CanCode Communities, Microsoft Team Up to Introduce Students to Tech Careers

ALBANY — Middle and high school students will receive a firsthand look at exciting careers in the technology sector when volunteers from CanCode Communities and Microsoft visit eight classrooms across the Capital Region during October. 

Held in conjunction with the Microsoft Employee Giving Program, the first-ever event will pair Microsoft volunteers with members of CanCode Communities. Microsoft volunteers will discuss their personal career journeys, sharing how they became interested in the tech field and the steps they’ve taken along the way. They will also highlight desirable tech careers to help open students’ minds to the possibilities of working in the high-tech sector. 

Meanwhile, members of CanCode Communities will discuss the organization’s innovative approach to training non-traditional talent – from coding and software courses to hands-on K-12 programs and community digital literacy workshops – to pursue growing opportunities in the technology field. 

“We’re thrilled to work closely with Microsoft to help students discover the exciting world of technology careers,” said CanCode Communities Founder and CEO Annmarie Lanesey. “We hope to inspire students to envision their own bright futures, and ensure they know that if they have the interest and passion, great opportunities await them in the tech field.” 

CanCode Communities and Microsoft initially began working together over the summer through the launch of Microsoft’s Accelerate: New York program, which provides a pathway from skilling to employment for community members in the tri-state area to bridge the digital skills divide and route people to diverse and equitable hiring and reemployment opportunities.

Each year Microsoft dedicates the Month of October to helping charities through its annual Giving Campaign. Microsoft matches times that its employees volunteer in the community, donating an annually designated amount per hour to the eligible organizations they serve. Through this effort, they are helping nonprofit organizations – in this case, CanCode Communities – to educate students about essential technology and skills. 

For more information, visit www.cancode.org.