WICHITA — A year ago, a prominent Wichitan approached Office This developer Max Cole with an idea for a school to teach adults and children digital video, audio, web design and game art (the art of making video games).
Cole thought it was a great idea but he wasn’t interested in doing schools at the time.
His connection with Bethel House Training Institute, a school at Office This that teaches nursing assistants and other medical personnel, changed that.
So this summer, Cole — with help from the unnamed prominent Wichitan — is opening Mindfire Academy in 50,000 square feet at Office This, which is at 4031 E. Harry.
He’s beginning to build the technology training rooms now.
“That’s what everybody’s interested in,” Cole says.
He says there’s so much to know.
Back when he was in school, Cole says, “We didn’t even have Texas Instruments calculators, let alone all the things we do now.”
Mindfire will open in June as summer camp for adults and kids.
Five-day courses will cost just over $900. Two-week courses will cost between $1,600 and $1,800.
“It’ll transition into 10-week courses and beyond,” Cole says.
He’s seeking accreditation from companies like Microsoft to teach skills on certain operating systems that could translate into jobs.
For kids, Cole thinks the courses can spur interest in math and science “and they won’t even know it.”
“It’ll be a big, big winner,” Cole says.
His own experience with school is part of what’s inspiring Cole to have another school at Office This.
“I thought I’d get even with all the (teachers) who flunked me in years past.”