An Expanding Tech Hub With Deep Cultural Roots
Washington, D.C., makes an excellent place to start a tech career. This city showcases some of the country’s most renowned monuments, museums, and cherry blossoms. As the center of the federal government, D.C.’s economy is anchored by the defense and cybersecurity industries. An influx of tech companies into the region has created a thriving tech hub. After 6 months in the digital classroom and a 5 month internship, you can add software developer to your resume.
Graduate with Industry Experience
The Core program curriculum teaches full-stack web development allowing students to choose what specialty of software development they want to pursue in their post-Ada careers. The complete curriculum is online and open-source. The front-end and back-end technologies covered include Python, SQL, Flask, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and Computer Science fundamentals.
You’ll graduate with problem-solving skills, industry experience, a capstone project for your portfolio, and the confidence to learn programming languages across the industry.
Program Overview
If you are located in the D.C. area, you can apply to our digital campus Core Program. A typical day caters to various learning styles and consists of reading, watching videos before class, and small group activity-based learning.
Programs Offered
Ada Core Program
Classroom
Digital online (6 months)
In the Ada Digital classroom, students learn how to code guided by instructors. Classes are online, 6 hours a day and 5 days a week. Students learn by doing and our Instructors are the guides in the process.
Child care subsidies are available for parents with children in daycare and not yet in kindergarten.
Core Hours:
9:30am-3pm EST
Internship Opportunity
Digital online (5 months)
Students receive opportunities to work on engineering teams to complete their training. In addition, they increase their chances of employment with our corporate partners after internship. Each student receives a living expense stipend during this time.
Who You Could Work With*:
*This is not a full list of internship companies. Download the program overview brochure for more company partners.
Ada Build Live – Series
Digital
Free, 8-week virtual series to learn Python and coding fundamentals. Women, Black, Indigenous American, Native Alaskan, Latine, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander prospective students are encouraged to apply.
Ready to Start Your Coding Journey?
Beginner Workshop
Digital or In-Person
Are you curious about coding? Come learn more about the foundations and how to get started. This free 1-hour workshop is for beginners and will walk you through basic programming and computing concepts.
Informational Session
Digital
Interested in Ada and don’t know where to start? Learn more about Ada’s programs and how to apply. The virtual session features a general overview Ada, application process and Q&A.
Learn How to Apply
Applications for Ada’s Core program open twice a year in March and August and remain open for approximately three weeks.
For more detailed timeline information, including when classes begin, view our current application timelines here.
Still Have Questions? Get Them Answered.
Ada Overview
Who does Ada Serve?
Ada’s mission is to prepare women and gender expansive adults to be software developers while advocating for inclusive and equitable work environments. We primarily serve and address the needs of Black, Latine, Indigenous Americans, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander, LGBTQIA+, and low-income people.
Who is included in “gender-expansive?”
Ada uses a national reference for the term “gender-expansive” individuals (also sometimes called non-binary, non-conforming or genderqueer) and Transgender provided by GLAAD: https://www.glaad.org/reference/transgender
Coding Experience
Who is considered low-income?
Anyone with an individual annual income of less than the following:
- Seattle low income is below $67k
- National low income is below $54k
How much do the programs cost?
All programs are tuition-free. We recognize students have various living expenses they need to pay while in the program. We offer loan opportunities through our lending partners. Read more about financial support options here.
I don’t have any experience coding. Can I still apply?
Ada’s Core Program is not for beginners. Students need to understand foundational concepts such as using loops, lists, and dictionaries. Before you apply, make sure you take some time looking into free resources – there’s a ton available! We recommend:
- Freecodecamp
- Free development courses on Udemy
- Teamtreehouse (has a free 7-day trial)
- The Odin Project
- Sololearn (has a free 14-day trial)
- Codecademy
Once you get a handle on the fundamentals, expand your knowledge through the Ada Build curriculum. This is a great start to see if coding is for you! Once you finish the Ada Build curriculum, take this practice test. It is a good example of what our Technical Coding Challenge will look like and help you decide if you are ready to apply to Ada’s Core program.
When do applications open and how do I apply?
- Ada’s Core Program: March and August
- View current timelines here
Applications remain open for approximately three weeks. The application link is available on our website once it has opened. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive regular updates regarding applications and follow us on our social media pages.
Classroom Experience
What time zone will the classes be in?
Seattle and Digital are on Pacific time. Atlanta and D.C. is in Eastern Time Zone.
Are we able to meet in person with the cohort in D.C.?
The classes will be delivered online. You are more than welcome to arrange in-person study sessions.
Is the curriculum the same across campus options?
Yes. The content in each classroom is the same.
Services
Is there loan and grant assistance in D.C.?
Ada has loan opportunities available to students during their time in the program.
Is childcare available as a student in D.C.?
We offer childcare subsidies for qualifying applicants.
Do you assist with transportation?
Unfortunately, Ada does not assist with transportation needs.
If you don’t see your question outlined above, please send further inquiries to outreach@adadevelopersacademy.org