The tech industry offers a variety of possibilities for working professionals. One is a potential career change that incorporates new and varied skill sets in an ever-changing market.
Coding bootcamps are intense, short-term tech training programs that are popular for quickly learning to code and, in some cases, fitting around other commitments. In recent years, they haven’t been guaranteed solutions with job prospects — a phenomenon becoming more challenging with the current economic outlook for junior developers.
That said, if you do decide that this could be the path for you, you can start with the over 10 bootcamps listed below. They are either located in the DMV or have ties to the region, and are presented in alphabetical order. Also included are programs that are focused on youth or young adults.
Ada Developers Academy
Who? This Seattle-based nonprofit coding school specializes in teaching software development to women and people of all genders. The program primarily targets aspiring technologists who are Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, LGBTQIA+ or low-income.
When? Cohorts typically begin in March and September, with application windows opening six months before the start date.
Cost? Free.
Clarusway
What? Clarusway is an IT training school headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, with offices in Germany and the Netherlands. It specializes in back-end development, blockchain, cloud engineering, cybersecurity data analytics, data science, DevOps engineering, front-end development, full-stack development, Salesforce and Web 3.0.
When? Several dates, depending on the program:
- FrontEnd Development 1 (Feb. 26-May 24)
- FrontEnd Development 2 (June 3-Aug. 23)
- BackEnd Development (Sept. 9-Nov. 27)
- Amazon Web Services (Jan. 22-June 9)
- Development and Operations (June 24-Oct. 6).
- Salesforce Administrator (Jan. 22-April 26)
- Developer (April 29-Aug. 2)
Where? Tysons, along with free mini-bootcamps online.
Cost? $13,800
Cydeo
What? Cydeo is an online learning platform with coding and programming courses. Its structure offers users a flexible way to learn skills and increase their knowledge of the subject from their own home. Its Java program teaches Java language, Spring Boot, microservices and DevOps. Other programs focus on cybersecurity analyst skills and Java software development engineer in test (SDET) qualification.
When? Feb. 17 for Cybersecurity Analyst and Feb. 25 for SDET.
Cost? $13,500
General Assembly
What? General Assembly provides coding bootcamps and other tech-related courses that are immersive and intensive, with shorter time frames than other similar programs. The organization’s Data Analytics certification is one of its most well-known programs, with over 97,000 graduates choosing it, according to its website.
When? March 4
Cost? $16,450
George Washington University
What? George Washington’s part-time online UX/UI program is designed for those who want to begin their career in design professions. The program takes 24 weeks to complete with live classes offered nine hours per week, three times a week in three-hour weekday evening blocks. Homework and projects take 20 or more hours per week.
When? Feb. 26
Cost? $11,995
Girls Who Code
What? Girls Who Code is an organization that looks to close the gender gap in technology. This organization provides opportunities for girls to learn coding and computer science skills through clubs, summer immersion programs and other initiatives.
When? You create your own schedule.
Where? Virtual
Cost? Free
Nucamp
What? The program provides part-time online coding courses, enabling students to balance other commitments while learning coding skills. Courses involved 8-14 hours of online content and the program is self-paced. Students can work with 14 classmates and one instructor. Weekend courses include a four-hour live workshop led by the instructor and students can get feedback throughout the week via private chat. Classes offered include back-end, SQL and Python-based DevOps classes.
When? Nucamp courses have a variety of flexible schedules, with classes typically held on weekends or evenings, allowing students to learn at their own pace.
Cost? $1,500-$17,000.
Per Scholas
What? Per Scholas is a nonprofit organization that provides tuition-free technology training and career development programs to those from underserved communities. The organization’s goal is to create pathways to upward mobility through tech education. It offers courses in cybersecurity, IT support and software engineering.
When? TBD
Cost? Free
Tech Elevator
What? This immersive coding bootcamp teaches software development skills in a shorter time frame. It was founded in 2015, growing to its current stature in the tech industry. Tech Elevator provides a structured curriculum, hands-on projects and career support to aid students in their transition to tech careers.
When? March 3 and April 21 (part-time); May 13 (full-time).
Where? Tech Elevator bootcamps have featured locations in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit and Pittsburgh, along with online programs.
Cost? $16,500
Virginia Tech
What? The Virginia Tech Coding Bootcamp, powered by Fullstack Academy, is a part-time program that teaches full-stack web development and equips students with the knowledge and tools they need to become successful coders. Programs include CSS, HTML, JavaScript, MongoDB and more.
When? The full-time program is 16-28 weeks and recently started up on Feb. 19. A part-time weekday coding bootcamp started Monday and goes until Sept. 12, while another part-time morning camp will be offered from April 29 to Nov. 14.
Cost? $14,995
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If these more localized options aren’t for you, consider these national and virtual programs:
Updated Feb. 29 to clarify the outfit behind the Virginia Tech bootcamp
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