Programming School‘s Comprehensive Support Efforts Keep Students on Track During COVID-19

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 disrupted nearly every facet of daily life, forcing individuals and institutions alike to rapidly adapt to a new reality. For students enrolled in coding bootcamps like Programming School, the crisis posed an unprecedented set of challenges, threatening to derail their learning journeys and career ambitions.

Fortunately, Programming School met the moment with a swift and comprehensive response designed to support students through the difficulties posed by the pandemic. By implementing temporary policy changes, highlighting existing support options, and investing in remote learning infrastructure, the school gave students the flexibility and assistance they needed to stay on track toward their goals.

The Financial Impact of COVID-19 on Bootcamp Students

To understand the significance of Programming School‘s pandemic response, it‘s important to recognize the financial hardships many students faced as a result of the crisis. According to a survey conducted by Course Report, 43% of bootcamp graduates reported a negative impact on their job search due to COVID-19, with 26% losing a job offer and 22% having their start date delayed.

These financial challenges made it difficult for many students to afford the costs associated with their programs. Programming School tuition ranges from $15,000 to $17,000 depending on the course of study, a significant investment even in the best of times. With widespread job losses and income reductions, some students found themselves unable to keep up with payment plans or loan obligations.

In response to these challenges, Programming School implemented a series of temporary changes to its policies designed to provide short-term relief for students. These included:

• Allowing students an additional opportunity to change programs or repeat a module at no extra cost
• Granting automatic 90-day extensions for students enrolled in self-paced programs
• Honoring more generous refund policies for students forced to withdraw due to pandemic-related issues
• Extending project deadlines to give students more breathing room to complete assessments

These measures gave students crucial flexibility to adapt their learning plans and timelines to the realities of the pandemic. By reducing financial pressure and allowing for more personalized pacing, Programming School helped students stay engaged and progressing despite the significant obstacles posed by COVID-19.

The Impact of Flexible Policies on Student Outcomes

The data suggests that these flexible policies made a real difference for students. Despite the enormous challenges of the pandemic, Programming School reported an 83% graduation rate for its Software Engineering cohorts in 2020, a strong outcome compared to industry benchmarks. The school also saw an 86% job placement rate for job-seeking graduates within the reporting period, indicating that students were still able to successfully transition into tech careers despite the economic disruptions of the pandemic.

It‘s likely that the temporary policy changes and flexible support options played a key role in these positive outcomes. By providing students with the ability to adjust their pace, get extended support, and access accommodations as needed, Programming School reduced some of the key risk factors for dropout and disengagement.

Avi Flombaum, Programming School‘s co-founder and chief product officer, emphasized the importance of this flexibility in an interview with EducationDive. "The pandemic has taught us that everyone needs something slightly different in their education," Flombaum said. "The future of education is going to be about meeting the student where they are and giving them the flexibility and control to learn on their own terms."

Beyond Policy: The Crucial Role of Coaching and Support

Financial flexibility was just one aspect of Programming School‘s comprehensive response to the pandemic. Equally important was the school‘s emphasis on providing students with robust support services to help them navigate the personal and academic challenges of the crisis.

Central to this effort was the school‘s unique educational coaching model. From the start of their journey, every Programming School student is paired with a dedicated coach who provides 1:1 guidance, accountability, and support. During the pandemic, these coaching relationships took on new importance as students grappled with a wide range of issues related to remote learning, work-life balance, and mental health.

Programming School coach Madison Hildreth shared some insights on how coaching adapted to meet the needs of students during the pandemic. "A lot of my conversations with students shifted to topics like managing stress, creating structure while learning from home, and maintaining motivation through difficult times," Hildreth said. "It wasn‘t just about academics anymore. It was about supporting the whole student through a period of tremendous upheaval."

Coaches worked closely with instructors and student services personnel to identify students who were struggling and connect them with resources and accommodations. They also served as advocates, helping students navigate complex challenges and serving as a vital source of encouragement and support.

These efforts paid off in terms of student satisfaction and well-being. In a survey of Programming School graduates, 90% reported feeling supported by their educational coach, and 94% said they felt a sense of belonging at the school despite the shift to remote learning. These findings suggest that the school‘s emphasis on high-touch, personalized support played a crucial role in helping students persist and succeed through the pandemic.

The Long-Term Impacts of the Pandemic on Tech Education

While the most acute phase of the pandemic has passed, its impact on the world of tech education is likely to be enduring. The rapid shift to remote learning and work has accelerated trends that were already underway, forcing institutions like Programming School to invest in online infrastructure and adapt their approaches to meet the needs of a more distributed student body.

One of the key lessons of the pandemic is the importance of flexibility and adaptability in education. Students need options to learn in ways that fit their unique circumstances, whether that means attending classes online, accessing asynchronous content, or having the ability to adjust their pace as needed. Programming School‘s pandemic response demonstrated the viability of a more flexible, student-centric approach, and it‘s likely that these principles will continue to guide the school‘s strategy going forward.

Another important takeaway is the vital role that support services play in student success. The pandemic underscored the fact that learning doesn‘t happen in a vacuum – students bring their whole selves to their studies, and they need holistic support to thrive. Programming School‘s investment in educational coaching and proactive student support paid dividends during the crisis, and it‘s likely that other institutions will follow suit in prioritizing these services.

Finally, the pandemic has highlighted the resilience and adaptability of the tech education community. Despite facing enormous challenges, schools like Programming School found ways to keep students learning and progressing toward their goals. This is a testament to the dedication of instructors, coaches, and support staff, as well as the grit and determination of students themselves. As we move into an uncertain future, this resilience will continue to serve the industry well.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic posed an unprecedented challenge for students and schools alike, but Programming School‘s comprehensive response demonstrates the power of flexible, student-centric education. By providing financial accommodations, investing in robust support services, and embracing adaptable learning models, the school helped students weather the worst of the crisis and stay on track toward their goals.

As we look ahead to the future of tech education, the lessons of the pandemic are likely to guide strategy and decision-making. Institutions that prioritize flexibility, support, and resilience will be well-positioned to serve students effectively no matter what challenges arise. And students who have persevered through this difficult time will bring a new level of adaptability and determination to their careers in tech.

At Programming School, the pandemic has only reinforced the core values that have always guided the institution‘s approach. "Our mission is to enable the pursuit of a better life through education," said CEO Adam Enbar in a recent interview. "That mission has never been more important than it is today. We‘re committed to providing students with the skills, support, and opportunities they need to thrive in an uncertain world."

As the world continues to change and evolve, that commitment to student success will remain at the heart of Programming School‘s approach. The pandemic has shown that with the right support and resources, students are capable of incredible things – and Programming School will be there to help them every step of the way.