10 Places to Learn How to Code for Free in Denver in 2024

Denver has established itself as one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the U.S. over the past decade. Drawn by the strong economy, high quality of life, and proximity to nature, tech talent from Silicon Valley and beyond has flocked to the Mile High City. According to CompTIA, Denver‘s tech sector expanded by nearly 17% between 2015 and 2020, reaching over 128,000 workers. And this rapid growth shows no signs of slowing down.

To keep up with demand and fill roles at Denver tech mainstays like Amazon, Apple, Google, and countless startups, the city needs a steady pipeline of new talent. Companies are eager to hire software developers, web designers, data analysts, and IT professionals. But what if you don‘t have a computer science degree or prior experience?

The good news is, with the abundance of coding bootcamps and other alternative education options in Denver, a traditional 4-year degree is no longer the only path to a lucrative tech career. And while an immersive bootcamp or night/weekend program is a great way to gain job-ready skills relatively quickly, the upfront cost can be a dealbreaker for some aspiring techies.

That‘s where Denver‘s vibrant tech community comes in. If you‘re curious about coding but not quite ready to quit your day job or go into debt, there are plenty of ways to start learning the basics for free. Here are 10 of the top places to learn how to code in Denver in 2024 without spending a dime.

1. Galvanize Introductory Coding Workshops

Galvanize is one of the most prominent coding bootcamp and coworking brands in Denver, with two campuses located Downtown and in the Golden Triangle. While their full-time data science and software engineering bootcamps come with a hefty price tag, Galvanize offers free evening intro to coding workshops about twice per month.

These 101-style classes are taught by Galvanize‘s expert instructors and cover the fundamentals of popular programming languages like HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and Python. Designed for complete beginners, they focus on hands-on learning with plenty of guidance. Just bring your laptop and a willingness to learn.

After completing a free workshop, you‘ll have a better sense of whether a career in web development or data is right for you. Galvanize also offers prep programs and job-focused bootcamps if you decide to take the next step. Check out their Eventbrite page for upcoming free workshops.

2. Girl Develop It Denver-Boulder

Girl Develop It is a national nonprofit providing affordable and judgment-free opportunities for women to learn software development skills. Their Denver-Boulder chapter hosts free Code & Coffee events about once per month where women can work on projects, get help from mentors, and network with other local techies.

In addition to Code & Coffee, Girl Develop It offers inexpensive, beginner-friendly short courses on topics like HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Python, WordPress, and more. While not free, they are very affordable compared to bootcamps and a great way to continue your coding journey with the support of their welcoming community. Join the Girl Develop It Denver-Boulder Meetup group to RSVP for upcoming events.

3. Learn to Code Colorado Meetup

Organized by Colorado-area tech enthusiasts and professionals, the Learn to Code Meetup aims to make learning programming skills accessible to everyone, regardless of background. They host free events around twice per month that are open to total beginners.

Each Meetup focuses on a different programming language or technology, with JavaScript, HTML/CSS, Python, and SQL being common choices. The format usually includes a presentation and hands-on exercises, with group coding help available. Attendees are encouraged to bring a laptop to follow along.

Learn to Code Colorado sessions fill up quickly, so be sure to RSVP early on their Meetup page. You can also join their Discord group to ask questions and get to know other members.

4. Denver Public Library Technology Classes

In addition to books and media, the Denver Public Library offers an impressive variety of free technology classes for the community. Options range from basic computer skills to specific coding languages and software programs.

Beginner-level classes like Intro to Coding with HTML and CSS or Coding Fundamentals with Python are offered periodically at the Central Branch and other locations. These hands-on classes are taught by knowledgeable instructors and are a low-pressure way to experience coding for the first time.

More advanced students may be interested in the library‘s classes on front-end web development, WordPress, data visualization, and more. To see the schedule and register, visit the Denver Public Library‘s online events calendar and filter by "Technology" under Event Type.

5. Turing School Free Try Coding Workshops

Turing School of Software & Design is a non-profit coding bootcamp located in Downtown Denver. Aiming to create a more diverse and inclusive tech workforce, they offer a 7-month, full-time training program in front-end and back-end engineering.

For those not ready to apply to their immersive bootcamp, Turing holds free Try Coding workshops most Saturday mornings. During these interactive sessions, you‘ll get an introduction to programming fundamentals and what a career in software development entails.

