Free Learn to Code Bootcamp for Veterans and Transitioning Servicemembers Launches In-Class Portion

Program Is First of Its Kind In Texas

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Nov 03, 2015, 11:47 ET

SAN ANTONIO, Nov. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, a group of Veterans and Transitioning Servicemembers will start a whole new kind of "bootcamp" in San Antonio, TX, trading pushups and pullups for computers and code. Modeled after Codeup's successful learn-to-code programs, Veteran Bootcamp will train students for careers as professional computer programmers, but with a twist: it's free.

The bootcamp is entirely funded through a contract from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, awarded to Coley, who partnered with Codeup to provide this valuable training to Veterans and Transitioning Servicemembers. Veteran Bootcamp is part of the Veterans Economic Communities Initiative, which fosters education and employment opportunities for Veterans at the community level. Qualified students can participate in the bootcamp at no cost, without using GI Bill benefits.

Veteran Bootcamp is a 250+ hour program taken part-time over 16 weeks at Codeup's campus in downtown San Antonio. Students have completed pre-work remotely and will begin in-class training this evening, focusing on front-end technologies like JavaScript, HTML, WordPress, and CSS. Graduates will be prepared for jobs as entry-level front-end web developers and software engineers.

According to Computerworld, IT jobs are expected to grow at 22 percent annually through 2020. "There's clearly a huge gap between the skills in our workforce and the needs of employers," said Michael Girdley, CEO of Codeup. "We're proud to be part of this solution, especially with San Antonio's role as Military City USA."

At a glance:

18 in the first cohort, 5 of whom relocated to San Antonio
Aligns with the White House's Skills and Demand-Driven Training Initiative designed to train more Veterans and Transitioning Servicemembers with job skills needed by industry
Over 200 applied for this bootcamp nationwide

About Codeup: Codeup is a computer programming bootcamp in San Antonio, TX with a mission to change people's lives by helping them launch careers in tech. Founded in 2013, Codeup has generated more than $3 million in new tech salaries since its inception with a hiring rate over 93 percent.

About Coley: Coley & Associates, Inc. is a VA-Certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned, Small Business (SDVOSB) delivering world-class training and performance solutions that empower the workforce.

SOURCE Codeup