Learn to Code for Free in 2023: New JavaScript and Web Development Bootcamps Offer In-Demand Tech Skills
The world runs on code. From the apps on our phones to the websites we use every day, digital technologies built by programmers power our modern lives. And as our reliance on tech grows, so does the demand for skilled coders.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that web developer and digital designer jobs will grow 23% by 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. JavaScript developers are especially sought-after, with JS ranking as the most commonly used programming language among professional developers.
Learning to code can unlock lucrative and flexible career opportunities. But traditional education pathways like computer science degrees are time-consuming and expensive. Coding bootcamps offer a shorter, more focused route into tech careers, but most still cost thousands in tuition.
That‘s where freeCodeCamp comes in. freeCodeCamp is a non-profit organization on a mission to make high-quality coding education accessible to all. Since 2014, fCC has helped millions of people worldwide learn to code entirely for free through their self-paced online curriculum.
Now, freeCodeCamp is launching two new instructor-led bootcamps to offer an even more immersive and supported learning experience – at no cost. Starting January 10th, aspiring coders can enroll in the:
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JavaScript Bootcamp: A deep-dive into the world‘s most popular programming language, covering everything from basic syntax to advanced concepts like data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming.
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Web Development Bootcamp: A comprehensive introduction to building modern websites, learning HTML, CSS, responsive design, web accessibility, and more.
Both bootcamps run for 6 weeks, with weekly live classes, real-world projects, and access to a supportive learning community. Participants can expect to spend 10-15 hours per week on coursework and live sessions. By the end, they‘ll have built an impressive portfolio of projects to showcase their new skills.
Expert Instruction and Industry Insights
Learning to code can be intimidating, especially for total beginners. That‘s why expert guidance is so valuable. The new fCC bootcamps will be led by two experienced instructors: Jessica Rose and Ramón Huidobro.
Jessica Rose is a self-taught developer and tech educator. After years of working in tech outreach at organizations like FutureLearn and Mozilla, she‘s dedicated her career to making tech careers more accessible to underrepresented groups. Jessica will lead the Web Development Bootcamp.
Ramón Huidobro is a software engineer with over a decade of professional coding experience. He‘s worked for major tech companies like Intel and Mozilla, and now serves as the Head of Open Source at CodeSee. Ramón is passionate about fostering inclusive and welcoming spaces for new coders. He‘ll teach the JavaScript Bootcamp.
But Jessica and Ramón aren‘t the only experts learners will have access to. Each week, industry professionals from various domains of tech will join live sessions to share their knowledge and experience.
Past guest speakers have included:
- Barbara Oakley, professor of engineering and author of the bestselling book "A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science (Even If You Flunked Algebra)"
- Angie Jones, Senior Director of Developer Relations at Applitools and founder of the tech blog "The Test Automation University"
- Kelsey Hightower, Principal Engineer at Google and co-chair of the Kubernetes Steering Committee
With this lineup of instructors and speakers, bootcamp participants will gain valuable insights into the professional tech world while building in-demand skills.
A Project-Based Curriculum Aligned with Industry Needs
The web development and JavaScript bootcamps feature a project-based curriculum designed in alignment with the demands of the current tech job market. Learners will gain experience with industry-standard tools and best practices through hands-on coding practice.
Here‘s a week-by-week breakdown of what each bootcamp will cover:
Web Development Bootcamp
| Week | Topics |
|---|---|
| 1 | HTML fundamentals, accessibility, basic CSS styling |
| 2 | CSS box model, flexbox, responsive design principles |
| 3 | CSS grid, page layout techniques, media queries |
| 4 | Forms, data validation, responsive images, web fonts |
| 5 | CSS transitions, transformations, animations |
| 6 | Final responsive web design projects, preparing portfolio |
JavaScript Bootcamp
| Week | Topics |
|---|---|
| 1 | JS syntax, data types, variables, operators, conditionals, loops |
| 2 | Functions, scope, arrays, array methods, objects, JSON |
| 3 | Algorithms (search, sort, filter), Big O notation, recursion |
| 4 | OOP, classes, prototypes, inheritance, modules |
| 5 | Functional programming, higher-order functions, closures |
| 6 | Final JS projects, debugging, clean code principles |
In addition to introducing core web dev and JS concepts, the curriculum prioritizes building realistic projects to develop practical skills. Learners will complete 5 projects in each bootcamp, such as:
- A responsive product landing page
- An online registration form
- A technical documentation site
- A palindrome checker
- A cash register app
Compared to other popular bootcamps, freeCodeCamp‘s curriculum stands out for its focus on project-based learning. While many programs spend most class time on lectures, fCC dedicates significant time to hands-on coding practice. This allows learners to implement new skills in realistic scenarios and build a strong portfolio.
