Access Code 2.2 @C4Q #LearnToCode

Hi there,

My name is Ayuna, and I’m studying iOS development at Access Code 2.2 atC4Q.

Let’s break this down :)

What is iOS development?

I’m learning how to build apps for iPhone.

What is Access Code?

Access Code is an intensive coding program in mobile app development (iOS and Android) that equips talented adults with the computer programming skills to launch careers in the tech industry.

What is C4Q?

C4Q stands for Coalition for Queens and is a tech ed non-profit that aims to create a more inclusive tech community in NYC. With its mission in its name — Access Code, C4Q provides full scholarships (which is awesome, because coding education is expensive!) to talented adults from low income and underserved groups: women, minorities, immigrants and people with no college degrees.

How do I get in the Access Code program?

The application process is very competitive and consists of four steps:

application form, in-person interview, coding workshop, and a coding project assignment.

// Follow me on Medium and/or Twitter to receive updates: a detailed blog post on Access Code application process coming soon. //

How are the classes structured?

Access Code is a 9-month part-time program. Here’s the schedule:

The schedule is intense, and having no weekends for nine months is tough, but it’s worth it. When you have a very little of something, you start to truly appreciate it… I never realized how important the weekends are. We get few breaks though for Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.

Do I need to know how to program?

Access Code prepares participants with no prior coding experience for entry-level developer jobs. A lot of people in my program, including me, had no coding experience whatsoever.

iOS cohort is learning C and Objective-C/Swift languages, and Android class is using Java.

However, having prior programming experience or knowing other programming languages will serve you well, because you will learn and progress faster.

If you are considering learning how to code, you should start now by taking online courses on CodeCademy, Treehouse and Lynda. // Follow me onMedium and/or Twitter to receive updates: a blog post on learning to code resources and other scholarships/opportunities is on the way //

How do you like it, Ayuna?

I love it!

I had never seen a line of code prior to Access Code and never considered a career in tech.

I was the kind of person who would say:

• “Oh, I’m not technical”
• “I’m not good with computers”
• “I wasn’t good at math in school”

This is the reason why people, and especially women, like me stay out of technology. Do you recognize yourself in those words above?

Then YOU can learn to code.

Access Code gave me an opportunity to get a taste of coding and … I loved it! I was encouraged to try it out because C4Q formulated it in an inviting and enticing manner to a person like me, a person with no technical background. They said: “you don’t need to know how to program”, and “everybody can learn as long as you are determined and motivated”.

On our launch day, this quote was in one of our instructor’s slides:

C4Q’s goal isn’t to teach us to be programmers, but to fall in love with it and to be passionate about it moving forward and continuing our learning.

I love traveling. I love learning and experiencing new things. When I’m feeling too comfortable, I feel the urge to step out of that zone, and I think, coding gives me satisfaction for that constant craving of novelty and learning.

When is the next enrollment cycle for Access Code?

The application process is currently closed but is expected to start some time late 2015 — early 2016. If you, or anyone you know, are interested in applying, sign up for the newsletter on the website and keep an eye on the next application round.

If you need more information on Access Code and C4Q, feel free to reach out via Twitter/LinkedIn.

Hope this helps, and good luck on your coding journey!!