courtesy of LaunchCode
In 2013, Square co-founder Jim McKelvey created LaunchCode to bridge the gap between St. Louisans looking for a career in technology and local employers searching for tech talent.
"It was a big idea," says executive director Jeff Mazur. "How do you change the way people do tech hiring to provide much broader opportunity and start to solve this massive economic problem?"
The rest, of course, is history: The nonprofit has empowered myriad St. Louisans, teaching valuable tech skills and connecting more than 500 employer partners with talented, energetic employees. More than four out of five apprentices find permanent employment after an average of three months, often doubling their previous salaries. The nonprofit's been recognized by the likes of The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, NPR, TechCrunch, and President Barack Obama.
Now, the nonprofit is launching the Moonshot Awards, in hopes of recognizing other St. Louisans who are shooting for the stars.
"LaunchCode was created to do this really bold, audacious thing to solve a problem here in St. Louis," says Mazur. "In the same way, every day we see other organizations and individuals who are working really hard to do unique, compelling things aimed at massive change or evolving the ways things are done in St. Louis to benefit everyone."
Co-sponsored by SLM Media, the new awards initiative will recognize people and organizations working toward big, bold goals. The name is inspired by LaunchCode's rocket logo and initial idea. "No one knew this would work," says Mazur, "but we took a shot, put in the effort, cared a lot, and got a lot done."
Do you know an inspiring St. Louisan with vision and drive who's working to improve the region? Nominate a person or organization through March 26 in the following categories, which adhere to LaunchCode's values:
- The Collaboration Award: Who is joining forces in unexpected, unconventional ways to work across fault lines toward a better St. Louis?
- The Challenge Award: Who is forcing tough conversations and working to build consensus?
- The Dreamer Award: Who is pushing conventional solutions to the limit?
- The Commitment Award: Who doesn’t back down in the face of tough odds?
- The Inclusion Award: Who is at the forefront of working toward an equitable St. Louis region?
The honorees will be announced May 3 at Third Degree Glass Factory (5200 Delmar). The awards breakfast will take place at 8 a.m., followed by an optional tour of the nearby MADE Makerspace. Proceeds will help support LaunchCode's education programs.