The curriculum also goes beyond just syntax to cover essential topics like accessibility, version control, debugging, and coding best practices. Grounding the technical skills is a focus on problem-solving strategies and collaboration – key abilities for any professional developer.
Proven Learning Methodologies and Real Results
The bootcamp model has gained popularity for good reason – it works. The immersive, accelerated format consistently produces strong results in both learning outcomes and employment rates.
According to data from over 100 coding bootcamps, the average bootcamp graduate sees a salary lift of 56% or $25,000. Bootcamp grads also find jobs quickly, with 79% employed in a related field within 180 days of graduation.
But not all bootcamps are equally effective. freeCodeCamp‘s bootcamps incorporate several key educational principles to maximize student success:
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Project-based learning: Research consistently shows that learning through real-world projects leads to better retention and skill transfer. fCC bootcamps are structured around hands-on coding practice to ensure learners can apply what they‘re learning.
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Mastery learning: Mastery learning means learners must demonstrate proficiency in one topic before progressing to the next. fCC‘s curriculum is carefully sequenced and includes formative assessments so students can get feedback and support if needed before moving on.
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Live instruction: Weekly live classes give learners direct access to expert instructors to ask questions, get feedback, and see skills modeled in real-time. This interaction boosts motivation and provides accountability.
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Collaborative learning: Social learning theory highlights the importance of learning through interaction and observation. Bootcamp students learn alongside a cohort of peers, which fosters teamwork skills and builds a valuable professional network.
This combination of factors produces impressive outcomes. Participants in fCC‘s previous bootcamp in 2022 reported:
- 97% felt more confident in their coding abilities after completing the bootcamp
- 89% said they were more likely to pursue a tech career after the bootcamp
- 84% planned to continue building projects to develop their skills further
Past participants have also landed jobs and internships at major tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and IBM. While the bootcamps don‘t guarantee employment, they equip learners with the practical skills and portfolio to be competitive applicants.
Launch Your Coding Journey with freeCodeCamp
Ready to kickstart your coding journey and unlock new career possibilities in 2023? Applications are now open for freeCodeCamp‘s new Web Development and JavaScript bootcamps, starting January 10th.
These bootcamps are completely free and open to everyone, regardless of background or prior coding experience. All you need is a computer, internet access, and a desire to learn.
Over 6 weeks, you‘ll learn the tools and techniques used by professional developers worldwide, get experience building real-world projects, and gain access to a vibrant and supportive community of peers and mentors. Weekly live classes and Q&A sessions will keep you motivated and on-track.
By the end of the program, you‘ll have a strong foundation in some of the most in-demand tech skills, plus a portfolio of projects to showcase your abilities. But the learning doesn‘t stop there.
Bootcamp grads will have continued access to freeCodeCamp‘s 7,000+ coding lessons and global community to keep growing their skills. They‘ll also have a network of alumni to turn to for advice and connections. Many fCC alumni have gone on to land their first tech jobs, freelance gigs, or paid internships.
The career possibilities unlocked by coding skills are vast and varied. With web development and JavaScript skills, you could pursue roles like:
- Front-end web developer
- Back-end web developer
- Full-stack engineer
- UX/UI designer
- Technical writer
- Product manager
- Entrepreneur
Of course, learning to code is challenging. It requires dedication, persistence, and a willingness to embrace failure as part of the process. But with the right guidance, resources, and support, anyone can learn to code and launch a fulfilling career in tech.
If you‘re ready to invest in yourself and your future, there‘s no better time to start. To apply for freeCodeCamp‘s Web Development or JavaScript bootcamp, simply create a free account at freeCodeCamp.org and visit the registration pages:
Don‘t miss this opportunity to gain valuable skills, build impressive projects, and open up new career opportunities. Apply now and join the millions of people worldwide who have unlocked the power of code with freeCodeCamp.
The future is yours to code. Happy learning!