Developing the Next Generation of Coders with the Dev/Mission <> Uber Coding Fellowship

Kurtis Nusbaum
4 min readintermediate
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Overview

The article discusses the partnership between Uber and Dev/Mission to create the Dev/Mission <> Uber Coding Fellowship, aimed at training young adults from underrepresented communities in STEM fields. It highlights the program's structure, the skills taught, and the community service projects participants engage in.

What You'll Learn

1

How to utilize open source tools and frameworks like Git and Node.js in programming projects

2

Why community service projects enhance learning and application of programming skills

3

How to identify community needs and design technological solutions

Prerequisites & Requirements

  • Basic understanding of programming concepts(optional)

Key Questions Answered

What is the purpose of the Dev/Mission <> Uber Coding Fellowship?
The Dev/Mission <> Uber Coding Fellowship aims to train young adults from underrepresented communities in STEM fields by providing programming courses, mentorship, and community service projects. This initiative supports participants in developing technical skills while contributing to local community needs.
What skills do participants learn during the fellowship?
Participants learn to use open source tools and frameworks such as Git and Node.js, alongside mastering programming languages like Go. They also engage in community projects that apply these skills in real-world scenarios, enhancing their technical and problem-solving abilities.
How does the fellowship support community engagement?
The fellowship includes collaboration with Code for San Francisco, where participants work on projects that address local community needs. This hands-on approach allows them to apply their programming skills while making a positive impact in their community.

Key Statistics & Figures

Grant amount committed to Dev/Mission
$300,000
Uber's financial support over the course of 3 years to help sustain the partnership and its initiatives.
Number of laptops donated
100
Uber has donated over 100 laptops to support Dev/Mission participants in their learning.
Number of monitors donated
200
Uber has also donated 200 monitors to assist participants in their technical education.

Technologies & Tools

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Version Control
Git
Used for managing code versions and collaboration during programming projects.
Backend Framework
Node.js
Taught to participants for building server-side applications.

Key Actionable Insights

1
Engaging in community service projects during technical training can significantly enhance learning outcomes.
By applying skills to real-world problems, participants not only solidify their technical knowledge but also develop a sense of social responsibility, which is crucial in today's tech landscape.
2
Utilizing mentorship from experienced engineers can accelerate the learning curve for new coders.
Mentorship provides personalized guidance, helping participants navigate challenges and gain insights that are often not covered in traditional coursework.

Common Pitfalls

1
Failing to connect technical skills with real-world applications can lead to a lack of engagement and understanding.
Participants who do not see the relevance of their skills in practical scenarios may struggle to stay motivated and fully grasp the concepts being taught.

Related Concepts

Community Engagement In Tech Education
Open Source Tools And Frameworks
Mentorship In Programming