NORTHERN INNOVATION

20Fathoms is an organization in Traverse City devoted to cultivating ideas and business growth. Their internal programs, tccodes & tccyber, provide technical computer programing and cyber security training to northern Michigan residents. We sat down with Keith E. Kelly, Program Manager of tccodes & tccyber, to discuss these programs. Originally created by grant funding received through the state of Michigan, tccodes & tccyber became a series of workshops that provide educational experiences in the tech space. The workshops are designed to be accessible, meaning free for participants. Since its inception in 2019, the workshops have been attended by a wide range of participants, with varying levels of tech experience. This includes individuals without any coding background, to skilled professionals seeking to network and gain new skills, or anyone in between.

Mentorship through these workshops is encouraged to be relationship-based. Participants can benefit by staying in touch with their workshop facilitators and maintaining a connection that could be utilized for future questions, advice, or opportunity.

Keith shared a story about a young professional eager to switch their career from the life sciences to the tech space. Utilizing the tccodes workshops, along with professional development services provided by 20Fathoms, this individual successfully landed a position as a junior developer at an established software company. This was a huge success story for the program.

Keith is eager to create more success stories. In addition to improving the programs and adding more resources, his focus is also on community impact. Keith and 20Fathoms have placed an emphasis on boosting community awareness related to career opportunities in the tech space, a goal that he believes will ultimately benefit our local labor market through education.

To learn more about tccodes & tcccyber, or find upcoming tech events, please visit

‘Northern Innovation’ focuses on highlighting inspiring people, groups, and events that help our community grow. We seek to find initiatives that develop, innovate, and give back to our region.

was born and raised in Traverse City and is passionate about promoting the people and culture within his hometown. Andrew works full-time at Hagerty, and enjoys fishing and playing the piano in his free time.

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