Programming School Expands to Washington D.C.: Bringing Transformative Coding Education to the Nation‘s Capital
Programming School, a leading provider of coding education, is thrilled to announce the opening of its new campus in Washington D.C. in 2024. With a proven track record of empowering students with the skills needed to launch fulfilling careers in tech, Programming School‘s expansion to the nation‘s capital marks an exciting new chapter in its mission to make coding education accessible to all.
Washington D.C.‘s Thriving Tech Scene
Washington D.C. has emerged as a thriving hub for tech innovation in recent years. According to the CompTIA Cyberstates 2023 report, the D.C. metro area added over 11,000 tech jobs in 2022, solidifying its position as one of the fastest-growing tech markets in the country. The report also highlights the region‘s strong job growth in key industries such as cybersecurity, aerospace, and government services.
"The vibrant and diverse tech ecosystem in D.C. makes it the perfect fit for Programming School‘s next campus," says Programming School co-founder and CEO Adam Enbar. "We‘re excited to bring our transformative coding education to aspiring programmers in the area and help them make their mark on the local tech scene."
The demand for skilled tech talent in the D.C. area is evident in the competitive salaries and job opportunities available to software engineers. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for software developers in the D.C. metro area was $117,830 in 2021, significantly higher than the national median of $110,140. The region is home to a diverse range of tech employers, from startups to government agencies to Fortune 500 companies, providing ample opportunities for graduates to launch and grow their careers.
Immersive Software Engineering Curriculum
At the heart of Programming School‘s offerings is the flagship Software Engineering Immersive program. This full-time, 15-week course provides students with a comprehensive education in full-stack web development, covering key technologies such as:
- JavaScript and React for front-end development
- Ruby and Ruby on Rails for back-end development
- SQL and PostgreSQL for database management
- Git and GitHub for version control and collaboration
The curriculum is designed to mirror the real-world demands of software engineering roles, with a focus on project-based learning and practical application. Students work individually and in teams to build full-stack web applications, honing their technical skills and developing the collaboration and communication skills essential for success in the industry.
"Our immersive curriculum is designed to not only teach students the technical skills they need to succeed as software engineers but also prepare them for the day-to-day realities of working in tech," says Sarah Thompson, lead instructor at the D.C. campus. "From pair programming to agile workflows to technical interviews, we ensure that our graduates are job-ready and confident in their abilities."
Throughout the program, students receive individualized support and guidance from experienced instructors, as well as access to career prep resources and a dedicated career coach. The job search process is an integral part of the Programming School experience, with students receiving support in areas such as resume writing, networking, and technical interview prep.
Student Success Stories
The impact of Programming School‘s immersive curriculum and supportive community is evident in the success stories of its graduates. Take Maria Rodriguez, a recent graduate of the D.C. campus who transitioned from a career in marketing to a software engineering role at a leading tech company.
"Before Programming School, I had no coding experience and never imagined I could make such a significant career change," says Maria. "The program was challenging but incredibly rewarding. The support and encouragement I received from my instructors and peers gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams and land my dream job in tech."
Another recent graduate, John Lee, credits the project-based learning approach and real-world curriculum with preparing him for success in his new role as a full-stack developer.
"During the program, I built a full-stack web application that allowed users to track their fitness goals and connect with friends for accountability," says John. "The process of ideating, designing, and building the app from scratch gave me hands-on experience with the technologies and workflows I now use every day in my job. Programming School not only taught me how to code but also how to think and problem-solve like a software engineer."
Expert Instruction and Support
Leading the inaugural cohort at the D.C. campus will be experienced instructor Sarah Thompson. With a background in software engineering and a passion for coding education, Sarah brings a wealth of industry experience and pedagogical expertise to the role.
"Coding has the power to change lives, and I‘ve seen firsthand the incredible transformations that happen when students immerse themselves in the Programming School community," says Sarah. "I‘m thrilled to be part of bringing that community to D.C. and helping even more people take the first steps toward a fulfilling career in tech."
Joining Sarah on the instructional team will be James Davis, a seasoned software engineer with over a decade of experience in the industry. James‘s expertise in front-end development and passion for mentorship will be invaluable assets to the D.C. campus.
"I‘m excited to share my knowledge and experience with the next generation of software engineers," says James. "Programming School‘s immersive curriculum and supportive community provide the ideal environment for students to learn, grow, and launch successful careers in tech."
Collaboration with WeWork and Expanded Offerings
The new D.C. campus will be located at WeWork Metropolitan Square, offering students a state-of-the-art learning environment in the heart of the city. The collaboration with WeWork provides students with access to a global network of entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry leaders, as well as exclusive events and resources.
"WeWork is proud to support Programming School‘s community-driven approach to coding education," says WeWork‘s Mid-Atlantic General Manager Nicole Mozeliak. "By providing a dynamic and collaborative space for the new campus, we‘re excited to help more people access the skills and network they need to thrive in today‘s digital economy."
In addition to the Software Engineering Immersive, the D.C. campus will offer a range of community events, workshops, and new courses to support aspiring programmers at every stage of their journey. The new 12-week nights-and-weekends program, for example, will teach the fundamentals of front-end web development, providing a flexible option for those looking to build coding skills while balancing other commitments.
Take the First Step Toward a Coding Career in D.C.
Ready to launch a fulfilling career in tech? Applications are now open for Programming School‘s D.C. campus, with the first Software Engineering Immersive cohort set to begin in June 2024. Visit the Washington D.C. campus page to learn more about upcoming courses and events, or schedule a 10-minute chat with admissions to take the first step toward a transformative coding education.
With a proven track record, experienced instructors, and a thriving tech scene, there‘s never been a better time to start your coding journey in Washington D.C. Join the Programming School community and unlock your potential in the dynamic world of tech.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is current as of April 2024. Policies, offerings, procedures, and programs are subject to change.