MONEY

Nashville Software School gains GI Bill approval

Kirk A. Bado, and Jamie McGee

The Tennessean

Nashville Software School, a boot camp for aspiring developers, has been approved to accept the GI Bill, a distinction that will help veterans cover tuition costs.

Robin Burton, left, Rick Aites, center, instructor Steve Brownlee, standing, Tanner Terry and Caitlin Stein, far right, work in their small group writing code for a video game at Nashville Software School on Sept. 9.

Eligible veterans can be reimbursed for their expenses as they gain technology skills that are in high demand in Nashville and across the U.S. Software jobs are expected to increase by 17 percent in the next eight years, according to the school, citing the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

"Our military veterans and their families have earned all of our support in accelerating their transition into a high demand, well paid career field," John Wark, NSS founder and president, said in a statement.

Nashville Software School: One solution to tech shortage

The boot camp is six months long for full-time students and focuses on front-end and server-side development. Evening programs also are available for part-time students. The Nashville Software School is one of five coding programs to be approved for the GI Bill by the Tennessee State Approving Agency for Veterans Education and Training, according to the school.

“There is significant demand for qualified IT professionals in Nashville,” said Bryan Huddleston, president and CEO of the Nashville Technology Council. “Because the tech industry jobs here pay 59 percent higher than the average wage, this program represents a tremendous opportunity for those who have served and protected our nation.”

To learn more, visit nashvillesoftwareschool.com.

Seth Dorris presents his team's game to the class at Nashville Software School in 2015.

Reach Jamie McGee at 615-259-8071 and on Twitter @JamieMcGee_.