Indianapolis is turning into a hotbed for technology and startups. In 2016, 43 technology companies committed to add over 5,000 full-time jobs. These tech jobs pay twice the median average wage. Two-thirds of the $77 million in 2016 venture capital in Indiana companies went to technology companies (three-quarters of all companies who received VC) and since 2000, $7 billion in acquisitions and IPOs from more than 2 dozen companies has materialized.

According to SmartAsset, Indy is ranked the 4th best city for women in tech for gender pay gap, income after housing costs, and women as a percentage of the technology workforce and four-year tech employment growth.

Kenzie Academy is a tech apprenticeship school, pioneering a new model in education. We’re developing future tech leaders with the skills, passion, and purpose to meet the demands of growing companies. Founder Chok Ooi was successful - working both on Wall Street and Silicon Valley - but decided to open the Kenzie Academy here in Indianapolis. Here Chok's story and how the Kenzie Academy goes beyond a "Coding School" and prepares its students for full-time technology job with their immersive learning environment.

Special Guest: Chok Ooi.

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Links:

• Kenzie Academy — Kenzie Academy is a tech apprenticeship school, pioneering a new model in technology education. They are dedicated to providing the highest-quality education, experiential learning, mentorship, and most importantly, a lifelong commitment to each and every one of their students. Kenzie Academy offers 6-month to 2-year programs with a paid apprenticeship after 6 months, and a guaranteed job placement after 2 years.