From career transitions to community building, Blaine Booher has spent his professional life turning challenges into opportunities. As the program director and lead instructor at Emerging Digital Academy (EDA), Blaine has helped create a space where students can access alternative pathways into technology careers. More than just a boot camp, EDA is its own cornerstone of the Fargo-Moorhead community, connecting learners with the tools, mentors, and networks they need to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.

For Blaine, it’s about building a community where innovation, education, and opportunity intersect.

Meet EDA’s Blaine Booher!

Originally from Ohio, Blaine Booher moved to Fargo in 2013 with his wife for a work opportunity and quickly found a home in the community. A problem solver by nature, Blaine’s career has spanned engineering consulting, community events, and now education. He has led Emerging Digital Academy since its launch, helping create pathways for career changers and tech enthusiasts alike. Outside of work, Blaine is a proud dad and an advocate for community-building initiatives like hackathons and meetups.

Did You Know?

Blaine doesn’t just teach— he’s super involved in Fargo’s community. He’s helped organize hackathons, coding meetups, and even a local kickball league.

Early Years: From Problem Solver to Educator

Blaine’s career trajectory is marked by curiosity and adaptability. Raised in western Ohio, he always had a knack for solving problems. This natural inclination led him to pursue engineering consulting early in his career, working closely with clients to design solutions tailored to their unique challenges.

By 2013, Blaine and his wife relocated to Fargo, drawn by the region’s opportunities and welcoming atmosphere. The move sparked new possibilities, including Blaine’s involvement in local tech meetups, hackathons, and even founding a popular kickball league. These community-driven projects laid the groundwork for what would later become his passion for education.

“I’ve always really enjoyed things like rapid development and small projects. Moving to Fargo was great because it gave me a chance to grow and meet people who are just as passionate about solving problems and building things as I am,” Blaine said.

Building Emerging Digital Academy

Emerging Digital Academy was born from Fargo’s spirit of innovation, and Blaine was a natural fit to help bring it to life. Having previously collaborated with Greg Tehven, co-founder of Emerging Prairie, Blaine was tapped in to help assess the feasibility of launching a local coding boot camp.

“I first came on as a consultant to figure out how to make it happen. I worked with the Bank of North Dakota on financing options and with folks in Minneapolis to develop the curriculum. It was completely new for Fargo,” he said.

The program officially launched in 2020 with Blaine as its director and lead instructor. Designed as a 20-week immersive course, EDA caters to career changers, hobbyists, and individuals looking to break into software development.

“Our goal is to take what would normally take 18 months to learn and fit it into a five-month program. It’s definitely intense,” Blaine said, “but if you’re ready to commit, it’s worth it.”

“In the end, this is about making the community stronger. Education is a big piece of that-it’s powerful.” – Blaine Booher

A Community-Centered Approach

For Blaine, the most rewarding aspect of EDA isn’t just teaching—it’s really embedding students into Fargo-Moorhead’s professional and social fabric.

“Networking is just as important as the technical skills,” Blaine said. “We encourage students to attend meetups, volunteer, and participate in events. By the time they graduate, they’ve already started making connections that will help them in their careers.”

EDA’s unique structure reflects this philosophy. From mentorship by local tech professionals to alumni support after graduation, the program ensures students are prepared not only for their first job but for long-term success in the field.

“We really want our graduates to stay here and be part of the region’s growth,” Blaine said. “Programs like this work best when they’re connected to the community.”

Transforming Careers & In Turn, Communities

In its five years, Emerging Digital Academy has already left a lasting impact. Graduates have gone on to work at all and everything in between—including startups, midsized firms, and even national companies, with many advancing to leadership roles.

“We’ve had alumni move up into roles like product management or senior developer, and some of them are already on their third job. It’s amazing to see how far they’ve come,” Blaine said.

EDA also serves as a bridge for mid-career professionals looking to pivot. With a student body that often includes individuals with prior degrees or work experience, the program leverages their unique backgrounds to enhance learning.

“We’ve had students come in with backgrounds in STEM, education, music—you name it,” Blaine said. “That variety adds a lot to the program. It’s about building on what they already know and applying it in a new way.”.

A Vision For The Future

As technology evolves, so too does Emerging Digital Academy. Blaine is working on initiatives to expand the program’s reach, including a part-time course option for students who need more flexibility. “We’re looking at ways to bring in new tools like AI,” he said. “The goal is to stay ahead of the trends so students are ready for what’s next.” Beyond curriculum updates, Blaine is focused on strengthening EDA’s ties to the community. Plans include hosting more workshops, supporting nonprofit projects, and fostering new tech meetups to create spaces where professionals and learners can connect. “In the end, this is about making the community stronger. Education is a big piece of that—it’s powerful,” Blaine said.

Looking Ahead

For Blaine, the success of Emerging Digital Academy is deeply tied to the success of Fargo-Moorhead as a whole. Whether it’s helping a student land their first tech job or empowering a nonprofit with new tools, Blaine sees every achievement as a step toward a more vibrant and connected region.

“[Programs like EDA] are not just about the skills; it’s about building connections and creating a future. When you invest in people, you’re investing in the long-term success of the region,” Blaine said.

Learn more about EDA here!

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