Approximately 20 hours per week
Accelerated Launchpad Track
Complete the Launchpad curriculum in about 11 weeks while using optional weekly sessions for structure, collaboration, and community.
In partnership with Tech Talent Pipeline (TTP)
Foundational Launchpad
Build your JavaScript and AI-workflow foundation through asynchronous learning modules, optional weekly study sessions, and a community learning alongside you.
Program at a Glance
Program typeFully online, primarily self-paced
CurriculumJavaScript foundations + four AI units
Accelerated~20 hrs/week • ~11 weeks
Flexible~6 hrs/week • ~36 weeks
Flexible continuationEligible participants through Jul 2027
Future Code pathwaySeparate optional admissions pathway
Weekly supportOptional study + pair sessions
TuitionNo cost
Program Overview
A flexible foundation with two ways forward
Foundational Launchpad is a no-cost, fully online, primarily self-paced foundation and career-exploration/readiness program delivered in partnership with the Tech Talent Pipeline (TTP). You work through the curriculum on your own schedule, with optional weekly pair-programming and study-group sessions plus a short weekly progress check-in form.
The curriculum covers JavaScript fundamentals through object-oriented programming, asynchronous JavaScript, the Chrome Extension capstone, and four AI-focused units. Choose the Accelerated Launchpad Track or Flexible Launchpad Track based on the weekly pace that fits your goals.
Choose Your Path
Both Launchpad tracks cover the same asynchronous curriculum with optional weekly sessions. Choose the weekly pace that fits your goals.
Approximately 6 hours per week
Flexible Launchpad Track
Complete the Launchpad curriculum in about 36 weeks. Eligible participants on the Flexible track can continue through July 2027.
Curriculum & Structure
Build skills through independent CSX work, then reinforce them with the community.
Schedule: fully asynchronous, with optional weekly pair-programming and study-group sessions
Foundations: JavaScript Precourse
Build core programming literacy
- Variables, data types, operators, and expressions
- Arrays, objects, loops, and control flow
- Writing basic programs and structuring iteration and logic
Programming Fundamentals: Execution & Functions
How JavaScript actually runs
- Functions: declaration, invocation, arguments
- Execution context, memory, and the call stack
- Thinking like the JS engine and debugging logic errors
Iteration, Logic & Problem Solving
Practice
- Loop patterns, multi-branch conditional logic
- Array transformations and aggregations
- Translating real problems into code
Callbacks & Higher-Order Functions
Functional patterns used in real-world JS
- Callbacks and higher-order functions
- Rebuilding map, filter, and reduce
- Composition patterns and cleaner, DRY code
Closure, Scope & Execution Context
Advanced core concepts
- Lexical scope, closures, and persistent memory in functions
- Advanced patterns: once, memoize, stateful functions
- Interview-level depth on JavaScript's trickiest behavior
Recursion
Solve non-linear problems
- Base case and recursive case
- Problems like factorial, array traversal, and string manipulation
- Thinking in call stacks and preparing for technical interviews
Object-Oriented Programming
Model real-world systems
- Object literals and constructor functions
- Classes, prototypes, and inheritance patterns
- Encapsulation, abstraction, and the JS object model
Asynchronous JavaScript
Master how JS handles time
- Call stack vs event loop, and the task queue
- setTimeout, promises, and async workflows
- Debugging timing issues in real-world operations
Engineering Mindset + Build with Code
From syntax to real solutions
- Problem-solving frameworks and project ideation
- Planning, execution, and technical communication
- Designing solutions end-to-end
Capstone 1: Chrome Extension Project
Apply everything in a real-world build
- DOM manipulation, APIs & AJAX, and JSON handling
- Debugging with Chrome dev tools in real environments
- The full project lifecycle: ship usable software
AI Literacy and Development
Four units
- Intro to AI Systems and Learning with AI
- Dev Environment and Version Control
- Codebase Navigation and Debugging with AI
- Capstone: Building with AI
Weekly Structure & Check-ins
How each week works
- Optional-but-recommended weekly pair-programming session
- Optional-but-recommended weekly study group
- A short weekly progress check-in form — the team follows up if it isn't submitted
- Everything else is fully asynchronous
Graduation
How you complete the program
- Complete an asynchronous, multiple-choice final exam that checks basic knowledge from each unit
- Passing the final exam earns the Foundational Launchpad completion certificate
- Participants admitted to Future Code automatically graduate from Launchpad and receive the completion certificate
Support for What Comes Next
Launchpad helps you build the technical foundation, learning habits, and confidence to take the next step in your tech journey—whether that's continuing to learn independently, exploring new opportunities, or applying to Future Code.
Optional study groups, pair programming sessions, and community support help you strengthen the collaboration and communication skills used in real engineering environments. Eligible participants may also pursue the optional Future Code admissions pathway.
