About The Tech Academy
Preparing Graduates for the Future of Tech
The Tech Academy is an award-winning, licensed trade school founded in 2014 by Jack Stanley and Erik Gross and headquartered in Portland, Oregon.
The school offers online and in-person technology certification programs designed to help students build practical skills for the modern tech industry, including artificial intelligence, computer programming, data science, web development, mobile app development, game development, UI/UX design, cybersecurity, and more.
People-Led, AI-Integrated Education
The Tech Academy combines human instruction and support with AI-powered learning to prepare students for the future of technology work.
Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for people, the school uses it as a tool to strengthen the learning experience through direct instructor contact, integrated AI tools, chatbot assistance, and responsive resources that make training more accessible to all.
This approach reflects the modern workplace, where AI is becoming part of everyday technical tasks, and helps students learn how to use artificial intelligence thoughtfully, ask stronger questions, evaluate answers, improve productivity, and build confidence with the tools shaping the future of the tech industry.
Human-Centered Design
Many Tech Academy students begin with little or no technical background. Some are changing careers, some are expanding their skills to climb their career ladder, and others are exploring technology for the first time.
The school meets students where they are and guides them step by step through a structured, beginner-friendly curriculum.
The experience is designed to feel practical rather than overwhelming. Students study core concepts, complete hands-on exercises, build projects, enhance their learning experience with AI, receive support from Instructors, and develop the confidence to continue growing with the technology industry.
Our Story
The Tech Academy’s story began with Prosper I.T. Consulting, a technology company founded by Erik Gross in 2012.
While working on real technical projects, Erik saw a need for people who could be trained in practical technology skills, so he began teaching others himself.
That training effort became Prosper I.T. Academy in 2013. The school started small in Beaverton, Oregon, but Erik quickly realized that building a strong school required more than technical knowledge.
To move to the next level required curriculum, licensing, operations, student support, quality control, and long-term leadership.
A Partnership is Formed
At the end of 2013, Erik asked his longtime friend Jack Stanley to join him. Jack brought years of executive, managerial, teaching, curriculum development, public relations, and organizational experience, making him a natural partner for helping the school grow.
One of Jack’s first major contributions was helping rename the school from Prosper I.T. Academy to The Tech Academy.
From there, Jack and Erik worked together to build the curriculum, structure, and student-focused learning model that shaped the school’s future.
Co-Founder: Jack Stanley
As a Co-Founder of The Tech Academy, Jack has helped guide the school since its earliest days. His background in leadership, teaching, curriculum development, management, and quality control played a major role in creating the systems and standards behind the school’s programs.
He is also the Chairman of the school’s Board of Directors, and has contributed to The Tech Academy’s long-term planning, policies, books, curriculum, and overall direction.
His work has helped keep the school focused on clear instruction, student support, and practical technology education.
Co-Founder: Erik Gross
The other Co-Founder of The Tech Academy, Erik Gross, has worked with technology since the 1980s. As a child, he programmed early computers and even built some from scratch, beginning a lifelong relationship with technical problem-solving.
Erik later served in the Navy as a nuclear reactor operator and technical instructor, where he taught advanced subjects such as electronics and mathematics.
His experience in technology, teaching, and real-world technical work became a foundation for The Tech Academy’s curriculum and educational approach.
The Difference
The Tech Academy has been recognized by major coding boot camp review platforms and publications, including Course Report (opens in a new tab), SwitchUp (opens in a new tab), Career Karma (opens in a new tab), Newsweek, and others. These honors reflect The Tech Academy’s commitment to accessible technology education, career-focused skills, and student-centered training. Don’t take our word for it — the thousands of 5-star reviews from students and graduates tell our story best.
Looking Ahead
Technology will keep changing, and The Tech Academy is built to help students change with it. The school prepares students to understand technical concepts, use AI tools, think critically, solve problems, and continue learning as new technologies emerge. The firm foundation our certifications put in place gives a solid ground to build upon. A team of full-time dedicated curriculum staff are consistently at work to ensure in-demand and modern tools are always covered. What began as a small Oregon school has grown into an internationally-recognized technology trade school serving students across the country and around the world. Through human instruction, AI-powered support, and practical training, The Tech Academy continues its mission to help students build confidence and prepare for the future of technology work.
In Summary
The Tech Academy delivers cost-effective and self-paced online certification programs that are tailored for beginners with no prior technical or coding knowledge. Our certification programs thoroughly cover in-demand skills for the tech industry, are endorsed by stellar online reviews, and designed to fit around your personal schedule to prepare you for your tech career with a well-rounded tool kit. We have been offering thorough, affordable, flexible, and trusted coding boot camps for over a decade.