ABOUT CODE PLATOON
Code Platoon helps Veterans, active duty Servicemembers, and military spouses transition into the civilian workforce by providing technical training and career placement. Our training programs are designed specifically for members of the military community. They feature immersive curriculums combined with career preparation and coaching, professional networking, and opportunities for paid apprenticeships after graduation.
Since Code Platoon launched in 2016, we have graduated more than 200 students into new careers in software engineering. More than 80% of our graduates are employed within six months of completion. Our graduates are more than simply employed; they have a median salary of $72,000 within six months of graduation. After 24 months, their median salary is $96,000.
Mission Statement
Code Platoon transforms Veterans, active duty Servicemembers, and military spouses into professional software engineers through an immersive, hands-on educational process and paid apprenticeship program.
THE PROBLEM
The unemployment rate for Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time since September 2001– a group referred to as Gulf War-era II Veterans – is almost 50% higher than the national average (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021). Job-seeking Veterans face many challenges translating their military experience, demonstrated dedication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills into civilian work experience.
Attending four-year college after completing their service is often not practical for most Veterans due to family, financial, and social reasons. Most four-year college computer science curriculums focus more on theory than real-world skills. Short-term immersive education programs and software engineering Bootcamps have become talent pools for the tech world, but none specifically address the challenges and considerations of the Veteran community.
OUR SOLUTION
An immersive Bootcamp allows students to learn by doing in a collaborative environment. Students spend hours coding, pair-programming, and applying principles taught in lectures. Working together in teams to solve complex challenges simulates real-world work experience.
Code Platoon exists specifically to connect military community members with careers in tech using a Bootcamp model while facilitating the transition into civilian life. Code Platoon teaches Veterans and military spouses marketable skills that leverage core competencies and their military background, transforming them into software engineers through immersive, hands-on educational processes and apprenticeship programs.
HOW WE DO IT
Code Platoon is a 501(c)3 non-profit that helps Veterans, active duty Servicemembers, and military spouses find meaningful and fulfilling careers in tech. To achieve our mission, we seek to:
Lower barriers to entry: Traditional bootcamps cost upwards of $15,000. Code Platoon’s donors and corporate partners help make our programs affordable through scholarships and underwriting. Eligible students may also use VA Educational benefits to attend our programs.
Challenge Assumptions: A Veteran, Servicemember, or military spouse has what it takes to become a software engineer, even if they don’t identify as a techie. We encourage all Veterans, and military spouses to apply. We don’t require a math background or a four-year degree.
Raise Awareness: The Veteran community brings a lot of value to the workplace and many benefits to the employer. We help spread the word by partnering with companies that have Veteran hiring programs.
Awards and Recognition
Platinum Seal of Transparency
Candid
2022
Give with Confidence
Charity Navigator Encompass rating
2022
2021 Best Online Coding Bootcamps
Intelligent Approved
2021
2021 Best Bootcamp Winner
Switchup
2021
2020 Best Coding Bootcamp
Switchup
2020
2020 Best Bootcamp
Course report
2020
2019 Best Bootcamp
Course report
2019
2018 Best Bootcamp
Course Report
2018
Platinum Seal of Transparency
Guidestar
2021
Platinum Seal of Transparency
Guidestar
2020
Platinum Seal of Transparency
Guidestar
2019
Platinum Seal of Transparency
Guidestar
2018
Top-Rated Nonprofit
GreatNonprofits
2018
Newman’s Own Award
Newman’s Own | Fisher House | Military Times
2018
Audited Outcomes
Council on Integrity in Results Reporting
2017
Code Platoon is a U.S. tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 47-2499578). Code Platoon is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education (1 N. Old State Capital Plaza, Suite 333, Springfield, IL 62701, www.ibhe.org). Code Platoon is a member of the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting (www.cirr.org) and is a platinum-level participant with Guidestar (www.guidestar.org).
Neither Code Platoon nor any affiliate shall discriminate against any person or group of persons on the basis of race, culture, ethnicity, age, religion, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability in the requirements for membership, the services or supports it provides, or its policies or actions.
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