Refcode introduces refugees and immigrants to the world of coding and helps them discern whether it is a career they want to pursue.
Refcode supports refugees and immigrants in their journey to programming careers with innovative training, talented mentorship, connections to opportunities, and a community of refugees and experienced programmers.
Refcode creates new pathways for refugees and immigrants by partnering with businesses and organizations to give participants real world on-the-job experience.
Volunteer
We need people who care about refugees and immigrants to join the community to help make it a success. Most classes have more than two volunteers for every student! That's because our students need a lot of support. You don't need to be a professional software engineer to help, there lots of ways to give your time and be a part of this amazing group of people.
Learn to Code
If you are interested in learning to code and think you might want to work towards a job in software, programming, or IT, we encourage you to apply! It's free, and you get to join the Refcode community where you can talk to people who are working towards the same goals as you.
Partner
We are seeking businesses able to take on a small cohort of our graduates as software engineering apprentices. Our graduates are motivated, smart, and eager to put everything they have learned into practice. Refcode will provide a plan to ensure the apprentices have the best chance at success during their apprenticeship, as well as support and guidance for both apprentices and the people at your company they are working with.
One of the most challenging disadvantages that recent immigrants face when looking for work is the lack of a professional network. Refcode participants have the opportunity to connect with dozens of people who already have well-established professional networks.
Refcode is a community as much as anything else. We are professional software engineers, code bootcamp students, self-learners, teachers, refugees, first-, second-, and seventh-generation immigrants.
We believe that you can't learn to code and find your way to a software career on your own. You need support, encouragement, mentorship, coaching, advice, and a shoulder to cry on.
Introduction to Coding Class
A 10 week course to introduce beginners to the professional tools, skills, and practices. This class is designed to help students discern their interest and aptitude in pursuing a career in software engineering. Class is run in an agile environment and prioritizes personal tutoring and just-in-time teaching. Students hear various software professionals talk about their own journeys into coding.
Teamcode Project
Participants join a cohort of other graduates to work together on a real project in an environment set up similar to an agile software company. Students become contributors and work through a backlog of tickets, gaining valuable communication and collaboration skills.
Education or Training program
At this point, participants are ready to dive into an educational program with confidence. Participants receive personal coaching to identify the best program to join, and whether they are starting a degree in computer science or a coding bootcamp, they will continue to be supported by Refcode mentors and the community throughout their study.
Apprenticeship
Unfortunately, education is not enough. Employers are looking for real-world experience in even "entry level" positions. Refcode has partnered with organizations to create an apprenticeship opportunity that gives real experience working on real projects.
Entry Level Software Job
Getting to this point is not easy, and even though we have laid out a rough path, there is no single road to success and no program can certify that someone is ready to become a software engineer. But with tenacity, support, and a lot of work, it is possible!