Neosho, MO – Crowder College was recently notified they were one of sixteen nation-wide recipients of the Catalyze Challenge Grant among over 300 applicants. The $450,000 grant will provide an opportunity to pilot software development learning opportunities at two area regional career and technical education centers. Crowder’s proposal was titled, “Creating Digital Pathways in the Rural Heartland.”   

“We appreciate the Catalyze Challenge group, Walton Family Foundation, Charter School Growth Fund, and American Student Assistance for this opportunity to develop digital talent for the rapidly growing digital economy,” stated Dr. Chett Daniel, Director of Research and Innovations, Crowder College.  

Crowder College will coordinate the pilot project through two high school career and technical education centers while working with Codefi partners. The grant will also fund the creation of competitive youth coding leagues in multiple middle schools and junior high schools also in partnership with Codefi, a Cape Girardeau based company. “Youth coding leagues should increase awareness and self-efficacy in software development opportunities for rural students in our region,” Daniel commented.

Codefi partners with private and public groups to deploy an innovation ecosystem to train digital workers and entrepreneurs, build and attract software-focused companies, and create community spaces to expand the digital economy in rural communities.  

Last Updated on October 4, 2021 by Steven Brunson