NYC Tech Talent Pipeline

Future Code NYC x Codesmith

Diversifying the future of software development in NYC

Future Code learners in an illustrated engineering environment with NYC program partner marks

Program at a Glance

Program typeFull-time, live
Program duration42 weeks
Total hours40h / week
LocationOnline
TuitionNo tuition for eligible NY residents
Application timingTo be announced

Program Overview

Empowering future technologists in NYC

Future Code NYC x Codesmith is a 42-week, no-cost program designed to transform New Yorkers into full-stack engineers ready to lead in the modern tech landscape. Delivered in partnership with NYC Tech Talent Pipeline, Workforce Development Corporation, and the NYC Department of Small Business Services, this program combines expert-led curriculum, project-building experience, and career development to empower aspiring technologists from underrepresented communities.

At the heart of Future Code is a commitment to inclusivity and opportunity. By fostering a collaborative, supportive environment, we cultivate a diverse community of technologists equipped to solve society's most pressing challenges, from their first line of code to their impact as architects of the future.

Stipends cover 40 consecutive weeks: 28 weeks of technical instruction and 12 weeks of hiring-related deliverables.

Illustration of a learner working on a laptop

Curriculum & Structure

What you'll learn, week-to-week

Schedule: Mon-Fri, 9:00am - 5:30pm

Codesmith learners collaborating around laptops
Module 1: Prep & Foundations — Weeks 1–9

What you'll learn

  • Variables
  • Control Flow + Looping
  • JavaScript
  • HTML
  • CSS
  • Bash
  • Git

What you'll build

  • Text Adventure Game
  • Static Portfolio Website
  • Interactive App That Solves a Real-World Problem
Break Week — Week 10
Module 2: Basic Full-Stack App — Weeks 11–19

Front-End Development

  • Advanced JavaScript
  • React
  • Redux

Back-End Development

  • Node.js
  • Express
  • Postgre
  • SQL
  • MongoDB

Full-Stack Development

  • Authentication
  • Testing
  • Build Tools (Webpack)
  • TypeScript

What you'll build

  • Snake Game
  • Hackathon App
Break Week — Week 20
Module 3: Advanced Full-Stack App — Weeks 21–23

Interactive Web App (Solo)

  • By building an application from idea to functioning MVP (minimum viable product), you'll reinforce your knowledge of the core curriculum and gain confidence in how much you've learned!

Interactive Web App (Collaborative)

  • Working in groups, you'll mentor each other in a professional team engineering setting and deepen your applied understanding of core web development technologies. You'll also learn best practices for collaborative engineering, including Scrum, Agile, and Git workflows.

Advanced engineering

  • Embeddings & prompting heuristics
  • Retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) & fine-tuning
  • System design
  • Design patterns
  • MLOps
  • Frontend optimization

What you'll build

  • An AI-powered application, selecting and integrating an appropriate model, optimizing performance through fine-tuning or RAG, and implementing evaluation strategies to ensure reliability.
Winter Break — Weeks 24–25
Module 4: Capstone Project — Weeks 26–33

Ideation

  • With your team, you'll explore some of the most complex and important technologies in use today. Through your research, you'll identify a technically challenging problem to solve over the course of six weeks. With feedback and guidance, you'll refine your proposed project and timeline.

Development

  • This is the largest and most sophisticated project you'll build during the program. You'll sharpen your critical thinking, build your problem-solving skills, and develop your autonomy as a developer. The combination of on-the-job training and a supportive environment provides a unique experience that helps you stand out in your job search.

Launch

  • Deploying your application and sharing it with the world is an opportunity to celebrate all your hard work! It also offers a chance to reflect on the full software development lifecycle and grow as a collaborative engineer.
Module 5: Hiring & Job Search — Weeks 33–42

Hiring and job search

  • Resume development
  • Interview prep
  • Online profile best practices
  • Networking
  • Negotiation
Post-Program Career Support (after the 42 weeks)

Career support

  • Individualized check-ins
  • Application workshops
  • Technical interview tech talks
  • Office hours with our Sr Advisor
  • Meetings with Career Support Engineers (CSEs)
  • Resume, cover letter, and narrative reviews by CSEs

Career Support

Our career support prepares students for every step of their job search.

