Last summer, a friend told me about an upcoming computer training course with LaunchCode called LC101. LaunchCode is a non-profit organization with a reputation for helping motivated individuals succeed in the world of computer programing.
They work with tech companies and host courses like LC101 for driven and talented people who might otherwise lack the right resume or degree to get a good job.
LaunchCode offers programs under the following categories:
- Fundamentals
- Code Skills
- Employment Prep
- Job-Ready
LaunchCode programs are available in the following areas:
- Saint Louis
- South Florida
- Kansas City
- Tampa Bay
How I got started
In 2018 with a $130,200 grant from the Berges Family Foundation, LaunchCode offered their 20-week flagship course LC101 to U.S. Military veterans, service members of all components as well as family members. During twenty weeks, the course promised to teach students Python, HTML, and end with Java or
In August of last year, my friend mentioned the opportunity to me and said I should apply. Well, I didn’t or at least not right away. As is my nature I was skeptical and thought, what’s the catch?”
As days turned into weeks, LaunchCode kept popping up on my Facebook feed and in the local news. So I relented. I followed one of the ads on Facebook and applied. Again, I was skeptical, but for different reasons.
After doing some research I was very impressed with LaunchCode’s track record, specifically with how many people they have helped, and their stated conversion ratio of internships turned to fulltime jobs.
Don’t you need a degree to get a job?
No. Not anymore. Thankfully, one does not need a degree to be hired provided they can perform the job duties.
If you don’t believe me, listen to Elon Musk
Some companies are coming on board with this new way of thinking and are starting to hire based on qualifications and potential rather than on a piece of paper.
LaunchCode is taking this way of thinking to tech companies and brokering the opportunity for LaunchCode graduates to land jobs. Jobs that graduates can do, and jobs that in most cases these companies can’t fill. Jobs that have been vacant for too long all because of an outdated method of gauging applicant hireability.
Yes, in most cases LaunchCode graduates will only have a foundation of skills, but that is also an advantage for the tech company. There are no bad habits. The graduate can be evaluated during an apprenticeship and either offered a position or thanked and they can both go their separate ways.
According to LaunchCode, more than 4 out of 5 apprentices have been converted to permanent employment after an average of 3 months.
And?
And I was accepted, despite me going around telling friends and family that, yes I had applied, but no, I don’t expect to be accepted.
Sure, I was worried about getting my hopes up, but I also honestly didn’t think that I would be accepted. I got it into my head that LaunchCode existed to help those who couldn’t help themselves and
Thankfully, LaunchCode did accept me because without LC101, their teachers, and their TA’s I wouldn’t have learned a tenth of what I have so far and in such a short time.
By the way, I just finished the second term. With only one more term to go before I complete LC101, I think it is finally safe for me to write about my experience.
And if you are thinking what I am right now, yes, you are correct. I probably would have taken this story to the grave if I had failed before now. Just being honest.
The Curriculum
LC101 is 20 weeks long and organized into three terms with a one to two-week break between each term.
Term One
During the first term, we learned the Python language. I’ve been told it is an easy-to-learn language if you are already familiar with Java or one of the C’s. However, it is also an easy-to-learn first language.
Python is easy to read and follow and allows the learner to begin to understand syntax and logic. Computer programing involves problem-solving and requires the user to think in a specific way.
Term Two
After learning Python in term one, we went onto learn HTML, CSS, and programming our own web applications using MySQL and MAMP. Our capstone assignment was to create a functioning multi-user Blog application able to database information and configured for separate sessions by username login.
While the projects I have completed are elementary, especially when compared to what I take for granted using WordPress, they taught me fundamentals and helped me to conceptually understand what takes place behind the scenes. If you would like to see what I call my “Franken-code” you are welcome to check it out on my GitHub page.
Term Three
I am starting the third term in March and I am excited to learn Java. Fingers crossed that having learned Python last year Java will come a little easier. I’ve scanned ahead and it looks like we will have four major projects due in the next few months.
All I can do now, is hold on for the ride and try and keep up.
My maturity level while learning Python
Tools & Resources
During LC101, I experimented with Windows, Chrome OS, and Linux as well as several different programming integrated development environments (IDE). By the end of the first term, I settled into a rhythm and found what best worked for me.
Computer OS
I have a desktop running Windows 10 in my office and Chrome OS/Linux for classroom work. Using different operating systems has been advantageous. I have been able to see similarities and differences of both.
I have completed most of my work with the Pixelbook using Google’s BETA Linux setup. With this set up I get the best of several worlds. Chrome OS, Android applications, and Linux.
Chrome OS just works. It’s fast responsive and I find that I can do almost anything on it. Couple that experience with Android applications and Linux development software makes my Pixelbook a powerful little laptop.
I prefer it for traveling and classroom work and most, if not all, of my web development, happens on the Pixelbook.
Software & IDEs (so far)
| Pycharm* | Visual Studio Code* |
| Git Bash | LAMP |
| Oracle VM Virtual Box | MAMP |
| MySQL | Flask |
| Miniconda | PHPMyAdmin |
Pycharm: Favored for programming in Python
Visual Studio Code: Primary IDE. Pycharm version did not support CSS
Web Help & Services
And lots of https://www.google.com/
Final Thoughts
LaunchCode is not too good to be true. They have delivered everything that they promised and I have not been disappointed.
This process hasn’t been easy. I have had to put in the time. A lot of my own time studying, coding, and being ready with questions for the next class. To give you an idea of the difficulty
For those of us who make it to the end, LaunchCode will be there to help us with the next steps of writing resumes, practicing for interviews, and setting us up with an apprenticeship.
All I have left to say is thank you LaunchCode.
