Index Analytics brings tech and talent to partnership with Code in the Schools

Code in the Schools (CITS) students will get a boost of technology and industry expertise through a new partnership between the computer science education nonprofit and Baltimore-based Index Analytics.

In teaming up with Station North-based Code in the Schools, Index Analytics is looking toward a “long-term partnership,” said Senior Manager Allyn Finegold. Founded in 2012, the 50-employee company specializes in federal healthcare data analytics.

“Supporting education programs and schools is a major focus of Index’ philanthropic efforts,” Finegold said. “As a Baltimore-based company since our founding in 2012, we wanted to invest in the city’s schools and communities in a significant way.”

The connection was made through an Index employee who interned at CITS while at Johns Hopkins.

Index Analytics is donating $20,000 worth of tablets.

“It will impact thousands of students across the city in computer science classrooms,” said CITS CEO Gretchen LeGrand. As opposed to a laptop or desktop, touchscreen tablets offer an easier way for the youngest students to work on drag-and-drop coding that the nonprofit teaches.

“The tablets really help with giving the littlest learners exposure to the basic coding concepts we teach,” said CITS CEO Gretchen LeGrand.

Index Analytics employees will also be volunteering for CITS classes and events, and the company is joining the organization’s industry advisory board. Employees have already been getting involved.

“We have employees excited about participating in events at the schools, such as the kickoff event last Friday attended by 10 Index staff,” Finegold said. With participation on the advisory board, she said, “we can provide educators with an industry view of the skills — both technical and non-technical — that we think set students up for promising futures in the computer science field,” she said.

LeGrand said CITS is in 13 schools for the 2019-2020 school year, with more than 6,000 students enrolled. Along with partnerships inside schools, the nonprofit also operates the after-school Prodigy program for high school students, and seeks to build connections with local employers like city government.