Break into software development with these 9 DC coding bootcamps

When it comes to tech education, how do you level up or make that career change you’ve been longing for?

Jumping-off points could include anything from computer science degrees to STEM summer camps — and of course, bootcamps.

These crash courses in coding and development can be IRL or virtual. Oftentimes (but not always) they’re a not-too-shabby return on investment, with some claiming job offers for 90% of students within three months of graduating. And there are plenty such programs to go around in DC, whether you’re looking for part-time, full-time, tuition-free or the top of the line.

Got something we missed? Drop us a line at dc@technical.ly.

Ada Developer Academy

Ada Developer Academy students. (Courtesy photo)

• Who: This national coding bootcamp is a training program open to all women and gender-expansive adults, but primarily focuses on aspiring technologists who are Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, LGBTQIA+ or low-income. It teaches a full stack in its six-month course.
• When: Ada hosts two cohorts a year, in September and March. Applications open on Aug. 29 for its March cohort.
• Where: The newest face on the DC scene, Seattle-based Ada isn’t officially in DC yet for IRL courses. But it has virtual offerings for those in the region and will be opening a local campus in 2023.
• $$$: Free

Clarusway

• What: The Tysons, Virginia program has courses for frontend, backend and full-stack developers in a mix of full and part-time learning options.
• When: Sessions begin in August, and applications are still being accepted.
• Where: Tysons, as well as free mini-bootcamps online
• $$$: $4,800 to $7,200

Cydeo

• What: Cydeo has training courses in Java SDET, cybersecurity and Java in a course designed as “tech education for those with no tech background.”
• When: The seven-month program is full-time, five days a week. Enrollment has started for Java SDET, with an intro session on July 31.
• Where: The program is virtual but is taught live from Tysons, and students have the opportunity to meet instructors and mentors in person.
• $$$: $13,500 to $14,000

General Assembly

• What: This coding school has been in DC for almost a decade, with full and part-time courses in software engineering, data analytics, UX, frontend development, Python, JavaScript and more.
• When: New sessions begin this August.
• Where: All upcoming courses will be online, but there is an IRL campus in Chinatown and the location frequently hosts in-person workshops.
• $$$: $15,950

George Washington University

George Washington University in DC. (Courtesy photo)

• What: The local university has a 24-week, part-time bootcamp teaching a full-stack curriculum. It also has bootcamps in UX/UI, fintech, data, cybersecurity and project management. Students receive a professional certificate upon completion.
• When: It’s currently enrolling for a number of bootcamps that begin in August or October. The course has nine hours of scheduled class time with at least 20 hours of expected work outside.
• Where: The program is held entirely online.
• $$$: $12,245

Girls Who Code

• What: The national nonprofit has long worked to increase the number of women in computer science careers. A few years ago, it added its Code at Home program for parents, students and educators. In 2023, it will also be launching a summer immersion program for high school students.
• When: On your own schedule
• Where: Virtually, with additional programming at a number of DC chapters around the city
• $$$: Free

Per Scholas

A look at a Per Scholas training program. (Courtesy photo)

• What: The tech training nonprofit Per Scholas has developer courses available to residents of Silver Spring, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Charles County, DC and Northern Virginia. Last year, it also launched a Women in Software Engineering course and pre-apprenticeship program.
• When: Its software engineering course begins on Sept. 26, and its women’s course begins in December.
• Where: Remote with other local students, as well as an in-person course in IT training
• $$$: Free

Tech Elevator

• What: Tech Elevator hosts 14 and 30-week courses in Java and C#, for full-time or part-time students, and says 90% of graduates have a job within 180 days.
• When: The next cohorts begin on Aug. 20 and Sept. 12.
• Where: Tech Elevator doesn’t have a DC campus, but it does have a DC chapter featuring live, remote classes with other local students.
• $$$: $15,950

Virginia Tech

• What: In partnership with Fullstack Academy, Virginia Tech hosts 26-week bootcamps in full-stack development as well as cyber, DevOps and data analytics. Courses are part time for 12 to 26 weeks.
• When: Applications are due by Sept. 13 for a Sept. 19 start date.
• Where: Bootcamps are entirely virtual.
• $$$: $12,495

###

Not feeling the local vibe? Here are some national, fully virtual options to pick from:

• Flatiron School
• Coding Dojo
• Nucamp
• Thinkful