Guide
Using a Workforce Development Grant to Pay for Coding Bootcamp in 2024
Written By Liz Eggleston
Edited By Jess Feldman
Last updated on July 23, 2024
Written By Liz Eggleston
Edited By Jess Feldman
Course Report strives to create the most trust-worthy content about coding bootcamps. Read more about Course Report’s Editorial Policy and How We Make Money.
Course Report strives to create the most trust-worthy content about coding bootcamps. Read more about Course Report’s Editorial Policy and How We Make Money.
Career centers and workforce development grants are a key resource for unemployed/underemployed workers looking to re-skill. Around 12 million people have contacted their local career centers this year, which is 8.5 million more than in 2019. Federal programs like WIOA (the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), the CARES act, and even initiatives run by your city or state can make it possible to attend a bootcamp tuition-free! But these programs can be difficult to navigate, so we did the legwork for you – read our guide to finding a workforce development grant for bootcamp in 2024.
First, let’s break down some of the jargon that can make these programs seem out of reach to you:
There are WIOA approved coding bootcamps in many states. To find them search for “eligible training provider list [your state]” or search “ETPL WIOA [your state]” or use CareerOneStop. Then, go to Course Report’s bootcamp search engine and search for your city/state. Search for the bootcamps listed in your state on Course Report within your state’s ETPL. Some of these lists are databases within a state’s website while others are just a spreadsheet.
Workforce development centers are by far the most difficult to get info from – you’ll likely have to contact your local office and try to get an appointment with a counselor.
TechHire is an Obama-era national initiative that facilitates partnerships between local workforce development programs, bootcamps, tech companies, colleges/universities and other training programs. At the height of TechHire, there was a chapter in just about every state. Today, these organizations are still offering great benefits to future coding bootcampers:
Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship
What it is: The Workforce Challenge Scholarship was created in the 2017 legislative session and is funded by lottery revenue with the purpose of workforce training. The Workforce Challenge Award is worth up to $800. Also includes 1-year access to Udemy and fees for 1 industry-recognized certification exam
Bootcamps that Accept this Grant: Arkansas Coding Academy
San Diego Workforce Partnership
Partners: UC San Diego Extension
Eligibility: Anyone who is interested in a career in the technology industry.
What You’ll Learn: Participants can choose from 60 programs including Android Programming, C# Programming, Python Programming, R for Data Analytics, and Software Quality Assurance. These programs last 9-12 months.
How to Use It: Submit an ISA Interest Form or apply for the ISA if you’re ready, receive the information package from San Diego Workforce Partnership, complete the School Research Form, and sign a contract.
Oakland Private Industry Council
Partners: Coding Dojo
Eligibility: This program is only for Oakland Residents or someone who was recently laid off from an Oakland-based business.
What You’ll Learn: Over the course of 14 weeks, you’ll learn three in-demand software development stacks for a well-rounded full stack software development skillset through classes, projects, and exams for every stack.
How to Use It: Pre-Register for a WIOA Information Session, apply to Coding Dojo’s Oakland campus, and go through the Coding Dojo admissions interview process. Coding Dojo will reach out directly to the Employment Development Department for payment if you were approved for funding from WIOA.
Digital Upskill Sacramento Program
Partners: Sacramento has partnered with General Assembly and Merit America.
Participants receive free laptops and a weekly stipend of $600, in addition to the $15,000 tuition.
How to Use It: Apply here.
The following are WIOA-approved bootcamps in Colorado:
Per Scholas
A needs-based program that offers technical training to thousands of new students by partnering with bootcamps like General Assembly – available in Denver.
Forward Delaware and Tech Hire Delaware
Partners: Tech Impact in partnership with Code Differently, Zip Code Wilmington, Tech Elevator, University of Delaware, Delaware Tech, Wilmington University, and The Precisionists
Eligibility: You must be 18 years or older to qualify for these programs.
