LaunchCode Blog - The Orbit

From Military to Civilian Tech: Making a Smooth Career Transition

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 18:59:55 GMT

If you have a security clearance and are considering a move from the military to the private tech sector, you’re in a strong position. Whether you’ve been laid off with a security clearance, are transitioning out of the military, or are simply looking for new job opportunities, there’s high demand for your skills in the civilian workforce. However, making the transition isn’t always straightforward. Here’s how to successfully navigate your job search and land a fulfilling role in tech.

How to Write a Resume That Highlights Your Security Clearance and Technical Skills

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 18:54:48 GMT

If you have a security clearance and technical skills, you’re already ahead in today’s competitive job market. But if your resume doesn’t clearly communicate the value of your clearance and capabilities, you could be missing out on high-paying opportunities in the private sector. At LaunchCode, we help job seekers with security clearances transition into the civilian workforce.

Build Your Custom Talent Solution Anywhere with LaunchCode

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 19:37:27 GMT

Solving Tech Talent Challenges Beyond Major Hubs: LaunchCode's Innovative Workforce Solutions

For companies outside major tech hubs or in need of specialized talent, the lack of accessible candidates can slow innovation and growth. At LaunchCode, we understand these challenges, and we’ve built flexible, scalable solutions to meet your hiring needs—no matter where you’re located.

LaunchCode Alumni Spotlight: Aleesha Dawson's Journey

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 19:53:41 GMT

LaunchCode’s mission is to break down barriers to tech careers, and Aleesha Dawson’s story beautifully showcases the power of determination, community, and opportunity. After seven years as part of the LaunchCode family, Aleesha reflects on her journey and how it shaped her career.

Here's what she had to share:

What initially inspired you to join LaunchCode?

When I decided to leave graduate school, I could not for the life of me find a job. No one wants to hire someone who says they are good at problem-solving without the tech skills. So, I applied to LaunchCode.

LaunchCode Alumni Spotlight: Nick Coronado's Journey

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 19:53:36 GMT

At LaunchCode, we love celebrating our alumni and their unique paths to success. We caught up with Nick Coronado, a LaunchCode graduate, to learn more about his transformative journey through the program.

Here's what he had to share:

What initially inspired you to join LaunchCode?

A friend of a friend told me about LaunchCode and how it changed their life. They went from being a bartender making roughly $20,000 a year to working as a QA tester for a huge company making $90,000 a year!

What’s launching in 2025? Course & Application Updates & Enhancements

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 19:57:05 GMT

LaunchCode's Tech Literacy Resources

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 05:00:00 GMT

How LaunchCode is Free

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 16:56:19 GMT

LaunchCode is a nonprofit on a mission to create new pathways to careers in technology. By shifting the burden of training costs away from the learner and to the employer, everyone benefits.

The cost of a college education remains stubbornly high, running between $37,600 – $150,400 on average in the U.S. Even less expensive bootcamps carry a heavy price tag, on average over $14,000 and often even claim part of your future salary. These models place an undue burden on individuals unable to pay high fees, preventing equity in education and tech jobs alike. LaunchCode will never charge to take our courses or get a job through our apprenticeship program. Ever.

Most education institutions and businesses make a profit whether you walk away with a good education and job prospects or not. LaunchCode only earns revenue from an employer if we've trained and prepared you well enough that you land an apprenticeship or job through our program. And employers only want to keep hiring from us as long as they're so pleased with our apprentices that they convert them to permanent employees at the end. If we fail to get you through these challenging courses and into an apprenticeship, you still don't owe us anything, and we don't earn anything.

LaunchCode's unique model relies on three sources: donations from community members, public and private grants to support education and job preparedness, and the revenue we earn from employers after paying wages and benefits to our apprentices. Because we're a nonprofit organization, all the money goes to support the next cohort of classes and apprenticeship jobs, and the cycle sustains itself.

How Liftoff Helps Launch Your New Tech Career

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 16:14:40 GMT

Congratulations to LaunchCode's 2024 Stellar Soiree Awardees!

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 19:17:07 GMT

Stellar Soirée is LaunchCode's annual fundraising celebration. We gather our entire community for an awe-inspiring celebration that champions a cause that’s not just about coding, but about transforming lives! Together, we’ve shattered barriers and bridged gaps, unleashing the true potential of a diverse and inclusive tech workforce.

During the Soirée we take the time to honor five members of the LaunchCode’s ecosystem who exemplify the resounding change one person or organization can make in working toward a world where everyone - regardless of background or experience - has an opportunity to pursue a career in technology