General Assembly, MCC & Baylor to Launch Training Programs to Close Tech Sills Gap

April 17, 2025

Baylor University and McLennan Community College (MCC) announced they will offer two new General Assembly training programs to learners interested in launching or growing tech career skills as part of their collaboration to close the cybersecurity talent gap in Texas and across the country.

“We’re facing a skills crisis in the U.S., and it’s critical that universities and colleges play a role in creating alternative pathways to obtain those skills,” said Rafael Castenada, VP of government partnerships at General Assembly. “These programs combine the benefits of traditional academic education with workforce readiness and the chance to develop in-demand tech skills.”

The Python Programming Short Course is a seven-week course with live sessions twice a week, along with self-paced learning that can be completed on students’ own schedules. Participants will have the opportunity to earn the PCEP™ – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer certification (Exam PCEP-30-0x) and gain the skills necessary to launch a high-growth career in software engineering.

The IT Basics Short Course will be a 12-week program, consisting of one weekly live session and asynchronous learning. The course is designed to help participants prepare to take the CompTIA – CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) exams to become A+ certified. A strong foundation in computer technology and professional skills will equip learners for a future career in IT support and administration. 

“Digital and cyber-related skills are necessary for the next generation workforce to effectively compete for jobs in the marketplace, and we are excited to offer these programs jointly in the greater Waco community,” said Jeremy Vickers, Ph.D., associate vice president of innovation & economic development at Baylor University. “We see cybersecurity as a critical field for American competitiveness and for our community’s resilience.” 

“Part of the MCC vision is to impact the community and develop resources to fund success,” said Dr. Jeremy McCormick, program director and computer information systems professor at MCC. “This collaboration is a win-win and supports this vision. As partners, we will utilize all our assets to develop talent and reduce the cybersecurity workforce gap.”