CTD Learns: A Code School Created for You

Become job-ready in as little as 1 year with free, online classes that fit your schedule.

Fully Remote

Entirely Free

20 Hours per Week

1 Year

Two Code the Dream students review code together

Career Pathways

Code The Dream’s Program offers Two Career Tracks: Web Development with Fullstack Javascript
Or Data Engineering With Python. Students Can Only Choose One Pathway, And
All Your Courses Will Fit Into That Series Of Classes.

Apply +
choose your
track

Submit
pre-work

Intro to
Programming

PATH I: Web Development

with fullstack JavaScript

React .js

Node.js/
Express

Web Dev
Practicum

Apply for CTD
Labs
apprenticeship
or jobs

Full Stack
Developer

PATH II: Data Engineering

with Python

Python
100

Python
200 +
Databases

Data
Practicum

Apply for
jobs

Data
Engineer

Apply +
choose your
track

Submit
pre-work

Intro to
Programming

PATH I: Web Development

with JavaScript

React .js

Node.js/
Express

Web Dev
Practicum

Apply for CTD
Labs
apprenticeship
or jobs

Full Stack
Developer

PATH II: Data Engineering

with Python

Python
100

Python
200 +
Databases

Data
Practicum

Apply for
jobs

Data
Engineer

The Flipped Classroom Model

Code the Dream “flips” the traditional classroom model by having students engage with videos, articles, and assignments at home before getting hands-on practice in live group sessions. The goal of a flipped classroom is to make better use of class time by shifting passive learning outside of class and active learning into live sessions. This allows for all the flexibility students need – they can pause and rewatch videos, work ahead when they want, and find 1:1 mentor support if they need help.

Our Mentors

Two Code the Dream staff review code on their laptops

Working Together

Some of the best learning happens in collaboration. CTD students work with mentors who help guide them through our classes. Our mentors are professional software developers who are knowledgeable and experienced in the tech sector, and they are passionate about teaching new programmers.

Each week, students attend a 1:1 session with a mentor for individual support and a one-hour live group session with several other students to get collaborative practice.

A Week in the Life of a CTD Student

Our flexible program allows you to choose when to attend live sessions
And 1:1 appointments. Here’s one example of a week in the life of a CTD student.

Monday

Meet with a 1:1 mentor to get any additional help before your coding assignment is due. Review any class material on your own as you complete your coding assignment. Double-check it to make sure everything is working correctly

Tuesday

Submit your coding assignment and your mindset assignment and get ready for the next lesson!

Wednesday

Today is the first day of the CTD week and your instructor will share a new lesson via Slack, Review or start your lesson materials in the CTD Learns app and plan your week. Plan to attend at least one hour long group session for the week. If none of the group sessions fit your schedule, schedule a 1:1 session with a mentor.

Thursday

Begin reading and watching all class materials and video content, coding and making notes of questions as you go. If this is the day for your group or 1:1 session, do so. Begin reflecting on the mindset questions in your homework.

Friday

If you received a “needs revisions” result on last week’s homework, review the feedback and make the necessary corrections. Share questions or study tips you’ve encountered so far this week. Finish reviewing all class videos and articles and begin your coding assignment.

Saturday

If you have homework corrections from last week re-submit your assignment. Continue to work on your coding assignment for the current week. Set up a 1-on-1 mentor appointment to get any questions answered. Finish your mindset questions.

Sunday

Attend another live mentor session to get help with any coding assignment struggles. Reach out to other students to work together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Code the Dream offers a pathway to careers in technology for people 18+ who might not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue tech jobs. Everyone, regardless of background, is welcome to apply, but we strongly encourage people under-represented in the tech industry to apply, including:

Individuals from low-income backgrounds
people of color
undocumented people and those with DACA status
immigrants and refugees
people from rural communities
women

Please note that classes are held in English, though students may organize study sessions in other commonly spoken languages like Spanish and Russian.

Code the Dream classes are completely free for students. (Yes, FREE!)

Our program is very resource-intensive and expensive to operate. We are constantly fundraising to make this program possible, and we depend on grants from foundations and donations from individuals to ensure we can keep our classes free.

Once you get a job, we will ask you to consider making an ongoing donation to Code the Dream to help make the same opportunity possible for other students.

Many coding bootcamps cost $10,000-$20,000. Others don’t charge you up front, but require a portion of your paycheck for many years after that. We do not require salary contributions, but we do hope you will remember Code the Dream once you land that high-paying tech job later! That’s the only way this program can continue.

All of Code the Dream’s classes are fully online. Our classes include self-study as well as live sessions. Class communication is through Slack.

