As the new year begins, many people consider taking up new hobbies, pursuing health goals, or breaking bad habits. However, for some, the new year presents an opportunity for a career change. Coding bootcamps offer short-term, intensive training programs in the tech industry. Over the past decade, they have become a popular choice for individuals who want to learn fundamental skills without committing to a lengthy computer science degree. Additionally, they provide more in-depth learning compared to free online resources. Many bootcamps can be completed in just a few weeks or months, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments. Before diving into a bootcamp, it's essential to consider if it's the right choice for you. If you're considering a career change or believe your future lies in tech but are not interested in pursuing a traditional four-year college degree, Pittsburgh offers a range of bootcamps and training programs to explore. Some are specifically tailored for youth and young adults.
Code Labs Academy (CLA)
Based in the heart of Berlin, Code Labs Academy thrives on its ability to meet the diverse needs of our students. As a global EdTech startup, we offer dynamic tech bootcamps tailored to individuals from all walks of life – whether you're a fresh graduate, a career switcher, or a professional with high aspirations. Our curriculum spans Cyber Security, Data Science, UX/UI Design, and Web Development, ensuring a wealth of engaging learning opportunities. At Code Labs Academy, we're passionate about fueling your career aspirations. We provide personalized educational and career guidance services designed to align with your unique ambitions – whether you're venturing into tech for the first time, transitioning from a non-tech background, or simply eager to expand your skill set. From tailored 1:1 career coaching to immersive learning sessions with our expert instructors, we create an environment where your success takes center stage. With our structured course format, you'll swiftly progress from your starting point, emerging as a proficient bootcamp graduate in just 12 to 24 weeks, armed with a comprehensive portfolio ready to showcase your talents. With flexible installment plans to ensure maximum affordability, we ensure acquiring essential tech skills is not only accessible but also fun. With Code Labs Academy, you can get started on an exciting journey to actualize your full potential in the ever-evolving world of technology!
Technical Discipline: Web Developer, Front-End Web Developer, Data Scientist, UX/UI Designer, Cyber Security Engineer
Duration: 12-24 weeks.
Cost: $5,499 (USD)
Academy Pittsburgh
Also recognized as AcademyPGH, this program teaches web development skills to students, covering languages like Ruby, C#, and JavaScript. Director John Lange highlighted in 2021 that JavaScript is “particularly in demand in the current job market”. AcademyPGH aims to ready students for various roles, including data scientists and full-stack developers. The organization's instructional facility is located on the North Side.
Technical Discipline: Front-end development, user interface/user experience (UI/UX), full stack development, UX, application (app) development, data scientists, and web development
Duration: 12 weeks
Cost: Either pay $10,000 upfront or opt for 10% of a graduate's income for 24 months.
Apprenti PGH
In 2021, the Seattle-based Apprenti joined forces with FortyX80, the nonprofit branch of the Pittsburgh Tech Council, to launch its IT apprenticeship program in Pittsburgh. Initially focusing on aspiring software analysts and web developers, Apprenti PGH expanded its offerings to include cybersecurity training in January and is now set to incorporate business analysts.
Technical Discipline: Web development, cybersecurity
Duration: 12 to 14 weeks
Cost: Free
Per Scholas Pittsburgh
This local division of a prestigious national program, headquartered in New York, currently provides courses in cybersecurity, IT support, and software engineering. Its expansion to Pittsburgh in 2021, in partnership with TEKsystems, a leading technology services provider, underscores its commitment to sourcing talent from Per Scholas classes to contribute to Pittsburgh's thriving tech ecosystem. Per Scholas, a national nonprofit, offers technology training for unemployed or underemployed individuals. Their courses include systems support, software engineering, and cybersecurity. Per Scholas offers intensive courses lasting 10 to 15 weeks in various tech fields like Full Stack Java Development, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Cloud DevOps, and IT Support. Operating across 17 cities in the US, their programs aim to bridge the gap between local talent and tech employers. These training opportunities are provided at no cost, thanks to corporate partnerships. Throughout the courses, Per Scholas focuses on both technical skills and professional development, preparing learners for job positions and interviews with their partner companies. Upon completion, graduates are directly connected to job opportunities at these partner companies. Additionally, Per Scholas provides ongoing career coaching, networking events, and career services support for up to 2 years after training
Technical Discipline: Web Development, Cybersecurity, Full Stack Java Development, Software Engineering
Duration: 10-15 weeks
Cost: Free
Tech Elevator
The Pittsburgh branch of this nationwide organization, headquartered at 901 Pennsylvania Ave., delivers both remote and in-person courses covering Java, C#, HTML, CSS, and SQL. It also ensures job placement upon completion and hosts Pittsburgh's #learntocode meetup, offering complimentary events and workshops for coders of all proficiency levels.
Technical Discipline: Full-Stack Web Development
Duration: 14 weeks (Full-time); over 30 weeks (Part-time)
Cost: Tuition is set at $16,500, with opportunities available to earn scholarships.
Girls Who Code
This national program aims to bridge the gender gap in the tech industry by providing complimentary coding courses for students in grades 3 through 12. Pittsburgh Technical College hosts a virtual club during the summer, welcoming students in grades 6 through 12. Throughout the academic year, both public and private schools have the opportunity to establish clubs for interested students. During the summer, high school students can enhance their coding skills while exploring potential tech careers. Moreover, women and nonbinary college and graduate students have the option to establish chapters on their campuses, providing internship support, interview and career readiness programs, and direct pathways to employment. Concerning applications, some clubs and camps necessitate registration, while chapters require applications for funding, available year-round.
Duration: Club sessions align with the school calendar, offering four-week sessions in the fall and nine-week sessions in the winter.
Cost: Clubs are free of charge; summer camps charge tuition fees, with potential grants available for participants in need, while college and young professional programs are offered at no cost.
STEM Coding Lab
The STEM Coding Lab, a nonprofit based in Pittsburgh, aims to assist children from underprivileged backgrounds in acquiring computer science skills through collaboration with Pittsburgh Public Schools. Through after-school programs, online sessions, or within school hours, students from kindergarten through twelfth grade have the opportunity to delve into computer science, robotics, and website design and development.
Technical Discipline: Computer Science
Duration: After-school programs and in-school classes follow the school calendar, while three two-week summer camp sessions are available during the summer.
Cost: Free or available at a low cost.
