You've Been Accepted to Coding Bootcamp: What's Next

TLDR: Once accepted to Code Platoon, students complete Code Platoon Prep, apply for VA benefits or scholarships, and prepare for coding success. SkillBridge participants must also secure command approval.

So, you’ve identified your preferred program in Part One. You completed the application coding exercises and short answers in Part Two and submitted your Coding Bootcamp application. Once you're accepted, you might wonder what the next steps are you should take to prepare for coding bootcamp. 

Here is what you should expect after being admitted to a Code Platoon program:

Complete Code Platoon Prep

Imagine attending a school that never assigns readings or homework before class. Classes would need to be longer to accommodate the basics before eventually getting to the main lesson. 

At Code Platoon, we keep our programs short (15-week Immersive and 28-week Evening & Weekend programs) by assigning Code Platoon Prep, our pre-work course. Code Platoon Prep, which occurs between your acceptance and the start of your program, ensures you understand the programming basics needed to succeed in Coding Bootcamp. We’ve found that students who put more effort into mastering the fundamentals tend to have an easier time completing their program.

Code Platoon Prep includes short instructional videos, practice exercises, and short assessments.

Here is what you’ll cover during Code Platoon Prep:

• Basic JavaScript & React.js
• Basic HTML, HTML5, & CSS
• Debugging Code
• Basic Python & Object-oriented Programming
• Git & GitHub for Beginners

Instructors are available to help you throughout the process. They host group check-ins and virtual office hours and answer questions on your cohort's Slack channel. 

Apply for GI Bill, VR&E, or a Scholarship

Code Platoon’s mission is to help make transitioning to a tech career affordable for all Veterans and military spouses. Our programs are approved to accept VA education benefits, and Code Platoon has scholarships for military coding students.

Once you’ve been accepted to a Code Platoon program, we’ll help you apply for the VA benefit or scholarship that best fits your circumstances:

• GI Bill®: Veterans attending the Immersive, In-person program can use their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits for Coding Bootcamp. You can check your GI Bill benefits and apply through the VA.
  
• VR&E: Veterans with documented service-connected disabilities can attend Code Platoon with Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) benefits. Those interested in attending Code Platoon with VR&E benefits can check VR&E eligibility requirements and apply online on the VA website.
• Scholarships: Code Platoon offers scholarships for Veterans, Servicemembers, and military spouses and dependents. You can indicate the scholarships you are interested in during Part One of the application. Once you are accepted into the program, you will receive a scholarship application to complete the process.

Secure Command Approval for SkillBridge

The DoD SkillBridge program (also known as CSP in the Army) allows active duty Servicemembers to train in job skills before they leave the service. SkillBridge program participants must secure command approval for their training plans.

Code Platoon offers resources for Servicemembers interested in attending a Coding Bootcamp. Please visit our SkillBridge program page for a template for command approval and an Introductory Letter for your command.

When you’re accepted to Code Platoon via the SkillBridge program, our enrollment team will provide you with more information about using your VA education benefits or help you apply for Code Platoon’s scholarship.

That’s what to expect after being accepted to Code Platoon. We recommend starting your application today if you’re interested in one of our programs but haven’t applied yet. The sooner you finish your application, the sooner you will be accepted, and the more time you will have to prepare for your coding journey.

You can send questions about Code Platoon’s application or enrollment process to our Recruitment team at info@codeplatoon.org.