News

Apr 1, 2025

Code the Dream and partners launch online tool to help North Carolina families find financial support in minutes

Code the Dream, in partnership with national nonprofit MyFriendBen and NC 211, launched a benefits screener in North Carolina on April 1. MyFriendBen-NC is a one-stop online tool that helps North Carolinians find the benefits and tax credits they are likely eligible to receive. Programs include food assistance, health insurance, child care subsidies and more. […]

10-Year Anniversary

Nov 15, 2024

Just Getting Started: 10th Anniversary Messages from Daisy, Dan, and Ramiro

In 2014, Dan Rearick contacted Ramiro Rodriguez about offering a free introductory software programming course to people from underserved communities. For Dan, the initial idea sprang from working alongside recent immigrants and refugees and “seeing over and over again how hard somebody could work without getting an opportunity.” For Ramiro, who conceived the program with […]

Lenovo

Apr 30, 2025

Code the Dream Welcomes Lenovo as Newest Tandem Apprentice Champion

For Triangle-based global tech giant Lenovo, building a more inclusive tech workforce isn’t just a lofty goal—it’s part of the company’s initiative to ensure the people behind their products represent the customers they serve. After spending several years as a Lenovo partner through their TransforME grant, Code the Dream is excited to announce that we […]

Alumni Spotlight

Apr 2, 2025

Tandem Apprenticeship Provides Path to Tech Job for CTD Alum

In 2021, Amy Sandoval was working in property management and considering taking out student loans to go back to school. She wasn’t sure what she wanted to do, but she knew it had to be engaging and challenging. “I’d worked in restaurants, I’d worked in retail, I was a property admin,” she said. “Every job […]

Organizational culture

Mar 19, 2025

Why remote work works for us

Like so many other organizations, the sudden lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic changed the structure of our operations practically overnight. A few years prior, we had started our gradual shift from a North Carolina-focused nonprofit operating out of the Research Triangle to a national organization operating fully remotely. Once COVID hit, that transformation accelerated. Five […]

Black History Month

Feb 26, 2025

This Black History Month, meet some of the organizations bringing tech training to Black communities

Happy Black History Month from Code the Dream! This February, as we honor past and present Black innovators, we also look to the future. At Code the Dream, our mission is to open doors to jobs in the technology sector for people from historically marginalized communities. And in African American communities, the disparity is striking: […]

Alumni Spotlight

Dec 4, 2024

A Pharmacy Tech Finds Renewed Opportunity With a Global Leader in Data and AI

Irene Sanchez was a pharmacy tech hoping to make a career change in 2019, whenshe heard about Code the Dream (CTD) from a friend who was taking CTD’s freeclasses. “I had developed an interest in technology and programming and I wanted to pursue anew career away from customer service,” Sanchez says. “I heard about the […]

CTD Labs

Nov 25, 2024

Vamos Outreach App highlighted at National Farmworker Law Conference

Shaya Lyon and Kate Borgen represented Code the Dream and our Vamos Outreach App at the National Farmworker Law Conference November 13-15 in Atlanta. The experience, Lyon says, was inspiring and motivating. “It was great to hear Vamos partners talk about how using Vamos has helped their organizations plan and track their outreach visits to […]

Volunteer of the Month

Nov 14, 2024

Meet Oksana Feterovskaya, CTD’s Volunteer of the Month!

CTD’s volunteers can serve as class mentors, lead small groups of students through our capstone practicum project, support apprentices in their career search, contribute to our curriculum, and serve in other areas as well. We could not do our work at this scale without them! Each month, we celebrate one volunteer who has made a […]

Volunteer of the Month

Sep 17, 2024

Meet Aipu Ameh, CTD’s Volunteer of the Month!

Each month, we’re excited to celebrate one of the many volunteers who help make our program possible. Code the Dream’s volunteer of the month for September 2024 is Aipu Ameh, a freelance web developer at ABA Creations. Aipu volunteered as a mentor in our most recent Intro to Programming class. She is great at putting […]

May 10, 2024

NC IDEA spotlights partnership with Code the Dream

North Carolina-based economic development nonprofit NC IDEA highlighted their partnership with Code the Dream in a case study authored by CTD Co-Executive Director Daisy Magnus-Aryitey.

