By Krysten Brenlla
Eugene Cruz has spent a decade as an educator in Miami-Dade County, teaching future generations the fundamentals of mathematics and computer science. As a mathematics major, he knew numbers were always his thing. However, as he became more involved with computer science, he began looking for new ways to enhance his skills.
That’s when he discovered data science and machine learning, a new industry blending data, mathematics, statistics and programming to develop and enhance algorithms that solve real-world problems. His interest in using data science and machine learning led him to 4Geeks Academy’s Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp – a connection made possible by the Miami Tech Talent Coalition, a collaboration of employers, academia and community organizations on a mission to fuel Miami’s tech talent pipeline by creating new pathways into tech for residents. It’s part of Miami Tech Works, an multi-year economic development initiative funded by a $10 million grant from the US government.
“The boot camp at 4Geeks was so beneficial because it was just an awesome, structured program – you go into it with a cohort of peers and support from teachers and mentors,” said Cruz [pictured above]. “Plus, the program also featured interview prep and job search preparation. They really offer mentorship for life.”
In addition to mentorship, interview prep, and job search preparation, the 4Geeks Academy’s Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp also showed participants statistics and programs like Python, SQL, Looker (Google Data Studio), and StreamLit. Through the program, participants also have the opportunity to create predictive models using Python, Pandas and Numpy, while exploring algorithms like Close Neighbors and Decision Trees through supervised and unsupervised learning techniques.
“At 4Geeks Academy, our mission is to help people launch successful tech careers and get better jobs. With no prior experience required, our students become Full Stack Developers, Data Scientists and Machine Learning Engineers, and Cybersecurity Analysts in about four months. After graduation, they land high paying jobs in a matter of 3-6 months. On top of that, all 4Geeks students receive unlimited 1-1 coding mentorship and career support mentorship,” said Alissa Landra, Miami’s campus manager at 4Geeks Academy.
“Our partnership with Miami Tech Works helps us to address one of the biggest barriers that those looking to launch new tech careers face — the financial barrier,” Landra continued. Through the Good Jobs Challenge Grant, 4Geeks was able to train 33 participants with scholarships. This allowed them to be placed in higher paying jobs without investment upfront on their end. We are looking forward to another year with Miami Tech Works, and training even more students.
Since participating in the program, Cruz used the skills he learned to land a new opportunity – blending his experiences with mathematics, computer science, and now machine learning – at Ransom Everglades School. Starting this August, Cruz will help teach Advanced Placement Computer Science and Mathematics courses, in addition to supporting students participating in different extracurricular computer science activities – specifically contests and competitions in programming, data science, and machine learning.
“Judging by where I’ve been, there’s a lot of interest in students because they know it’s a big topic and driving force in the tech field,” Cruz continued. “If students continue to be exposed at a younger age to the career possibilities of machine learning and data science, they’ll be able to handle it.”
For the future, Cruz is looking forward to teaching the next generation of advanced and gifted students the fundamentals of data science and machine learning. He hopes to continue building an interested community that will help him to build new programs, curriculum, and learning opportunities for students and the local Miami Tech community.
“I’m excited to grow in the same city I grew up in – Miami is building up,” Cruz said. “It’s all positive growth.”
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For employers: How to get involved in the Miami Tech Talent Coalition
Your involvement can make a significant difference in shaping the future of Miami’s tech industry, creating a vibrant and sustainable tech talent ecosystem. Together, participants can continue to build Miami as an innovative hub and a desirable destination for businesses and tech talent.
- Join the Coalition here. Employers can also specify a work group they are interested in.
- Attend a meeting: The next meeting is August 21, 2024. Register here.
- Stay connected with the coalition’s progress and updates by signing up for their newsletter here, reviewing the website here, and following Miami Tech Works on LinkedIn and Instagram.
READ MORE IN REFRESH MIAMI:
- The data is in: We have tech talent, but are not retaining it. Now what?
- To fuel talent pipeline, Miami Tech Works launches pilot programs, releases talent gap report & more
- One year later, INIT soars through Miami with new chapters, and opportunities in tech for community
- Human ingenuity, inspiration, a call to action: Miami Tech Talent Coalition takes the stage at eMerge Americas
- From classroom to career: FIU student lands internship at World Kinect via new Tech Talent Academy
- Seize the opportunities: This former MDC student landed a full-time cybersecurity job at AWS while still in school
- From pastry chef to a tech career with Miami-Dade County, this MDC graduate is taking the data analytics world by storm
Refresh Miami is a proud partner of Miami Tech Works.
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