Starting a tech career in Philly? 13+ coding bootcamps and training programs to know

Coding bootcamps are short-term, intensive tech training programs. For the past decade, they’re been a popular choice for people who want to learn the basics, but don’t want to commit to a two- or four-year computer science program — and more recently, for those who want more depth than can be found in free tools found online. Many bootcamps can be completed in just a few weeks or months while students hold down other jobs.

Of course, you should think about whether a bootcamp is the right choice for you in the first place. They’re no longer the “silver bullet” they were during their heyday, as one technologist pointed out on Technical.ly’s Slack recently. And a challenging economic landscape means it may be getting harder to get hired as a junior developer these days.

But if a bootcamp is right for you, you have your pick of a variety of courses and price points. Most of the below bootcamps are remote, but some offer in-person options if that’s more your learning style.

Here are 10+ coding bootcamps with Philadelphia locations or ties, presented in alphabetical order, plus a handful of programs dedicated to youth or younger adults. This list is updated from our 2023 bootcamp guide. Reach out to philly@technical.ly if you have an addition to our list.

Community College of Philadelphia Software Development Bootcamp

What? CCP offers a frontend and backend software development courses through the Continuing Professional Education and Career Training Program. Both programs are 18 weeks long.  Backend covers introduction to Java, relational databases with MySQL and web API design with Spring Boot. Frontend covers introduction to JavaScript, front end technologies and web app design with React.

When? The courses are accepting applications for sessions running February through June.

Cost? Tuition is $4,250.

Drexel Web Development and Coding Training

What? Drexel University’s Goodwin College of Professional Studies offers courses in web design, development and coding. This year the college is offering three online-only courses covering web/user interface design, UX and front-end development.

When? The first course runs on Tuesdays from February through April. The next course will be offered in the spring semester, and the third course will be offered in the fall semester.

Cost? $995 per course

eParaTech

What? Pennovation Center-based eParaTech, which calls itself an “enterprise systems integration and solutions company,” offers a variety of courses for both individuals and organizations that cover software development, databases and data and cloud services.

When? The company is currently offering a four week course to learn to code Node.js

Cost? $300

GameChangers Accelerator

What? DiverseForce hosted the GameChangers accelerator program last fall focused on artificial intelligence and gamification. The next phase of GameChangers is a membership-based program that offers the accelerator course asynchronously. Topics include digital marketing, project management, UX/UI design and no-code/low-code programming.

When? Applications open Feb. 6. You can fill out this interest form for more information.

Cost? There are two pricing tiers: $99 per month and $249 per month

LaunchCode

What? St. Louis-based LaunchCode started operating in Philly in 2021. The org teaches foundational programming concepts, front-end programming in JavaScript and object-oriented programming in Java. Participants also get job search support. A spokesperson told Technical.ly the program planned to have in-person classes last year, but had to cancel them. Now LaunchCode offers virtual classes in hub cities that don’t have physical spaces, such as Philadelphia.

When? LaunchCode runs programs all year round. Check out the course catalog for open applications here. Applications are currently open for a Web Development C# course from March to July.

Cost? Free

Penn LPS Bootcamps

What? University of Pennsylvania’s College of Liberal and Professional Studies offers virtual bootcamps in coding, data science, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. The coding program is offered as either a full-time, 12-week program or a part-time, 24-week program. The other subjects are only offered at part-time programs.

When? All the programs are currently accepting applications for spring sessions.

Cost? The coding bootcamp is $14,495 for the full-time program and $12,495 for the part-time program.

Per Scholas

What? Per Scholas is a national nonprofit that offers tech training to unemployed or underemployed people. Course subjects include systems support, software engineering and cybersecurity. Courses are offered online, hybrid and in-person at the Philadelphia campus on John F. Kennedy Boulevard.

When? The program is currently accepting applications for programs that start in April.

Cost? Free

Resilient Coders

What? This bootcamp started in Boston but expanded to Philly in 2021. The course teaches HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Express, React and MongoDB, along with professional skills. The program is completely remote and runs full time for 20 weeks. You can apply here.

When? Applications are currently open for the next cohort running February to June 2024.

Cost? Free, and participants receive a $500 biweekly stipend (down from the $1,000 offered biweekly the previous year)

Tech Elevator

What? Tech Elevator has campuses in multiple cities, including a Philadelphia chapter that launched in 2019. The program offers part-time and full-time full-stack development courses virtually for Philadelphia-based students. Full-time courses are 14 weeks long and part-time courses are 30 weeks. View the course catalog here.

When? The program is currently accepting applications for courses that start in March.

Cost? Tuition is $16,500 and there are options to earn scholarships.

Tech Impact ITWorks

What? This program focuses on 18- to 26-year-olds and offers programs in Philadelphia, Wilmington and Las Vegas. The curriculum prepares students for Cisco IT Essentials and the CompTIA A+ certification and also covers PC hardware, troubleshooting, IT networking and security. The first 11 weeks cover coursework before students complete a five-week internship. Recently announced: ITWorks is also giving its alums the opportunity to return virtually for free upskilling as they build their careers.

When? This program is offered twice a year in the spring and fall, and is currently accepting applications.

Cost? Free for accepted applicants

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These programs are meant for youth and younger adults:

Coded by Kids

What? This nonprofit offers a variety of courses that cover software development, digital design, computer science and entrepreneurship. Coded by Kids targets sixth through 12th graders and college students and courses are offered in both virtual and in-person formats.

When? The program is currently accepting applications for spring and summer programs.

Cost? Free

Hopeworks

What? Hopeworks is a tech education nonprofit that targets young people aged 17 to 26. The organization has headquarters in Camden and Kensington. The program offers technical training in front end web development, GIS and data visualization, as well as internships and other employment opportunities.

When? Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Cost? Free; participants earn $1,950 in stipends though the course of the training.

Urban Technology Project

What? Urban Technology Project is the School District of Philadelphia’s apprenticeship program that offers paid training in IT, digital services and software development.

When? Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for the upcoming school year.

Cost? Free; apprentices are paid a salary with benefits

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If these local options aren’t for you, consider these national and virtual programs:

• Flatiron School
• Coding Dojo
• Nucamp
• Thinkful
• TechGirlz
• Code Galaxy

Sarah Huffman is a 2022-2024 corps member for Report for America, an initiative of The Groundtruth Project that pairs young journalists with local newsrooms. This position is supported by the Lenfest Institute for Journalism.