Staff Spotlight

May 10, 2024

Staff Spotlight: Ming King

At Code the Dream, more than 50% of our staff are CTD alums. Our latest hire, Ming King, completed CTD Learns classes and was hired as a junior developer in 2023. In this short Q&A, you can meet one of the newest additions to the CTD team!

Career Development

Mar 23, 2024

CTD’s Tandem Apprenticeship model benefits employers and apprentices by supporting diverse tech talent

A key component of Code the Dream’s unique model is the CTD Labs Apprenticeship program, where students have an opportunity to apply for a paid apprenticeship working in CTD Labs. There, under the supervision of experienced software developers, they work on projects for clients, gaining valuable real-world experience and operating in a professional environment. Over […]

Career Development

Mar 23, 2024

Transcending Technical Training: CTD works to emphasize career development

This blog series will explain our process in expanding and developing our Professional Skills Program. In this first post, we are going to start with the big picture. At Code the Dream, we are committed to creating opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering innovation, and making a positive impact in our communities. But our […]

Volunteer of the Month

Feb 20, 2024

Meet Darga Darga, CTD’s Volunteer of the Month!

Each month, Code the Dream celebrates one volunteer who has made a special contribution to our community. Our Volunteer of the Month is Darga Darga, a class mentor, practicum project lead, and curriculum volunteer over the past year. Darga also wrote about his experience in a previous blog post, “How CTD Empowers Mentors with Flexibility.” […]

Volunteer of the Month

Jan 30, 2024

Meet Angel Brown, CTD’s Volunteer of the Month!

Each month, Code the Dream celebrates a volunteer who has made a special contribution to our community. We're excited to start off 2024 by thanking Angel Brown, a Software Engineer and Engineering Manager at Calendly.

Volunteers

Nov 20, 2023

How CTD Empowers Students and Mentors with Flexibility

When students are able to choose the specific interactions that they find most comfortable and effective, it also creates a clear opportunity for volunteers to do the same.

Tandem Apprenticeship

Oct 4, 2023

CTD’s Tandem Apprenticeship model highlighted in webinar with partners Cisco and SAS

Code The Dream's Co-Executive Directors Daisy Magnus-Aryitey and Dan Rearick, and CTD Labs Director Tom Rau discussed the Tandem Apprenticeship model with partners Cisco and SAS during a webinar on September 14th.

Tech & Civic Engagement

Oct 4, 2023

Magnus-Aryitey participates in STEM education panel before Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

Code the Dream Co-Executive Director Daisy Magnus-Aryitey took part in a panel discussion on the importance of STEM education and "investments and recruitment of Black creatives through early education pipelines" in Washington, DC, on September 21.

Apprentice Spotlight

Aug 22, 2023

Cohort of CTD Apprentices receive SAS Fellowships

Code the Dream (CTD) and tech company SAS stepped up their longstanding collaboration in 2023, when SAS brought on a cohort of CTD apprentices to undergo training and mentoring and gain real-world work experience addressing coding problems, creating visual examples of user interface components, testing software, and checking design elements. SAS and Code the Dream first worked […]

Durham Magazine

Jun 27, 2023

Magnus-Aryitey featured in Durham Magazine’s Women’s Issue

Code the Dream Co-Executive Director Daisy Magnus-Aryitey was interviewed in — and featured on the cover of — Durham Magazine‘s annual Women’s Issue.

Jun 13, 2023

Code the Dream Senior Developer Cruz Núñez Wins “NEXT TECH” Award

Code the Dream (CTD) Senior Developer Cruz Núñez accepted an award for “rising stars and tech innovators” at a June 12 ceremony held by non-profit professional organization NC TECH and Business North Carolina in Raleigh. Núñez was part of the inaugural class of NEXT TECH Award recipients. Núñez was selected for the award in recognition of […]

Feb 13, 2023

Code the Dream COO Lucy Martinez featured in “Local Limelight”

At Code the Dream, we love it when our students and staffers are recognized for their remarkable contributions. So we were proud that our rockstar COO Lucy Martinez was featured in Axios Raleigh for their Local Limelight series. Lucy brings tremendous energy to our team and keeps our fast-growing organization in order so that everyone […]