Students receive all class materials via the class website for each weekly lesson, and are expected to watch videos and read articles on their own.

Twice weekly, students should join mentor sessions led by volunteer mentors. Students can attend any sessions that work for your schedule:

One-on-one sessions are available most any day of the week; just reach out to one of the many volunteers ready to assist you.
Group sessions are usually held on weeknights and vary from course to course. You will receive your course’s schedule following class registration and orientation.

All classes are 11 weeks starting in the Spring 2026 quarter, including the Advanced Practicum, the final class in your pathway, in which a small group of students create and deploy an app.

Students should expect to spend about 20 hours per week on the coursework. Students must attend at least one mentor session each week (we recommend at least two). These are either small-group sessions or one-on-one sessions led by an experienced software developer.

Currently, classes are 15 weeks long, and students can complete the entire program in just under a year (Intro–> Advanced –> Practicum). The time is shorter if you are starting in an Advanced class, or longer if you repeat classes or take multiple Advanced classes.

Starting in 2026, CTD’s program will operate on a quarterly schedule, with new 11-week classes starting every 12 weeks, and the full program will take one year. The trajectory will look like this:

Fullstack Javacript track: Intro –> React.js –> Node.js/Express –> Practicum
Python Data track: Intro –> Python Essentials –> Python 200 –> Practicum

2026 classes will cover the same amount of material as our current classes, but in a shorter time, so the time commitment is expected to increase. More details coming soon!

Request an application at codethedream.org/apply
Complete the application.
Complete a pre-work assignment to show you are ready to succeed in our program. The time it takes to complete the assignment varies, but applicants should budget 10-20 hours.
- Intro: New coders receive a tutorial that gives you skills to complete the assignment. Note: the beginners’ tutorial alone can take more than 20 hours to complete.
- Advanced: Applicants with more experience are provided reference materials for review.

If your pre-work assignment meets all the requirements, (the rubric is very clear in the pre-work instructions), you have a good chance of being accepted.

Have you worked with APIs before?

If yes, attempt the Advanced pre-work assignment and apply to an Advanced class. If the assignment is too difficult, no problem, you can still submit the Intro pre-work. Advanced applicants whose Advanced pre-work falls short of expectations will automatically be considered for the Intro class. Please note that the Advanced pre-work is the same (and is web-development based), regardless of if you are applying for React or Python Advanced classes.

If no, attempt the Intro pre-work assignment. Remember that the tutorial in the Intro pre-work will teach you everything you need to know to complete the assignment and everything you learn in the tutorial will be taught more in-depth in the Intro class.

Only one pre-work assignment (Intro OR Advanced) needs to be completed.

You cannot take both Intro and Advanced classes at the same time. If you qualify for the Advanced classes, you do not need to take the Intro class unless you want to strengthen your fundamentals (always good too!).

If you successfully complete your final project in Intro, then yes, you are guaranteed a spot in the Advanced class. Similarly, if you successfully complete the Advanced project, you will automatically advance into the Practicum.

Currently, all alumni receive a Job Seeker’s Toolkit and access to the CTD Alumni Network for additional events and networking opportunities. In 2026, we are excited to expand our career development support to students who complete the practicum. Code the Dream Apprentices receive six months of career development support during their apprenticeship.

What Our Alumni Say

Testimonials

Katherine

Taking CTD classes has been a transformative journey for me. I’ve learned so much, but what I cherish most are the friendships I’ve built and the confidence I’ve gained. These classes helped me see my potential, and I can’t recommend them enough!
Luis

CTD’s classes have truly been life-changing. The knowledge and connections I’ve made as a student have opened doors previously closed to me and allowed me to pursue my dream of becoming a web designer and developer.
Maurice

I am so grateful to Code the Dream. I’ve had impostor syndrome all my life and thought I would never be able to fulfill my dreams of becoming a programmer. CTD has given me a second chance and it’s been so rewarding to learn a new and challenging skill in such a supportive environment.
Olga

As someone who began their journey in web development through self-study, I understand the challenges of navigating this field alone. Programs like Code the Dream are crucial because they offer structured learning, mentorship, and a community of peers who share the same aspirations and challenges.
Rojina

Attending the mentor sessions and having one-on-one meetings with the mentors were some of the most valuable aspects of my CTD class experience. The organization has a great culture and everyone has a growth mindset. The mentors were extremely helpful and had solutions to the students’ concerns or problems.
Xeniya

Code the Dream has had a profound impact on my life. Learning to code isn’t just about technical skills, it’s also about discovering a new way to be creative. Thanks to CTD, I now have the knowledge and confidence to pursue a fulfilling path in the tech industry, while helping to support my family.