i.c.stars was established to create economic opportunity for underserved communities by bridging disconnected young adults with the high growth tech sector. Participants learn by doing; they build web based applications to solve client challenges - with coding, business, and leadership instruction provided along the way. They also gain the professional network needed to jumpstart their careers. i.c.stars graduates become technologists who earn living wages (300% more than before) working as application developers or business analysts. They create nonprofits and advocate for change, putting into action i.c.stars’ definition of leadership: making opportunities for others. i.c.stars also works to change employer perceptions and practices around nontraditional talent by engaging each year hundreds of employers through industry conferences and convenings. Currently in Chicago, Columbus, and Milwaukee.