Dec 15, 2022

Magnus-Aryitey on Removing Resumé Requirements: “Tear the paper ceiling”

In a Twitter chat hosted by WorkingNation on December 14, Code the Dream Co-Executive Director Daisy Magnus-Aryitey and other stakeholders discussed how traditional resumé requirements block qualified candidates — many from groups that are underrepresented in high-paying professional positions — from good jobs in tech and other sectors. “STARS (workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes) exemplify […]

Nov 15, 2022

Rearick discusses need for tech education in underrepresented communities on NC Policy Watch podcast

Code the Dream Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director Dan Rearick talked to writer Rob Schofield about the increasing need for access to tech education among communities that have yet to gain a strong foothold in the tech industry. “The tech industry is becoming a bigger and bigger part of our economy, there are so many amazing […]

Mar 11, 2022

Magnus-Aryitey speaks about “breaking the bias” at RTP event commemorating International Women’s Day

Code the Dream co-Executive Director Daisy Magnus-Aryitey took part in a panel discussion commemorating International Women’s Day at Boxyard RTP on March 9. Aryitey and the other panelists shared their experiences as women in the workplace, their efforts to bring positive change, and their vision of a more equitable future. Magnus-Aryitey said she is proud […]

Jan 31, 2022

Magnus-Aryitey: To solve complex problems “we need people from diverse backgrounds deeply involved at every step of the way to help build new technology that makes a difference”

Code the Dream’s Daisy Magnus-Aryitey discussed her path to a coding career, her new position as Co-Executive Director, and CTD’s recent growth and exciting future in this Q&A with WRAL’s TechWire. When asked about the importance of diversity in tech, Magnus-Aryitey responded: “We know that if we want to solve complex, real-world problems we need […]

<div class="ctd-news-title">Magnus-Aryitey: To solve complex problems “we need people from diverse backgrounds deeply involved at every step of the way to help build new technology that makes a difference”</div>

Oct 15, 2021

Article in Southerly and Enlace Latino NC features Code the Dream

A new article — available in Spanish and English — details CTD developer Kevin Arevalo’s journey to a tech career, CTD’s work creating farmworker outreach apps, and the new tech cooperative Radiate Consulting NC. Read the piece in English here, lea el artículo en español aqui.

Jun 17, 2021

The Importance of Public Interest Technology

Recently, CTD Co-founder and Board Member Daisy Magnus-Aryitey spoke with New America about her origins in technology, her work here at Code the Dream, and why public interest technology is important work for the health and growth of our communities. The potential of technology is colliding at this moment in time with the horrors of […]

Jun 7, 2021

“As Apple and Google hire in the Triangle, they should embrace diversity” – News and Observer

On April 30th, Code the Dream co-founders Dan Rearick and Daisy Magnus-Aryitey shared their thoughts in an op-ed with the News & Observer about what impact Apple and Google will have on the region after both companies announced their plans to expand into the Triangle. Here’s an excerpt: This week, Apple announced plans for a […]

Mar 3, 2020

Seattle Times: Can’t Find Tech Workers? You Might Need to Train Them Yourself.

Tony Byrd was growing increasingly discontented with his job running the coffee shop in the lobby of IBM’s main building in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. He had been working there since he graduated from high school nearly a decade ago, and with two young kids to provide for at home, Byrd, 27, was itching […]

Feb 6, 2020

Athletes Unfiltered: Code the Dream Helps Disadvantaged Youth

Back in July, I chatted with then Penn State defensive back John Reid about his experiences with Coding and how I can teach Coding to my students. After digging through the resources he recommended, I came across Code The Dream. Here’s my chat with John Reid about Coding and with four interns from Code The […]

Jan 23, 2020

ABC11: Downtown Durham murals transport viewers to an augmented reality

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — We’re 20 miles away but murals in downtown Durham are your portal to the North Carolina Museum of Art. “You can walk in and it’ll take you to the exhibition at the N.C. Museum of Art,” said Irene Serrano, Code the Dream. Code the Dream exposes under represented groups to the […]

Jan 23, 2020

Grepbeat: New AR App Brings Two Downtown Durham Murals To Life

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be in Durham, Raleigh and Mexico all at the same time? By simply holding your phone up to two murals in downtown Durham, you can do just that. A new augmented reality (AR) app has the power to transport you through a virtual portal to the inside […]