During the program, students receive training on professional development and general job readiness. Weeks 33 to 42 cover hiring and job-search work, and career support continues through graduation and beyond.

Illustrated hands organizing a sequence of project cards

Resume + Job Site Profiles

Our career support team will help you build a resume and job site profiles to best highlight your technical skills.

Illustrated hand supporting a growing plant

Interview Prep

Industry experts prepare you for each step of the interview and hiring process, from phone screens to salary negotiations.

Illustrated hands watering a growing plant

Support for Life

After graduation, receive lifelong career support, including check-ins, workshops, and access to our alum network for every career stage.

Qualifying and Cost

Future Code x Codesmith is a fully-funded program that aims to diversify tech in New York City. The program is no-cost for students.

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)
At least 18 years of age
Authorized to work in the United States
Household income under $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 similar discipline
Must be available for all sessions of the course (minimum attendance rate of 90%)

What if I don't meet the requirements? You might be a great fit for our Software Engineering + AI/ML Immersive.

Apply now
Illustration of a learner moving through an architectural pathway

Admissions & Selection

Illustration of learners moving through a series of supported pathways

Confirm Eligibility

Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for the program. You can check the list above to see if you do.

Apply

If you meet the eligibility requirements above, submit an application.

Complete Intro to Coding Precourse

This introductory module covers basic concepts using simple explanations & practice to help you prep for the Coding Challenge.

Coding Challenge Interview(s)

Pair program with a mentor to showcase technical communication, problem-solving, & coding fundamentals. We'll help you prep.

Phone Interview

Speak to our team about your goals, showcase motivation & thoughtful communication.

Decision

We will call you to deliver your interview results, personalized feedback, and next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Illustration of two people discussing a question
Am I able to work during the program?

Future Code is designed to be no-cost to make transitioning careers to software engineering more accessible, however, we know everyone has unique circumstances. We have a minimum 90% attendance requirement and students must be available during the program's hours. As it is a full-time schedule, working outside of those hours may be unsustainable. Working during the program is permitted, but we encourage residents to really think about the best decision for their success and health.

In order to make long-term career training more accessible, the Tech Talent Pipeline and the Department of Small Business Services will be providing a living stipend during training to eligible participants. Eligibility for the stipend can be discussed with the team during the admissions process.

When does the next cohort start?

The next cohort's start date is still being finalized. Please submit the interest form, and we'll share details once they are available.

Open the interest form
Can I still apply if I don't have access to a computer?

Yes! If you don't have access to a computer, the Future Code team will work with you through the admissions process to adapt for your circumstances. For the program itself, we can also provide laptops for folks who need them. We don't want equipment to be a barrier of entry. If you are in need of other equipment, we are happy to chat and will try our best to support you in what you need to be successful in the program.

What if I'm not eligible for the program?

Future Code is specifically for New York City residents who meet certain requirements regarding previous work and education experience and income. If you don't meet these requirements, you might be a great candidate for our Software Engineering + AI/ML Immersive Program (available in both full and part time).

How will eligibility be verified?

There are multiple checks regarding eligibility: in the application, during the phone interview, and after acceptance.

In the first checks we ask for written and verbal confirmation applicants meet requirements. For those who are accepted to enroll, the City of New York will be requiring eligibility documentation to finalize enrollment. Failure to do so by the due date would mean they lose their spot.

Can I still apply if I am not an NYC resident?

The Future Code x Codesmith program is specifically designed for current residents of New York City (within the five boroughs) to ensure it serves the local community. If you're not an NYC resident, you would not be eligible for this particular program.

That said, we'd love to support your journey into tech! You might be a great fit for our Software Engineering + AI/ML Immersive Program.

What's the difference between this program & Software Engineering + AI/ML Immersive?

The Future Code x Codesmith program is fully funded and designed for NYC residents, focusing on introducing underrepresented communities to software engineering fundamentals. It has eligibility requirements like income limits and no prior coding experience.

The Software Engineering + AI/ML Immersive Program is tuition-based, open to participants from all over the world, and offers an advanced curriculum for those seeking careers in software engineering and AI/ML. It's ideal for individuals ready to gain expertise in full-stack development.

Each program serves different goals. Let us know if you'd like help deciding which is the right fit for you!

Are you eligible to join Future Code?