What You’ll Learn: Depending on your previous experiences and your arrangement with Tech Hire Delaware, you can learn programming, cloud computing, networking, cybersecurity, data management and development, or general IT support. You could qualify to enroll in a 14-week Software Development bootcamp, 12-week Java bootcamp, 12-week Data Science Bootcamp, 10-week Novice coding bootcamp, 8-week Rookie bootcamp, or take IT courses at a Delaware university or technical school.
How to Use It: Apply on Tech Hire Delaware. Then, work with a Tech Hire Delaware coordinator to evaluate determine your options for low-cost or no-cost training.
CareerSource South Florida
What it is: In partnership with CareerSource South Florida, BrainStation - Miami offers a grant program for eligible unemployed Miami-Dade residents. CareerSource South Florida will fund $10,000 and BrainStation will cover the remaining $5,000.
Eligibility: Eligibility will be determined by CareerSource. To receive approval eligible applicants must be:
WIOA-approved Bootcamps in Florida:
BrainStation - UX/UI
The Code Academy - cybersecurity, web development, data visualization
WorkSource Atlanta
Digital Crafts is now an official provider for WorkSource Atlanta, an agency within the City of Atlanta whose mission is to provide job seekers with resources to attain sustainable employment. WIOA provides up to $7,000 in funding
Eligibility: Must be a city of Atlanta resident who is seeking work or has been laid off from your job.
To Apply: Register with Georgia Department of Labor at www.workreadyga.org, attend a WorkSource Atlanta orientation meeting, and complete the American Jobs Center (AJC) application
Tech Transformation Academy
Digital Crafts and the City of Refuge are partnering to offer the Tech Transformation Academy (aka T2 Academy). The Department of Labor is covering 100% of the tuition for up to 140 participants from 2021 to 2024.
Eligibility: Individuals must be passionate about breaking into tech, at least 17 years of age, and a resident of the metro Atlanta area.
To Apply: Apply to the T2 Academy – start with this questionnaire – then attend DigitalCrafts' full-time or part-time web development bootcamp at no cost.
Per Scholas
A needs-based program that offers technical training to thousands of new students by partnering with bootcamps like General Assembly) – available in Atlanta.
Hiring our Heroes
Partners: Eleven Fifty Academy
How to Use it: Indianapolis-based Eleven Fifty Academy is teaming with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and its Hiring Our Heroes campaign to help train military veterans for high-demand technology careers. ElevenFifty is also eligible for CARES Act funding which covers 100% of tuition while funds last.
What You’ll Learn: Choose from 12-14-week full-time bootcamps in cybersecurity, software development, or web development or an 8-week flex course for UX/UI Design. These bootcamps were designed specifically for non-coders to prepare you for an entry-level coding job through hands-on experience and soft skills.
Idaho Department of Labor
Partners: Boise CodeWorks is a Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship
How to Use It: Fill out this Idaho Department of Labor WIOA Interest form, a career planner will reach out to you.
Note: Idaho WIOA reciprocates Washington, Oregon, Montana, Missouri, and Utah
ChiCodes
Partners: Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, City of Chicago, Coding Temple
Eligibility: Aimed specifically at Chicago’s African American and Latinx communities on the City’s South Side
What You’ll Learn: The bootcamp takes a fully immersive project-based approach to teach students the skills necessary to pursue a career in software development or data analytics. The cohort objectives include learning to program Python within the Flask framework, SQL Databases, and front-end development with JavaScript.
How to Use It: Apply to ChiCodes; then expect an interview and a 40 question skills assessment to test your aptitude for becoming a developer.
Per Scholas
A needs-based program that offers technical training to thousands of new students by partnering with bootcamps like General Assembly) – available in Chicago.
CodeSHV Program
Leveraging the curriculum of Tech Talent South, this program features a mix of online instruction and small group project work. The City of Shreveport covers all costs. Apply to the CodeSHV Program here!
Per Scholas
A needs-based program that offers technical training to thousands of new students by partnering with bootcamps like General Assembly) – available in Baltimore.
Per Scholas
A needs-based program that offers technical training to thousands of new students by partnering with bootcamps like General Assembly) – available in Greater Boston.