Jan 22, 2020

WRAL TechWire: Durham’s Frida Kahlo murals come to life with new augmented reality app

DURHAM – Ever feel the urge to jump into a mural like Mary Poppins and get transported into another reality? Well, now you can. A new augmented reality app called Mariposa AR –commissioned by Google Fiber and developed by Code the Dream — allows visitors to interact with two murals in downtown Durham inspired by artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. “AR […]

Dec 19, 2019

WUNC: The Road to Diversity in Tech – Code the Dream

Part of the American dream includes a solid education with the promise of a lucrative job down the road. For many immigrant students in North Carolina, that dream is elusive. These facts were part of the impetus for Code the Dream, a nonprofit organization that teaches immigrant and minority youth the art and science of coding. […]

Dec 18, 2019

ABC11: RTP nonprofit teaches people how to write computer code for free

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Crystal Williams-Brown is the poster child for ‘Code the Dream’. The college graduate couldn’t find work in her first chosen field and decided she really wanted to be a computer programmer. “As I was looking around at a lot of those schools it was very expensive to go and I wasn’t […]

Dec 3, 2019

N&O: Give local: 25 big-impact organizations in the Triangle worth your money and time

This is a season of celebration and reflection: we gather, take stock, feast, give thanks. It’s also a good time to give back, a show of gratitude for all we’ve been given. As you consider how, whether on Giving Tuesday (Dec. 3) or before the end of the year, take a look at these Triangle […]

Nov 20, 2019

WRAL TechWire: Durham’s Code the Dream Goes National With Remote Classes

DURHAM – Code the Dream is expanding its footprint, big time. The Durham software development non-profit has launched its first national cohort of remote classes, opening access to its training program. “For the last two years, we’ve turned away applicants from other states,” said its executive director and co-founder Dan Rearick. “So we’re happy to finally be able […]

Aug 15, 2019

Software company Pendo invests in developing talent, sponsors new hire to coding school

by Latisha Catchatoorian | Originally published August 14, 2019 This story was written for WRAL TechWire Advisor partner Momentum Learning. A lot of companies talk about investing in their employees, creating a more diverse work environment, and growing the workforce, but too many times these are just bullet points in a company handbook. That’s not the case […]

Mar 27, 2019

TechWire: Code the Dream expands operations to Research Triangle Park

Originally published March 26, 2019 in WRAL TechWire RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – Code the Dream, an organization that provides computer programming classes to people from diverse and low-income backgrounds, is opening a second office. Launched in Durham at American Underground, the nonprofit is opening a new office at The Frontier campus in Research Triangle Park. The […]

Mar 14, 2019

Indy Week: Advocates Say Durham’s Experiment Could Be a Model for Statewide Justice Reform

By Sarah Willets | Originally published March 13, 2019 in Indy Week Advocates Say Durham’s Experiment to Wipe Thousands of Old Cases Off the Books Could Be a Model for Statewide Justice Reform Linwood Thornton had just accepted that he’d never drive legally again. His license had been suspended since June 2, 1989. A relative used […]

Mar 6, 2019

GrepBeat: Code The Dream Is Diversifying Tech With A Focus On Giving Back

by Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez | Originally published March 5, 2019 in GrepBeat Sitting in a classroom in the basement of American Underground’s American Tobacco campus, eight of Code the Dream’s young programmers waited to present their apps to an eager audience last Friday. But, something made this event different from most tech demos. In fact, something […]

Feb 2, 2019

Upstate opens access to info about state government

Over the last year, one of the apps Code the Dream has been most proud to develop has been Upstate — a tool that allows users to get immediate updates about proposed new state laws in the issue areas they care about most. Yesterday Upstate founder Kelly Garvy and CTD developer Crystal Williams-Brown were on […]

Dec 20, 2018

Code the Dream Featured in Walter Magazine

Local adults and students share a desire to learn the language of computers in hopes for a career or life change. by Addie Ladner | photography courtesy Code the Dream It’s a Thursday night on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh. While many people are drinking and eating their way through downtown, nearly 20 adults and […]

Jun 19, 2018

Free ride-sharing app aims to lift needy Triangle residents

By Mandy Mitchell| Originally published June 18, 2018 on www.wral.com DURHAM, N.C. — A nonprofit group in the Triangle that worked with a technology class in Durham has created a ride-sharing app for families whose relatives have battled homelessness but still need help with transportation. The “Ride Together” app was developed by Crystal Williams-Brown, a student […]

Jun 4, 2018

CTD hits the evening news!

