on July 10. After that, students can sign up anytime to be assigned to the next monthly affiliate.
Speaking on the partnership, Assistant Director for Online Programs for Auburn University Office of Professional and Continuing Education, Shavon Williams, said:
OPCE is committed to making educational resources available for non-credit programs to help people meet their academic goals and improve their quality of life. This partnership will give students the knowledge and qualifications they need to join the tech workforce and better the world for future generations.
Founded in 2013, Springboard has helped more than 20,000 students around the globe build the skills to transform their careers. The company’s market-driven curriculums are developed by industry professionals with firsthand experience who consult hiring managers at top tech companies for input on the skills they seek in candidates. Students spend most of their time working on real-world projects for Springboard’s partner companies and creating a portfolio showcasing their passion and demonstrating their abilities to potential employers. The platform also has regular one-on-one calls with industry mentors working in the field, and receives guidance from career coaches on building a network and landing a job.
Software Engineering Bootcamp students learn vital aspects of front-end and back-end web development, databases, data structures, and algorithms. Each module features a combination of materials, including resources, exercises and optional career-related coursework. Most students complete the course in nine months if they dedicate 20 to 25 hours of work per week.
UI/UX, Design Bootcamp students, explore all stages of the user interface and user experience process – from design thinking to ideating, sketching and more – with a curriculum consisting of videos, articles, hands-on projects and career-related coursework. Students can execute concrete deliverables during the program and build a portfolio through a 40-hour industry design project for a real company. Students aim to complete the course in nine months or less and dedicate ten work hours per week.
Colin Lumsden, Vice President of Business Development of Springboard, added:
Research shows 60% of Alabama employers use non-degree credentials to validate a job candidate’s experience, making skills-based programs even more crucial for people trying to break into the tech industry or uplevel their current roles. We are excited to collaborate with an esteemed institution like Auburn University to equip students with the hands-on learning they need to succeed in today’s job market.
Prospective learners can learn more and enrol in the first cohort until July 3. Scholarships and financing are also available for eligible students.
Springboard’s collaboration with Auburn University marks its 10th partnership, demonstrating its leadership as an asynchronous e-learning partner for higher education institutions.
Auburn University aims to educate, discover and collaborate, driving its expanding global impact. The University is home to more than 30,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collaborate to develop and deliver meaningful scholarship, science and technology-based advancements that meet pressing regional, national and global needs. Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement, professional success and public/private partnership drives a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health and societal impact.
Last year in August, Springboard partnered with National University, San Diego’s largest private nonprofit University, to deliver five of its career tracks to students and prospective learners.
