A coding academy for high school students has been thrown a lifeline after its “god-like” founder was accused of harassment.
Grok Academy, the coding academy formerly led by disgraced chief executive James Curran, has avoided being shut down and will undergo a cultural overhaul after being acquired by a social impact charity.
Grok Academy was funded in part by the billionaire former chief executive of Australian software company WiseTech Global Richard White, who personally donated more than $2 million to the non-profit. White had championed Curran as a “superb educator” who was “incredibly powerful in delivering tech education”. White resigned as WiseTech chief executive in October following an aborted court case against an ex-lover and allegations published by this masthead of inappropriate conduct.
“I reached out and the discussion soon turned to the need for a new home for the high-school tech education platform, as it was becoming obvious that Grok would have to shut down, as it would be unlikely to receive further partnerships or donations. “Our immediate plan is to ensure that the schools, teachers and the more than 1 million students who have used Grok Academy continue to have access to the same great platform and resources. Ensuring continuity of access is our No. 1 priority,” Nobes said.
The cultural issues at Grok Academy were related to a single person, and were not systemic, Nobes said. Stephanie, a former Grok employee, alleged instances of inappropriate touching and messages from Curran.
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