As technology continues to evolve, demand is increasing for tech professionals to fill key roles throughout the industry. Mercy Partnership Fund investee IFF is helping one nonprofit expand its programs to provide access to high-paying, stable employment in the IT sector.
Since 2013, LaunchCode has provided free, accessible tech training and job placement programs to more than 10,000 people, regardless of their background, education or work experience. LaunchCode’s more than 500 partners, including corporations like Microsoft, hire LaunchCoders as software developers, data scientists, IT product managers and more. On average, LaunchCode participants more than triple their previous salary, creating stability and upward mobility for participants and their families.
LaunchCode was renting a former State of Missouri unemployment office along St. Louis’ Delmar Divide, the historic delineation between predominantly Black neighborhoods to the north and predominantly white neighborhoods to the south. MPF investee IFF helped LaunchCode purchase and renovate the building to allow the nonprofit to increase the number of yearly, in-person program participants from 600 to 800.
IFF champions nonprofit organizations throughout the Midwest to shape more equitable and vibrant communities through community-centered lending, development and real estate consulting with a focus on affordable housing, education, health care, community centers and services. IFF is one of more than 60 mission-driven organizations in Mercy Partnership Fund’s global community investing portfolio.