Engineering Field Guide Logo
A Field Guide to
Software Engineering
Buy

Resources

One thing I've learned: the best engineers I know didn't get there alone. They found people who challenged them, answered their questions, and showed them what good looked like. This book can get you started, but these communities can get you further.

Algorythm - Black Software Engineers Tech Prep & Career Growth logo

Featured

Algorythm - Black Software Engineers Tech Prep & Career Growth

Algorythm is a non-profit educational social club for black software engineers. The focus of group activity is to elevate black software engineer’s skills, career and compensation through self-sustaining community resources and group study.

Why I recommend it

I’ve been following Esco Obong’s career for 25 years, and when he launched Algorythm I was incredibly impressed by his ability to grow a global community and share some of the most real and candid information on how to break into tech and access the highest-paying opportunities.

Visit resource →

Filter by tag

Chi Hack Night

Chicago's free weekly civic tech event where thousands of designers, data journalists, developers, and community members build tools and learn about civic technology together. Offers breakout learning groups and hands-on project work suitable for newcomers.

any stagehybridcommunityprojectsfreepublic-interest techUS – local/metro

Alliance of Civic Technologists

A decentralized network connecting local volunteer civic technology groups across the United States, providing opportunities to learn, collaborate, and build technology for public benefit. The spiritual successor to the Code for America Brigade program.

any stagehybridcommunityprojectsfreepublic-interest techUS-wide

U.S. Digital Response

A nonprofit that connects experienced pro-bono technologists with state and local governments on 8-12 week remote projects. Volunteers gain government experience while helping improve public services, with nearly 5% of deployed volunteers transitioning to civic tech careers.

early-career (0–3 yrs)mid-career (4–9 yrs)onlineprojectsmentorshipfreepublic-interest techUS-wide

U.S. Digital Corps

A paid two-year federal fellowship recruiting early-career technologists in software engineering, data science, design, product management, and cybersecurity to work on high-impact government projects with dedicated mentorship and learning curriculum.

collegecareer switcherin-personcohort-basedmentorshippaidpublic-interest techUS-wide

Coding it Forward

A nonprofit offering the Civic Digital Fellowship, a paid 10-week summer internship placing undergraduate and graduate students in federal agencies to work on technology projects addressing public challenges.

collegein-personcohort-basedmentorshipstipend availablepublic-interest techUS-wide

TechCongress

A fellowship placing early-career and mid-career technologists as policy advisors to Members of Congress for 10-12 months. Fellows learn the legislative process while shaping technology policy on issues like AI, cybersecurity, and data privacy.

early-career (0–3 yrs)mid-career (4–9 yrs)in-personcohort-basedmentorshippaidpublic-interest techUS-wide

DataKind

A global nonprofit connecting data scientists and AI practitioners with social sector organizations through DataDive hackathons and longer-term projects. Volunteers gain experience applying data science to real-world social challenges while building their portfolios.

early-career (0–3 yrs)mid-career (4–9 yrs)hybridcommunityprojectsfreepublic-interest techglobal

DemocracyLab

A platform and community connecting skilled volunteers with tech-for-good projects. Hosts regular hackathons and provides opportunities for developers, designers, and product managers to build portfolio projects while contributing to civic causes.

any stagehybridcommunityprojectsfreepublic-interest techglobal

Aspen Tech Policy Hub

A policy incubator modeled after Y Combinator that trains STEM professionals in the policy process through paid fellowship and executive education programs, teaching technologists how to create real policy impact.

early-career (0–3 yrs)mid-career (4–9 yrs)in-personcohort-basedmentorshipstipend availablepublic-interest techUS-wide

General Assembly

A global bootcamp offering immersive courses in software engineering, web development, and data science with career support. Provides full-time and part-time programs both online and in major cities worldwide.

bootcampcohort-basedcareer servicespaidscholarship availablehybridglobal

Flatiron School

An online coding bootcamp providing software engineering and cybersecurity programs with career coaching and job placement support. Offers income share agreements and deferred tuition options alongside traditional payment.

