Volunteer with Code Nation

Join us in creating a more inclusive and diverse tech workforce.

Why volunteer with Code Nation?

The collective force of Code Nation can change the economic futures of communities – even whole cities. Our alumni are the next generation of tech leaders. Their diverse perspectives will foster innovation that better serves our world. We hope you’ll join us!

As a volunteer, you will:

  • Use your skillset to give back to your community
  • Build meaningful mentorship relationships with the next generation of coders
  • Join a thriving community of 300+ volunteers across the country
  • Directly contribute to making the tech workforce more diverse and inclusive
  • Grow your own professional and technical skills

Code Nation is recruiting volunteers in Chicago and New York City.

JOIN US AS A VOLUNTEER

The Code Nation Volunteer Experience

FAQs

We teach web development with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Our curriculum emphasizes the technical and professional skills most reliably in demand by employers and we update it every year in collaboration with volunteers. Check out our curriculum here.

Our greatest need is for classroom volunteers to support our programs for the duration of a school year. In our Intro to Web Development classes, we have opportunities to volunteer 2x a week for 60 – 90 minutes. In these programs, volunteers work in teams to support one another, share responsibilities, and deliver the Code Nation curriculum.

For volunteers who have less flexibility in scheduling, we also offer volunteer opportunities in our Teacher Led Programs. In these classes, the Code Nation curriculum is delivered by a classroom teacher at the school. Volunteers attend class 2x a month to provide coding project support to students.

Code Nation volunteers are professionals with a technical background. They believe that every young person can learn to code and are excited to foster mentoring relationships with students. Classroom volunteers commit to a consistent teaching schedule at a school site. All volunteers must complete the school’s fingerprinting and background checks and attend training before entering the classroom. No prior teaching experience is required!

Code Nation provides a volunteer training at the beginning of the school year. Additionally, each volunteer team is supported in the classroom by a Code Nation program manager. Supplemental trainings and informal meet-ups occur throughout the year, where volunteers learn new skills, share best practices, and receive further coaching and support.

Code Nation has school partners in New York City, the Bay Area, and Chicago. Learn more about our schools here.

Our greatest need is for volunteers to teach our first-year Intro to Web Development classes, which take place in schools. But we also recruit volunteers to teach Fellowship programs, which take place 1x a week after-school at company partners’ offices. Check out the For Companies page for more information on hosting an Fellowship program. If you’d like to volunteer, but can’t be available every week, or don’t have a technical skill set, you can apply to be an event volunteer and help out at special events. Complete a volunteer application and select “event volunteering” to receive information on these opportunities!

A Code Nation program manager will be in touch to review your application, answer your questions, and discuss next steps. Most volunteers are placed in classrooms before the start of the school year, but we occasionally have openings during the school year. If we have an opening that matches your availability, you will receive more information on training sessions and how to complete our partner schools’ background checks.

Many companies will match the hours their employees spend volunteering by making a financial donation to the organization employees support! Reach out to your company’s Human Resources Department to find out about your employer’s match program. You can also talk to your company about becoming a company partner!

More ways to support Code Nation

  • Make a donation! We are a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, and monetary donations are an impactful way to show your support.
  • Partner with us! Over 200 companies have made a commitment to date, hosting field trips, Fellowship classes, and sponsoring community events.

Code Nation Schools