The workshop revolves around completing a guided coding project that gives you a taste of thinking like a developer. No prior coding experience is necessary, but you should bring a laptop and be ready to learn a ton. In addition to Try Coding, Turing provides free online prep modules to get you up to speed before applying to their full bootcamp. Visit their website for upcoming workshop dates and registration.

6. Programming School Denver Free Intro Courses

Another well-known bootcamp with a Denver presence is Programming School. They offer immersive and flexible training programs in software engineering, cybersecurity, data science, and product design.

At their modern Downtown campus, Flatiron regularly hosts free intro courses on HTML & CSS, JavaScript, Python, and other in-demand skills. These in-person workshops, usually held on weekday evenings, provide a crash course in a specific language through a hands-on project.

Flatiron‘s engaging instructors explain key concepts and help you write your first lines of code in a welcoming setting. By the end of the 2-3 hour session, you‘ll have a working project to add to your portfolio. Flatiron also provides a free online coding bootcamp prep course to continue building your skills after the workshop. Check out their events page to RSVP.

7. Free Code Camp Denver Meetup

Free Code Camp is a popular online learn-to-code platform offering 100% free courses, projects, and certifications. The Full Stack Development track covers everything from HTML to React to Node.js, while other tracks dive into data analysis, machine learning, and more.

To complement its online curriculum, Free Code Camp has local chapters in cities across the globe, including Denver. The Denver Free Code Camp Meetup gets together about once per month (currently virtually) to work through coding challenges, get help from one another, and socialize.

Meetups are informal and welcome participants of all skill levels. Whether you‘re already working through the Free Code Camp curriculum or just thinking about getting started, you‘re invited to join, ask questions, and meet others on the same path. Check their Meetup page for the next event.

8. Denver Devs Slack Community

While not a learn-to-code group per se, Denver Devs is arguably the most active online community for current and aspiring developers in the Mile High City. With over 4,000 members and counting, their Slack group is a goldmine of resources, advice, and camaraderie.

Channels exist for every popular programming language, as well as career advice, job postings, and general discussion. Beginners can post questions in the #help channel and receive friendly guidance from experienced devs. The #topic-language channels (like #topic-javascript) are also great places to ask newbie questions and find resources.

Denver Devs also organizes regular social events, study groups, and an annual conference, all of which are incredible free opportunities to grow your skills and network. Joining the Slack group is free — just fill out the sign-up form on their site to get started.

9. Codecademy Denver Meetup

Codecademy is another popular free online platform for learning to code, offering interactive courses in web development, programming, data science, and related tech skills. Their Denver Meetup group gets together monthly to work through lessons, build projects, and support each other‘s learning.

Codecademy Meetups are informal and beginner-friendly. Attendees typically spend the first half of the event working independently on the courses/projects of their choice, then regroup to demo their work, ask questions, and socialize. Bring a laptop and make progress alongside fellow learners.

You don‘t have to be enrolled in Codecademy to attend — the Meetups welcome anyone interested in learning to code for free. Codecademy Pro paid subscribers also get occasional member-only perks. Join the Codecademy Denver Meetup group to start RSVPing for events.

10. LaunchCode Colorado CoderGirl

LaunchCode is a national workforce development nonprofit offering free tech training and job placement opportunities. Their CoderGirl program provides a supportive, all-women environment to learn programming skills and begin a career in tech.

The CoderGirl curriculum covers front-end web development in JavaScript and Python over 24 weeks of evening classes. Participants build real-world projects for their portfolios and receive career prep support. Best of all, the program is 100% free for accepted applicants.

LaunchCode also offers free part-time Web Development and Computer Science courses in other formats. Learning is primarily via their online platform, but local volunteer mentors are available to help with exercises and projects.
Prospective participants must complete a short application and demonstrate their motivation to learn. Visit the LaunchCode site to learn more and apply.

Get Started with Free Denver Coding Resources

In a tech hub as vibrant as Denver, there‘s no shortage of free ways to start learning valuable coding skills. From one-off workshops to months-long programs, the 10 resources above offer something for every experience level and learning style.

Keep in mind that these free options just scratch the surface of what‘s needed to be job-ready. To really make the leap into a tech career, you‘ll likely need to invest significant time and eventually some money into training, whether through self-study, a multi-month bootcamp, or a computer science degree.

But for anyone curious about coding, Denver‘s abundance of free resources means you can get a feel for the skills, career paths, and local tech community before making a major commitment. In a city with such rapid tech job growth, putting in the effort to learn to code—even just the basics at first—can pay big dividends. Get out there and start coding, Denver!