Bridging the Gap in Veteran Employment
Who We Are
Code Platoon is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that transforms Veterans, active duty Servicemembers, and military spouses into professional software engineers through an immersive, hands-on educational process and paid apprenticeship program. We recognize the unique and diversified skill sets and experience Veterans bring to the tech industry and provide the hard and soft skills for these individuals to transition to careers in tech.
The Challenge
Veterans face significant challenges in the civilian workforce. They often earn significantly less than their civilian counterparts and face challenges with unemployment, underemployment, and transitioning to the civilian workforce. The earnings gap is particularly pronounced for Veterans without a college degree, who typically find employment in roles that are traditionally considered “blue collar.”
Our Solution
The data shows that Veterans, especially those without a college degree, are often confined to low-wage jobs with limited advancement. We work to change this at Code Platoon by providing comprehensive technical education, paving the way for them into high-demand careers in software engineering. Our focus extends beyond just technical skills. We’re committed to unlocking every student’s potential and guiding Veterans and military spouses toward rewarding and fulfilling tech careers.
Our Impact
Since 2016, we have graduated over 600 students into Software and DevOps Engineering careers. In the last two years, 215 students have completed our program, with 74% of graduates securing software engineering roles within six months. The median starting salary for those graduates is $85,000, which rises to $115,000 within two years.
Our Philosophy
We believe that every Veteran and military spouse with aspirations in tech deserves access to quality education and training. As a mission-driven nonprofit organization, we strive to make this journey as accessible as possible.
- Affordability: Through scholarships and VA Education benefits, we ensure our program is financially accessible. More than 80% of students utilize VA Education benefits. In 2022 alone, 90% of scholarship applicants received the financial aid they needed.
- Inclusivity: We challenge traditional barriers to tech education. Our cohorts are a testament to this, with 38% identifying as Black or Hispanic, 12% as part of the LGBTQ+ community, 39% as active duty Servicemembers, and 14% as military spouses.
- Career Readiness: We ensure our graduates have more than just the technical skills to be successful. Our program focuses on professional development training, ensuring our graduates are well-equipped for the tech industry.
Join Our Mission
Your involvement, whether as a prospective student, alumni, volunteer, donor, or corporate partner, is pivotal in empowering Veterans and military spouses. Together, we can close the employment and earnings gap faced by Veterans, providing them with fulfilling careers and a brighter future in the tech industry.
Awards and Recognition
Best Coding Bootcamps
College Consensus
2024
Platinum Seal of Transparency
Candid
2024
Best Coding Bootcamp
Course Report
2024
Best Coding Bootcamp
College Consensus
2023
Best Coding Bootcamp
Course Report
2023
Best Bootcamps
Switchup
2023
Platinum Seal of Transparency
Candid
2023
Best Coding Bootcamp
Course Report
2022
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, NFP 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, NFP 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.