Michigan Works! Association
In partnership with local workforce development boards, Tech Elevator is an Eligible Training Provider in the state of Michigan underneath the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act, which authorizes & funds employment & training programs in the United States. Contact Michigan Works! Association to apply.
Per Scholas
A needs-based program that offers technical training to thousands of new students by partnering with bootcamps like General Assembly) – available in Detroit.
Minneapolis TechHire
What it is: In response to the growing need for tech workers in the Minneapolis Saint Paul region, the City of Minneapolis partners with high-quality, accelerated learning programs to quickly skill up job seekers looking to enter the tech industry.
Partners: Long-standing partners in this work include PRIME Digital Academy and The Software Guild.
How to Use It: Apply here to use funds for Prime Digital Academy or Software Guild.
LaunchCode
Partners: St. Louis Community College
Eligibility: Most recipients of public assistance, veterans, and low-income individuals over the age of 18 are qualified for this program. You must have basic skills in at least one imperative (C/C++, Java, JavaScript, C#, Python, Ruby, etc.) or functional language (Haskell, Scala, F#, Clojure, etc.) before applying.
What You’ll Learn: Immerse yourself in this 14-week full-time Web Development Fundamentals bootcamp and learn JavaScript alongside Java or C# with hands-on mentorship and support from instructors. After the program, you’ll get matched with a full-time paid apprenticeship and industry mentor.
How to Use It: Apply online to LaunchCode, do an online coding puzzle, and ace a technical and behavioral interview. Contact your local Missouri Job Center to find out if you qualify for WIOA.
Claim Academy
Eligibility: Must have a minimum of a high school diploma or a GED, an initial behavioral interview, a free technical challenge precourse with technical challenge, and have a technical interview based on the technical challenge.
Length: 3-5 months
What You’ll Learn: Students choose between several programs like Java, Cyber Security, or .NET/C#.
How to Use It: Claim Academy is an eligible WIOA Grant Approved Organization.
Heartland Workforce Solutions
Partners: Interface Web School
Eligibility: You may be able to qualify for tuition assistance from Heartland Workforce Solutions if:
Job Training Albuquerque
Partners: The City of Albuquerque and Central New Mexico Community College
Eligibility: You must be employed by an Albuquerquee company that has less than 500 employees.
What You’ll Learn: In this 15-week part-time online course, you’ll learn UX and UI design.
How to Use It: Speak to your employer and send them a Job Training Albuquerque application to fill out.
City of Albuquerque Workforce Development
Partners: Deep Dive Coding and Cultivate Coders
Eligibility: Each program has their own eligibility requirements and funding requirements.
What You’ll Learn:
How to Use It: Contact the program you’d like to participate in directly to find out if you qualify for their next bootcamp.
NYC Tech Talent Pipeline
Partners: Galvanize, Fullstack Academy
Eligibility: New York City residents who are:
What You’ll Learn: Choose from NYC Web Development Fellowship or Data Analyst Traning Accelorator.
How to Use It: Join the pipeline email list for notifications about the next cohort.
Career Discovery NYC
Partners: Galvanize, Fullstack Academy, Codecademy
Eligibility: Eligibility varies for each course, but overall you must be:
What You’ll Learn:
How to Use It:
Per Scholas
A needs-based program that offers technical training to thousands of new students by partnering with bootcamps like General Assembly) – available in Newark and New York.
WNY Skills Initiative
What It Is: A regional coalition of partners offers a free reskilling/upskilling initiative to help Western New Yorkers develop marketable tech and digital skills.
Cost: The virtual courses are free for residents of Erie, Niagara, Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties.
Partners: The WNY Tech Skills Initiative coalition consists of M&T, Empire State Development, TechBuffalo, Buffalo Urban League, Goodwill of Western New York, Rich Products, the University at Buffalo Regional Institute, Lighthouse Technology Services, the city of Buffalo, the Buffalo and Employment Training Center and the Erie County Department of Social Services.
How to Apply: https://www.techbuffalo.org/wny-tech-skills-initiative/
Through a sponsorship of the City of Charlotte, Tech Talent South offers two trainings at no-charge to eligible participants in foundational and advanced full-stack development. Apply to the TTS program in partnership with the City of Charlotte here!
