Nationwide And HHF Launch First-Ever CSL Bootcamp in Columbus, OH, as Students Learn Coding Basics

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

NATIONWIDE AND HISPANIC HERITAGE FOUNDATION LAUNCH FIRST-EVER CSL (CODE AS A SECOND LANGUAGE) BOOTCAMP IN COLUMBUS, OH, AS STUDENTS LEARN CODING BASICS

COLUMBUS, OH (May 1^st, 2019) Nationwide and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) will launch the first Code as a Second Language (CSL) Bootcamp effort in Columbus, OH, to introduce, engage and teach nearly 50 students about coding and expose them to career paths in tech and entrepreneurship.  The Nationwide CSL Bootcamp will take place at Columbus North International School, 100 E Arcadia Ave, Columbus, OH, on May 1^st, 7:30 am-2:00 pm.

“As more companies become dependent on technology to help them succeed, they’ll be looking to hire people who know how to code,” said Lu Yarbrough, associate vice president of diverse marketing at Nationwide. “Nationwide understands the importance of helping today’s youth get a head start on learning such an important skill and we’re proud to partner with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation to provide that opportunity through this program.”

The Nationwide CSL Bootcamp will include a one-day, seven-hour, introductory course to computer programming for students to learn basic markup languages such as HTML & CSS and Java used in the creation of Websites and Applications respectively.  Volunteers, including Nationwide associates and tech professionals, will be on hand to ensure students have role models and understand career path opportunities.

“Driving CSL is the fundamental belief that all youth deserve access to technology-based programs and the opportunity to enter the workforce in a stronger position which will help America move forward,” said Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of HHF. “We are thrilled to bring the CSL program to Columbus for the first time thanks to Nationwide.  We are grateful for their leadership and shared vision in preparing Latino youth for the classroom and workforce.”

The students will be referred to HHF’s LOFT (Latinos On Fast Track) Network for ongoing on-line instruction, a connection to other students interested in tech, mentors, networking opportunities, resources, STEM-related events, and later potential internships and full-time positions with Fortune 500 companies.

By 2020, more than half of all jobs will require technical skills, but a majority of students wouldn’t have learned coding in school.  Coding will also enable students to be creators, innovators and entrepreneurs rather than just consumers of technology.  CSL was established in Los Angeles in 2013 and by the end of the year will be in 75 regions, including Puerto Rico and Mexico, reaching 100,000 students.

About the Hispanic Heritage Foundation

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation, a national nonprofit, concentrating on education, workforce, culture and leadership with a special focus on technology through the Code as a Second Language (CSL) program which includes academies, bootcamps, workshops, apprenticeships and sourcing talent for Fortune 500 Companies. HHF is headquartered in Washington, DC, and Los Angeles, with satellite workspaces in New York, Silicon Valley, San Antonio, and Miami (Visit www.HispanicHeritage.org).

About Nationwide

Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; pet, motorcycle and boat insurance. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Nationwide, Nationwide is on your side and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2019

For more information, contact Daisy Madrigal at Daisy@HispanicHeritage.org.