Please read the summary below to learn more about the Justice Through Code program. If you are interested in applying after learning more, please continue on below to complete your application.
Justice Through Code (JTC) is a coding intensive for formerly incarcerated individuals that teaches the fundamentals of programming in Python. Python is a popular programming language used by companies like Google, Facebook, Dropbox, Instagram, and Reddit. Python is designed to be easy to read and use, while still being very powerful, which makes it a great language for beginners to learn. During the class, you will hear from industry-leading technologists working at companies like AWS, Google, Slack, and Coursera as you explore potential careers in the sector.
Taught over the fall semester, it will cover technical curriculum, developed by Professor Mattan Griffel of the Columbia Business School. In addition to learning technical skills, you will also work to develop the interpersonal skills necessary for a career in the technology industry. Interpersonal skills development will involve workshops and lessons in business communication, resume writing, interviewing skills, networking, and personal narrative development.
Justice Through Code is a partnership between Columbia University's Center for Justice and the Tamer Center for Social Enterprise.
Students will be expected to participate in office hours during the program and will be required to complete at-home video lessons and coursework in order to receive a certificate of program completion.
Remote attendance is available and we accept applications nationally.
Program Completion Certificates will be provided by the Columbia Business School.
Requirements for Participation:
>Familiarity and comfort with basic computer skills;
>An email address or phone number for contact;
>Ability to attend all class sessions; and
>Experience with incarceration (formerly incarcerated or justice-involvement)
Program Details:
>Our program is completely free for students
>Orientation is the weekend of August 28th
>Applications close Friday, July 15th although we suggest you apply as soon as possible as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
>Classes start the week of September 7th
>The final week of classes will be held the week of December 13th
>Classes meet virtually
>The class schedule rotates, meeting three evenings during the week, and four evenings every other week
>Class is held from 6:30 - 8:30 pm EST
We encourage students to reach out to us if they want to apply but have concerns about their ability to participate or attend the class sessions for any reason.
For more information about Justice Through Code email:
justicethroughcode@columbia.edu