Tech Elevator is partnering with the City of Charlotte to offer Charlotte residents who were affected by COVID-19 and unemployed or underemployed free tuition in Tech Elevator's 14 week program. This unique cohort supports Charlotte residents getting back to work with in-demand skills they need for a career in tech.
How to Apply: First, take the Aptitude Test (no coding required!). Then, apply here (Select ‘City of Charlotte & Tech Impact Delaware' as your location).
Per Scholas
A needs-based program that offers technical training to thousands of new students by partnering with bootcamps like General Assembly) – available in Charlotte.
OhioMeansJobs
In partnership with local workforce development boards, Tech Elevator is an Eligible Training Provider in the state of Ohio underneath the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act, which authorizes & funds employment & training programs in the United States. Contact OhioMeansJobs to apply.
Per Scholas
A needs-based program that offers technical training to thousands of new students by partnering with bootcamps like General Assembly) – available in Greater Cincinnati and Columbus.
Workforce Tulsa
Partners: Coding Dojo
Eligibility: Oklahoma prioritizes recipients of public assistance, veterans, and low-income individuals over the age of 18 for their WIOA program. If you’re in one of those categories, you most likely qualify. Displaced military spouses and recently laid off individuals who were employed in Tulsa may also qualify.
What You’ll Learn: Over the course of 14 weeks, you’ll learn three in-demand software development stacks for a well-rounded full stack software development skillset through classes, projects, and exams for every stack.
How to Use It: Contact your local Workforce office to apply for WIOA assistance. Then, apply for admission to Coding Dojo’s Tulsa campus. Together your Workforce counselor and Coding Dojo’s admissions office will help you complete your WIOA paperwork.
TechHire PGH
What it is: a community-supported initiative to hire local tech talent supported by Pittsburgh bootcamps, Academy PGH and Tech Elevator.
Partners: Academy PGH and Tech Elevator
Partner4Work
Partners: IBM and SkillsBuild Reignite
Eligibility: This program is free and available to anyone, anywhere in the world through an online portal.
What You’ll Learn: The IBM Service Corps Reignite program provides free online training for digital and professional skills in job fields with a low supply of technically trained employees. First, you’ll spend 30-hours learning about career paths in IT, agile and design thinking methods, and take online course in digital and professional skills. Then, you can enroll in job paths including web development, cybersecurity, cloud system administration, data management, or customer support. You’ll also receive one-on-one coaching on technology, professional skills, and your job search. Graduates of this program are eligible to apply and interview for open positions at IBM.
How to Use It: Complete the IBM Service Corps Reignite participant registration form and then take a skills assessment so that the program can determine the best “new collar” job path for you.
WIOA-approved Bootcamps
In partnership with local workforce development boards, Tech Elevator is an Eligible Training Provider in the state of Pennsylvania underneath the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act, which authorizes & funds employment & training programs in the United States. Contact Pennsylvania CareerLink to apply.
Per Scholas
A needs-based program that offers technical training to thousands of new students by partnering with bootcamps like General Assembly) – available in Philadelphia.
Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas
Partners: CodeUp
Eligibility: You’ll need to present proof through state forms that you are authorized to work in the US, 18 years old or older with proof of age such as a birth certificate, registered for US selective service, and proof of income that meets income eligibility. If you were laid-off within the past 6 months or you are a military spouse who was displaced you may also be eligible. If you may be eligible with self-attestation that you are experiencing homelessness, enrolled in government support like SNAP or TANF, or in foster care.
What You’ll Learn: Choose from the 22-week Data Science program or the 20-week Full Stack Web Development program. In the Full Stack Web Development program, you’ll learn test-driven development with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Plus, web design and project planning, jQuery, Java, and MySQL. The Data Science program teaches the fundamentals, SQL, Python, regression, classification, clustering, language processing, and machine learning. Both of these programs have a capstone project and a career simulation week.
