Who can apply?

Code the Dream offers a pathway to careers in technology for people 15+ who might not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue tech jobs.  Everyone, regardless of background, is welcome to apply, but please note that in keeping with our mission, we strongly encourage people under-represented in the tech industry to apply, including:

- individuals from low-income backgrounds

- people of color

- undocumented and DACAmented young people

- immigrants and refugees

- people from rural communities

- women

Please note, classes are held in English.

Do I have to have coding experience to take a class?

No! But you are more likely to experience success if you are committed to pursuing a tech career and have already begun exploring coding. It is helpful for CTD instructors to know if you have pursued any programming learning on your own, even just watching youtube videos. Please describe any of your past experiences in the application.

What is the cost?

Code the Dream classes are free. But we hope you will remember Code the Dream once you land that high-paying tech job later!

What is the application process?

To apply to participate in a Code the Dream class, fill out the application.  Application deadlines are generally 6 weeks prior to the first day of class. Following the application deadline, you will receive your Pre-Work Assignment, which you will have approximately 2 weeks to complete. The class list will be finalized approximately 3 weeks before it begins.

When and where are your classes?

Code the Dream holds classes throughout the year. Check back on this page for future classes.  We are based in the Research Triangle Park in Durham, North Carolina, but you don’t have to be! We offer fully remote classes to students out of state or in other parts of NC. Classes are in English.

How long are the classes & what is the time commitment?

The Ruby on Rails course lasts 6 months. The fast track React.js course lasts eight weeks but is offered less frequently.  In-person, classes meet two to three times per week in the evenings and on weekends. There is a similar obligation online for the remote course; live online sessions will take place in the evenings or on weekends. You can expect anywhere from 5-10 hours of work outside of class per week, including meetings with coding mentors.

Do I bring my own computer? What kind will I need? Do I need special software?

You will need a laptop, and reliable internet access as well.  We don’t require any specific brand or model, nor will you need any special software.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

Code the Dream teaches two popular web development languages and frameworks: Ruby on Rails and React.js.  Ruby on Rails and React.js are widely used in various industries and in companies of all sizes. Noteworthy websites like Hulu and Airbnb were built using Ruby on Rails.  Facebook and The New York Times use React.js to run their sites.

RUBY ON RAILS CLASS DESCRIPTION

We begin by learning and practicing foundational programming concepts using Ruby, a language designed to ‘make programmers happy’.  We also do a deep-dive into many topics including HTML, CSS, SQL and databases, Model-View-Controller design pattern, and version control using Git and GitHub.  By the end of the course, students will be able to spin up a functional Rails application. 

REACT.JS CLASS DESCRIPTION

We start by learning JavaScript, the most commonly used programming language.  We write scripts and build small programs using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Students also learn the more modern ES6 syntax, as well as version control with Git and GitHub.  We go through tutorials and projects to learn the fundamentals of React.js and get some insight into why it is one of the most broadly used libraries today. 

CODE THE DREAM LABS – PAID CODING INTERNSHIPS

After completing the Code the Dream classes, participants have the opportunity to apply for Code the Dreams Labs, a paid internship in which student developers work on real-world web and mobile development projects supporting nonprofit organizations and small businesses.  You can see some of our projects here.