It's never too late to learn a new skill.
For those looking to boost their career, understand software a bit better or otherwise pursue a new hobby, learning to code may be their best bet.
The good news? Rhode Island has multiple ways to do to this, from formal, pricier bootcamps with career placement assistance to casual meetups (with drinks), plus opportunities for younger kids to get a coding leg-up from a young age. We’ve rounded up some of these spots below.
Also consider getting involved with TechHire Rhode Island, a program from Opportunity@Work (a nonprofit that looks to increase workers' skills). The organization has a great roundup of resources and events relating to coding. There's also the Rhode Island Computer Museum, which routinely hosts relevant events, as well as the Providence Geeks.
Are we missing anything? As always, drop us a line if so.
- For Whom: Beginners
- What: "Mayor Elorza has decided to learn how to code and develop websites, and he is inviting you to come out and learn with him... for free! A laptop and an RSVP request is required. Space is limited to 30 attendees. You will receive a $200 online course and you will learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Jquery, Php, MySQL, API’s & more as you code and develop real websites. There is LOTS of free swagg (stuffed teddy bears, official Google sunglasses, t-shirts, ear bud headphones, etc). Complimentary food, pizza and refreshments will be provided."
- Where: Providence Public Library
- When: Second Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m.
- For Whom: All skill levels
- What: "Your best course for career transformation. Our award-winning coding bootcamp, dedicated career coaches, 19,000+ hiring partners, and global expert network get grads hired at A-list companies." Offers part-time and fulltime courses in a variety of different disciplines.
- Where: URI Feinstein College of Education and Professional Studies
- When: Varies, depending on the participant's course.
- For Whom: There are courses for beginners and more advanced students.
- What: "CareerDevs is a year-long, full-stack program for students looking to kickstart their careers in computer science. We are committed to the belief that an education worth our students time is one that teaches students the powerful skills needed to thrive in today’s economy without incurring the crushing student debts affecting Americans today."
- Where: Online
- When: Varies, depending on the participant's date of acceptance.
- For Whom: There are courses for beginners and more advanced students.
- What: "Our bootcamps are part-time and instructor-led, with a maximum of 12 students. Learn at your own pace and online during the week, and remotely via video conference on Saturdays. You can finally keep your job and stay in your community while pursuing your own goals."
- Where: Online
- When: Varies, depending on the participant's chosen course.
Sylvan EDGE - Coding in Coventry
- For Whom: Kids
- What: "Our bootcamps are part-time and instructor-led, with a maximum of 12 students. Learn at your own pace and online during the week, and remotely via video conference on Saturdays. You can finally keep your job and stay in your community while pursuing your own goals."
- Where: Sylvan Learning of Coventry, 65 Sandy Bottom Rd., Coventry, R.I.
- When: Varies
- For Whom: Students, grades 7-12
- What: "Our bootcamps are part-time and instructor-led, with a maximum of 12 students. Learn at your own pace and online during the week, and remotely via video conference on Saturdays. You can finally keep your job and stay in your community while pursuing your own goals."
- Where: Providence Public Library
- When: Varies
- For Whome: Welcome to all, but developed with those who identify as women in mind.
- What: "Girl Develop It is a nonprofit organization that provides affordable programs for adult women interested in learning web and software development in a judgment-free environment."
- Where: Depends on the course or event being offered.
- When: Depends on the course or event being offered.
- For Whom: Developers of any level
- What: "Drop in anytime between 7 and 10pm with a laptop and an idea, side project, or something you’d like to learn. There is no set agenda — this is your dedicated time to get some work done or explore something new."
- Where: AS220 Media Arts in Providence
- When: Wise Coder's Hack Night occurs on the first and third Thursday of the month.