Code the Dream opens doors, launches careers By Mandy Mitchell, WRAL reporter & Hannah Webster, WRAL.com editor DURHAM, N.C. — A Durham startup is making dreams come true for adults and high school students who want to work in technology. Code the Dream provides free classes for people who are traditionally under-represented in the technology and […]

Aug 26, 2017

La Noticia Newspaper: Free programing classes offered for immigrant youth

Originally published on August 30 in La Noticia . by Paola Jaramillo A free program offered by a nonprofit organization that has become a bridge for dozens of young immigrants to integrate into the world of Internet page programming. “The goal of ‘Code the Dream’ is to give immigrants the opportunity to open spaces in […]

Aug 1, 2017

N&O: Code the Dream helps immigrant and refugee communities give back and diversify tech world

Originally published July 29, 2017 in the News & Observer. Anne Blythe ablythe@newsobserver.com With laptops open, rapt students watched as lines of code stretched across their screens. They were gathered in the American Underground, a startup incubator, to take part in classes organized through Code the Dream, a program set up to steer people from […]

Nov 1, 2016

CTD grad and instructor Cruz Nuñez featured in the North State Journal

As a graduate of Code the Dream, Cruz Nuñez shared his experience with the North Carolina’s new statewide newspaper, the North State Journal. Cruz describes his experience as an immigrant and the challenges he and other students have in seeking out higher education. Please read the full article here. This article in the North State […]

Aug 14, 2016

CtD Lead Instructor Ramiro Rodriguez honored as Tarheel of the Week

Every week the Raleigh News & Observer honors one great North Carolinian as its Tarheel of the Week. This week it was our Lead Instructor Ramiro Rodriguez! A well-deserved honor for him, as well as a great recognition of all the hard work and successes of our students, volunteers and everyone who makes Code the Dream […]

Dec 1, 2015

Code the Dream on TV…

Code the Dream Lead Instructor Ramiro Rodriguez and Executive Director Dan Rearick recently had a chance to talk with the nice folks at Fox 50 about why Code the Dream is so important and how it works. The Hola NC episode aired on Sunday, but you can still catch the interview online.

May 31, 2015

CTD in 'Que Pasa' Spanish newspaper

Ofrecen cursos de programación y desarrollo de aplicaciones a jóvenes hispanos http://raleigh.quepasanoticias.com/noticias/ciudad/local/52953-ofrecen-cursos-de-programacion-y-desarrollo-de-aplicaciones-a-jovenes Programa Code the Dream promueve un mayor acceso de las minorías a la industria tecnológica Escrito por Eloy Tupayachi Durham.- Los jóvenes inmigrantes tienen la oportunidad de aprender gratuitamente programación de computadoras y desarrollar aplicaciones para teléfonos móviles mediante el programa Code the Dream, un […]

May 1, 2015

Code the Dream in the Huffington Post

The Huffington Post recently ran a story on some of the great initiatives taking off in the Research Triangle, including Code the Dream. Three Ways Research Triangle Startups Are Tackling America’s Challenges Adam Klein, Chief Strategist at American Underground Jim Whitehurst, President and CEO of Red Hat The startup scene in Raleigh, Durham, and […]

Apr 17, 2015

Code the Dream featured in The Indy

http://www.indyweek.com/indyweek/a-durham-program-helps-immigrants-overcomeobstacles-to-learning-high-tech-skills/Content?oid=4371364 Dreaming in Code By Emily Feng Each weekday, from 9 to 5, Ruben Cruz learns to code. Less than a year ago, Cruz, whose parents immigrated from Mexico, had no programming experience. Now a full-time student at The Iron Yard, an intensive coding academy in downtown Durham, he will graduate with the skill level of […]