Consistent Momentum
Optional weekly sessions and a weekly progress check-in provide structure and accountability while you progress through the asynchronous curriculum.
Technical Communication
Study groups and pair programming help you practice explaining your thinking, collaborating, and working through unfamiliar problems.
Future Code Admissions Pathway
Future Code is a separate, full-time, live immersive program with its own admissions process.
Qualifying and Cost
Foundational Launchpad is a no-cost program designed to make a supported path into software engineering more accessible for eligible New Yorkers.
To be considered for the program, you must meet the requirements below.
We highly encourage people from Black, Latine, & Indigenous backgrounds and people with foster care or juvenile justice experience to apply.
Eligibility requirements:
Current resident of New York City (within the five boroughs)
Authorized to work in the United States
If currently employed, have an annual income of no more than $50,000
Meet federal selective service requirements, if applicable
Limited or no experience in coding and no paid professional web development, software engineering, or similar experience
No degree in Computer Science or a similar discipline
Can commit to consistent asynchronous study and a weekly progress check-in
You can also explore our Software Engineering + AI/ML Immersive.
Apply now
Admissions & Selection
Confirm Eligibility
Review Foundational Launchpad's eligibility requirements and confirm that its fully online, primarily self-paced format fits how you can learn consistently.
Apply
Submit the Foundational Launchpad application and complete a quick questionnaire to help us get to know more about you and your goals, which you will receive shortly after submitting your application. The team may invite you to a brief phone conversation to learn more about your goals or circumstances.
Join Your Cohort
Your welcome email contains the main Foundational Launchpad Slack invitation and kickoff video. After you join the main Slack, the team will manually add you to your private cohort channel within 24–48 hours.
Follow Your Path
Choose the Accelerated Launchpad Track or Flexible Launchpad Track to complete the curriculum. Eligible participants may also pursue the optional Future Code Admissions Pathway.
Resources to Get Started
Start in CSX, reinforce the fundamentals with beginner-friendly resources, then use live study groups and pair-programming sessions to turn independent practice into steady progress.
CSX
Work through free JavaScript modules and challenges at your own pace.
Visit CSX
Study-Group Sessions
Review concepts with peers, get unstuck, and build a consistent weekly learning rhythm.
View workshops
Pair Programming
Practice solving CSX challenges with a partner while strengthening technical communication.
View sessions
W3Schools
Use beginner-friendly web tutorials and references to reinforce JavaScript, HTML, and CSS fundamentals.
Explore W3Schools
JavaScript for Beginners
Learn core JavaScript concepts and build projects with Phil Troutman's introductory Udemy course.
View on UdemyFrequently Asked Questions
Is Foundational Launchpad live or self-paced?
The curriculum is fully asynchronous, so you decide when to study and complete modules. The weekly pair-programming session and study group are optional but highly recommended, and a short weekly progress check-in form keeps the team connected to your progress — everything else is async.
What is the difference between the Accelerated and Flexible tracks?
The Accelerated Launchpad Track is about 20 hours per week and takes roughly 11 weeks to complete.
The Flexible Launchpad Track is about six hours per week and takes roughly 36 weeks. Eligible participants on the Flexible track can continue through July 2027.
What's the difference between Foundational Launchpad and Future Code?
Foundational Launchpad is a free, fully online, primarily self-paced foundation and career-exploration/readiness program.
Future Code is a separate full-time, live immersive with its own admissions process.
What AI topics are included?
The curriculum includes four AI-focused units: Intro to AI Systems and Learning with AI; Dev Environment and Version Control; Codebase Navigation and Debugging with AI; and Capstone: Building with AI.
Do I need coding experience before applying?
No prior coding experience or technical assessment is required. Applicants should be prepared to learn independently, practice consistently, ask for support, and keep working through challenging material.
How do I graduate from Launchpad?
Complete an asynchronous, multiple-choice final exam that checks basic knowledge from each unit. Passing earns the Foundational Launchpad completion certificate. Participants admitted to Future Code automatically graduate from Launchpad and receive the certificate.
What happens if I miss the Future Code pathway timing?
Missing the Future Code pathway timing does not end your Launchpad participation. You can continue on either the Accelerated or Flexible Launchpad track, and eligible Flexible-track participants can continue through July 2027.
What will I learn?
Foundational Launchpad covers:
- JavaScript and programming fundamentals
- Problem-solving and computational thinking
- Functions, data structures, and core programming concepts
- AI literacy and AI-assisted development
- Developer tools, version control, and codebase navigation
- Hands-on application and project development
- Professional development and technology-career exploration
How much does Foundational Launchpad cost?
Foundational Launchpad is offered at no cost to eligible students.
