lake reports. >> reporter: how are you? 21-year-old zack sims is one of the masterminds between code academy. >> i think we knew programming is the new version of literacy but at the same time it's staggering to see the number of people who have signed up. >> reporter: proo positive there's still a massive craving around the globe to develop the next big thing. >> i think programming is really the most important skill in the 21st century. people are realizing that. there are a lot of women and people who wouldn't be learning to program. >> reporter: learning code won't turn you into the next mark zuckerberg overnight but it is a first step and can ultimately lead to finding a job in an economy starved for computer professionals. young people are taking notice. new york institute of technology's manhattan campus is seeing a 40% rise in