Code the Dream Welcomes Lenovo as Newest Tandem Apprentice Champion

Apr 30, 2025

Code the Dream Welcomes Lenovo as Newest Tandem Apprentice Champion

April 30, 2025 by Andrea Dreier

Tandem Apprenticeship Provides Path to Tech Job for CTD Alum

Apr 2, 2025

Tandem Apprenticeship Provides Path to Tech Job for CTD Alum

April 2, 2025 by Forrest Norman

Code the Dream and partners launch online tool to help North Carolina families find financial support in minutes

Apr 1, 2025

Code the Dream and partners launch online tool to help North Carolina families find financial support in minutes

April 1, 2025 by Forrest Norman

This Black History Month, meet some of the organizations bringing tech training to Black communities

Feb 26, 2025

This Black History Month, meet some of the organizations bringing tech training to Black communities

February 26, 2025 by Forrest Norman

A Pharmacy Tech Finds Renewed Opportunity With a Global Leader in Data and AI

Dec 4, 2024

A Pharmacy Tech Finds Renewed Opportunity With a Global Leader in Data and AI

December 4, 2024 by Forrest Norman

Vamos Outreach App highlighted at National Farmworker Law Conference

Nov 25, 2024

Vamos Outreach App highlighted at National Farmworker Law Conference

November 25, 2024 by Forrest Norman

Just Getting Started: 10th Anniversary Messages from Daisy, Dan, and Ramiro

Nov 15, 2024

Just Getting Started: 10th Anniversary Messages from Daisy, Dan, and Ramiro

November 15, 2024 by Forrest Norman

Meet Oksana Feterovskaya, CTD’s Volunteer of the Month!

Nov 14, 2024

Meet Oksana Feterovskaya, CTD’s Volunteer of the Month!

November 14, 2024 by Reid Russom

Meet Aipu Ameh, CTD’s Volunteer of the Month!

Sep 17, 2024

Meet Aipu Ameh, CTD’s Volunteer of the Month!

September 17, 2024 by Reid Russom

CTD’s Tandem Apprenticeship model benefits employers and apprentices by supporting diverse tech talent

Mar 23, 2024

CTD’s Tandem Apprenticeship model benefits employers and apprentices by supporting diverse tech talent

March 23, 2024 by Forrest Norman

Transcending Technical Training: CTD works to emphasize career development

Mar 23, 2024

Transcending Technical Training: CTD works to emphasize career development

March 23, 2024 by Forrest Norman

Meet Darga Darga, CTD’s Volunteer of the Month!

Feb 20, 2024

Meet Darga Darga, CTD’s Volunteer of the Month!

February 20, 2024 by Reid Russom

Meet Angel Brown, CTD’s Volunteer of the Month!

Jan 30, 2024

Meet Angel Brown, CTD’s Volunteer of the Month!

January 30, 2024 by Reid Russom

Each month, Code the Dream celebrates a volunteer who has made a special contribution to our community. We’re excited to start off 2024 by thanking Angel Brown, a Software Engineer and Engineering Manager at Calendly.

How CTD Empowers Students and Mentors with Flexibility

Nov 20, 2023

When students are able to choose the specific interactions that they find most comfortable and effective, it also creates a clear opportunity for volunteers to do the same.

How CTD Empowers Students and Mentors with Flexibility

November 20, 2023 by Reid Russom

When students are able to choose the specific interactions that they find most comfortable and effective, it also creates a clear opportunity for volunteers to do the same.

CTD’s Tandem Apprenticeship model highlighted in webinar with partners Cisco and SAS

Oct 4, 2023

CTD’s Tandem Apprenticeship model highlighted in webinar with partners Cisco and SAS

October 4, 2023 by Forrest Norman

Code The Dream’s Co-Executive Directors Daisy Magnus-Aryitey and Dan Rearick, and CTD Labs Director Tom Rau discussed the Tandem Apprenticeship model with partners Cisco and SAS during a webinar on September 14th.

Magnus-Aryitey participates in STEM education panel before Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

Oct 4, 2023

Magnus-Aryitey participates in STEM education panel before Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

October 4, 2023 by Forrest Norman

Code the Dream Co-Executive Director Daisy Magnus-Aryitey took part in a panel discussion on the importance of STEM education and “investments and recruitment of Black creatives through early education pipelines” in Washington, DC, on September 21.