Code Platoon
Based in Chicago, Illinois, Code Platoon is a 501(c)3 non-profit founded with a mission to transform Veterans, active duty Servicemembers, and military spouses into professional software engineers through an immersive, hands-on educational process and paid apprenticeship program. We recognize the unique and diversified skill sets and experience Veterans bring to the tech industry and provide the hard and soft skills for these individuals to transition to careers in tech.
Through intensive 15- or 28-week programs in Full-Stack software engineering and DevOps engineering, we provide our students new pathways to sustainable careers in tech. We also help develop the soft skills necessary to transition to the civilian workforce. The majority of our students are in a momentous period of transition from military service to civilian life, and we provide a safe space for students to reorient from being a military professional to a civilian professional.
A little over a year [before I started at Code Platoon], I was an active duty Marine from a very poor background with no idea what my future would be and no experience writing code. And today I am a software engineer with an amazing company and a life changing increase in pay that makes it possible to not only support my household, but help support my parents as well. I couldn’t be more fortunate or more thankful.
– Zachary Blackburn, Code Platoon Graduate (2022)
Financials
Programs
Full-Stack & DevOps Coding Boot Camps
From the moment a prospective student reaches out to us, we begin a high touchpoint journey to help them navigate the decision to transition from military life to our rigorous curriculum and career in tech. Our staff – many Veterans themselves – help students navigate the very personal and oftentimes complex transition process, as well as VA educational benefits and our own scholarship opportunities.
All prospective students undergo a rigorous technical evaluation process – while most were not coders prior to joining Code Platoon, our instructors are skilled at identifying hidden talent for long-term career success. Starting on day one in the classroom, we simulate a real-life software engineering environment to impart industry best practices and model healthy software developer teams in the classroom setting.
Our curriculum further incorporates skills necessary for civilian careers – we support with resume development, job search strategies, interview prep, etc. Students then undergo intensive mock interview processes, and continue to work with our career services team until they are placed in a new role.
Volunteering + Events
Code Platoon Volunteer Corps
Dedicated volunteers are central to achieving our mission, and we are excited by the opportunity to leverage your expertise to support those who have served us. We offer a number of volunteer opportunities including TAs, mentors, resume coaches, mock interviewers, and workshop presenters. Email [email protected] or click below to sign up.
Save the date!
Thursday, September 26, 2024
Chicago, IL
More details to follow
