The startup offers an educational platform that provides hands-on, project-based training in coding, data science, design, and digital marketing, equipping aspiring tech professionals with the skills needed for the tech industry. By delivering expert-led, on-campus courses, the platform addresses the skills gap in the fast-evolving tech sector, ensuring students are job-ready upon completion.
Funding
$770K raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
The rapidly evolving tech industry demands a workforce equipped with current, practical skills, but traditional education often lags behind, leaving aspiring professionals with theoretical knowledge that doesn't translate directly into job readiness. This skills gap hinders individuals seeking to enter or advance within the tech sector, limiting their career prospects and earning potential.
Solution
Forward College addresses the tech industry's skills gap by providing hands-on, industry-relevant training in software engineering, data science, and related fields. The college offers full-time diploma programs and part-time certificates designed to equip students with immediately applicable skills. Forward College distinguishes itself by co-creating its syllabus with seasoned industry practitioners, ensuring that students learn the most up-to-date industry standards and best practices. The college also provides career coaching and connections to a network of hiring partners to facilitate job placement after graduation.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes individuals seeking to begin or advance their careers in the tech industry, including recent high school graduates and professionals looking to change careers. The college also targets enterprises seeking to upskill their workforce with corporate training programs.
Features
- Full-time diploma in Applied Software Engineering (24 months, on-campus, beginner level).
- Part-time certificates in Data Analytics (4 months, self-paced + online live sessions, beginner level), Applied Data Science (2 months, online live, intermediate level), and Applied Deep Learning (2 months, online live, advanced level).
- Syllabus co-created with industry experts to ensure relevance and currency.
- Income Share Agreements (ISA) available for the Applied Software Engineering diploma, allowing students to defer tuition payments until they are employed and earning above a minimum threshold.
- Career coaching and connections to a network of hiring partners.
- Free introductory classes (Forward Leap Program) to explore basic web development skills.