How to Use It: Apply to CodeUp, gather the necessary documents and state forms to establish eligibility for WIOA, contact your local Workforce Solutions office, and coordinate with Workforce Solutions to get approved for funding and admission to CodeUp.
Per Scholas
A needs-based program that offers technical training to thousands of new students by partnering with bootcamps like General Assembly) – available in Dallas.
Workforce Solutions Alamo
Eligible applicants can now use Texas Workforce Development funds to help pay for Codeup. The first step is to find out if you’re eligible for funding by contacting our local workforce board, Workforce Solutions Alamo. Transitioning Service members may qualify for funding as “dislocated workers.”
Project Quest
Project Quest is a collaboration with Workforce Solutions Alamo, the City of San Antonio and Bexar County Economic Development Departments, and local business leaders.
Partners: Rackspace Open Cloud Academy, Code Up
Eligibility: Applicants receive a two-phase assessment to determine their training readiness: one for academic skill level and the other to establish career suitability.
Benefits: Support services such as childcare, transportation allowances, and utility assistance are vital elements of Project Quest.
Utah Energy Workforce Scholarship
Partners: Utah Governor's Office of Energy Development and Chevron
Eligibility: For high school seniors and first-year college students pursuing STEM degrees.
Amount: $2,000 and $4,000 scholarships are available.
How to Use It: Apply to the scholarship at the Utah Governor's Office of Energy Development website.
The Vermont Returnship Grant is an innovative project designed to leverage Vermont’s experienced workers and pair them with businesses that seek top talent. A “returnship” is a position similar to an internship, designed specifically for adults with previous experience in the workplace who have taken time away from their careers and seek to reenter the workforce. The program is operated by Associates for Training and Development (A4TD).
Bootcamp Partners: Burlington Code Academy
Eligibility: This program is accessible to any Vermonter with significant workplace experience; it does not have the eligibility restrictions commonly seen in other workforce development projects, such as age, income, or employment status. The program is exclusive to Vermont residents and available statewide. There is no cost to participate.
Amount: Up to $1,500
How to Apply: Call (802.393.8386) or email the BCA admissions team and ask about the Vermont Returnship Grant. Or apply to a Burlington Code Academy course and ask about the Vermont Returnship Grant in your application.
The Tech Talent Investment Program - Virginia tech talent program includes multiple partnerships with academia to retrain a workforce for the tech industry.
Per Scholas
A needs-based program that offers technical training to thousands of new students by partnering with bootcamps like General Assembly) – available in Washington DC.
Washington Career Bridge
Partners: Nucamp
Eligibility:
How to Use It: Washington Career Bridge is an online database of education and training programs throughout Washington state. This database was launched for students, career counselors, and job seekers.
WorkSource Washington
Partners: Coding Dojo
Eligibility: 18 years or older, legally entitled to work in the US, and have met selective service registration requirements.
What You’ll Learn: Over the course of 14 weeks, you’ll learn three in-demand software development stacks for a well-rounded full stack software development skillset through classes, projects, and exams for every stack.
How to Use It: Contact your local WorkSource Center to apply for WIOA assistance. Then, apply to Coding Dojo’s Bellevue campus. Coding Dojo and your WorkSource counselor will help you with the paperwork needed for this program. You may have to take an aptitude assessment with WorkSource.
Washington State Worker Retraining Program
Partners: State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
Eligibility:
What it is: The Worker Retraining Program serves those facing unemployment or imminent layoffs. It provides funding for eligible unemployed workers to pursue training and ultimately regain employment.
What’s Included: Qualified students may receive financial assistance to help with tuition, covering up to 15% of the total tuition cost.
How to Apply: Contact the SBCTC directly.
Do you know about a Workforce Development opportunity that we missed in this list? Let us know in the comments!
Liz Eggleston is co-founder of Course Report, the most complete resource for students choosing a coding bootcamp. Liz has dedicated her career to empowering passionate career changers to break into tech, providing valuable insights and guidance in the rapidly evolving field of tech education. At Course Report, Liz has built a trusted platform that helps thousands of students navigate the complex landscape of coding bootcamps.
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