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From the newsletter: DECODED Winter 2022

Forrest Norman · Jan 31, 2022

I’m Nick Santiago. I’m a proud veteran — I served for ten years in the US Marines. But after I left the Marines, I wasn’t sure what to do. I knew I was interested in tech, and I tried to teach myself — I bought books, I watched YouTube videos, I learned enough to build a game — nothing fancy, but I was proud of it. I went back to school to start learning Computer Science, and that’s where I heard about Code the Dream.

I had no idea that Code the Dream would mean what it has meant to me. The instruction was much more nuanced than I had gotten from other classrooms, and the collaboration with other students taught me so much. We were all working together for a common goal — I’m still in touch with the people from my Code the Dream classes. 

I think tech is a natural fit for veterans, who know how to work hard and solve problems. But I know that it can be hard to transition back into civilian life. That’s why I recommend Code the Dream. If you’re willing to work hard, they will stick with you and help you. Code the Dream saw my ceiling, the people from the organization stuck with me even when I struggled. They saw that I worked hard, and they went out of their way to help me find resources so I could keep pursuing this career. The structure and support helped me, and my career path started making sense. I’m a contractor with Google now, working with other software engineers for this tech giant, and I give credit to Code the Dream.”

Nick Santiago, San Francisco, CA

Sign up for DECODED, CTD’s e-newsletter, here.

Read more about CTD alumni:

New Tech Consulting Cooperative Founded by CTD Graduates

CTD Graduate: Selamawit Shibru

Alumni Spotlight: Quay Weston

Blog

"Programs like CTD are important because everyone should have access to a good education regardless of their background, faith or finances. Some students like me are passionate about coding, but unfortunately, we can't afford a boot camp." Learn more at codethedream.org/classes. pic.twitter.com/3q1vz2HRz0

About a week ago

Applications are now open for our next round of introductory and advanced-level classes. Join our passionate, welcoming student community and learn the programming skills necessary to succeed in the #tech industry. codethedream.org/classes/ pic.twitter.com/irbz9txTkN

About 2 weeks ago

Excited to be celebrating this month's CTD Coworking Day in person and virtually alongside @thoughtbot's Rainbow Connection, an Employee Resource Group that provides support for the LGBTQIA+ community. 🌈 🫱🏾‍🫲🏼 pic.twitter.com/qzaBDA8L6t

About 2 weeks ago

The app offers a free tier to help make it accessible to the broader public. We should all take advantage of innovations like @upstatenc. Our democracy is not perfect, but it's stronger when we participate. Learn more at start.keepupstate.com.

About 3 weeks ago

CTD Labs is proud of our work on @upstatenc, a legislative tracking/analysis tool that delivers nearly immediate bill updates and keyword-searchable transcripts of hearings and floor sessions from NC’s General Assembly.

About 3 weeks ago

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