bootcamponlinecohort-basedcareer servicespaidscholarship availableUS-wide

App Academy

An intensive software engineering bootcamp known for its deferred tuition model where students pay only after securing a job. Covers full-stack web development with a focus on employability and technical interview preparation.

bootcamponlinecohort-basedcareer servicespaidUS-widecareer switcher

Hack Reactor

A rigorous software engineering bootcamp focused on JavaScript and full-stack development with strong emphasis on technical fundamentals. Offers both immersive and part-time programs with dedicated career services.

bootcamponlinecohort-basedcareer servicespaidscholarship availableUS-wide

Le Wagon

A global coding bootcamp teaching web development and data science through project-based learning in over 40 cities. Features intensive 9-week programs with a focus on building real products and entrepreneurial skills.

bootcampin-personcohort-basedprojectspaidglobalcareer switcher

Fullstack Academy

A coding bootcamp offering comprehensive software engineering programs with personalized career coaching and lifetime support. Provides immersive and part-time options with small class sizes and hands-on curriculum.

bootcamponlinecohort-basedcareer servicespaidUS-wideany stage

Ironhack

A global tech bootcamp offering programs in web development, UX/UI design, and data analytics across campuses and remote formats. Features intensive 9-week courses with career services and a strong international alumni network.

bootcamphybridcohort-basedcareer servicespaidglobalcareer switcher

Coding Dojo

A coding bootcamp teaching multiple technology stacks including Python, Java, and MERN, with flexible online and on-campus options. Emphasizes versatility by training students in three full stacks during their program.

bootcamponlinecohort-basedpaidUS-widecareer switchercareer services

Nucamp

An affordable coding bootcamp offering part-time programs in web development, mobile development, and backend development. Features small class sizes, mentor support, and flexible evening and weekend schedules for working professionals.

bootcamponlinecohort-basedpaidscholarship availableUS-widecareer switcher

CareerFoundry

An online bootcamp offering flexible, mentor-guided programs in web development, UX design, and data analytics with job guarantee. Provides one-on-one mentorship, self-paced learning, and dedicated career coaching throughout the program.

bootcamponlineself-pacedmentorshipcareer servicespaidglobal

freeCodeCamp

Global nonprofit offering self-paced coding curriculum with interactive challenges and projects, plus local study groups and meetups in cities worldwide. Thousands of learners use it to build portfolios and transition into tech roles.

globalfreeself-pacedonlinecommunitypracticeany stage

100Devs

Free software engineering bootcamp with live classes, community support, and a focus on helping career switchers land their first dev job. Emphasizes practical projects and interview prep.

freeonlinebootcampcommunitycareer switchercareer servicescohort-based

CodeNewbie

Supportive community for people learning to code, featuring podcasts, Twitter chats, and local meetup chapters. Offers encouragement and practical advice for navigating early-stage coding journeys.

globalfreecommunityonlineany stagegeneral audience

Chingu

Connects developers in remote cohorts to build real projects together, simulating professional team environments. Ideal for practicing collaboration skills and creating portfolio work.

globalfreecohort-basedonlineprojectscommunityearly-career (0–3 yrs)

The Collab Lab

Eight-week program where early-career developers build a real-world app with a team, gaining experience with Agile workflows, code reviews, and pair programming. Completely free with mentorship from experienced engineers.

freeonlinementorshipprojectsearly-career (0–3 yrs)cohort-basedglobal

Women Who Code

Global nonprofit with local networks offering technical study groups, mentorship, and career development events for women and nonbinary people in tech. Hosts regular coding workshops and conferences.

globalfreewomen & nonbinarycommunitymentorshipin-persononline

Out in Tech

Connects LGBTQ+ professionals in technology through local chapters, mentorship programs, and career resources. Hosts coding workshops, networking events, and professional development sessions.

globalfreeLGBTQ+communitymentorshiphybridcareer services

/dev/color

Nonprofit empowering Black software engineers through mentorship, community, and career advancement programs. Offers peer coding groups, conference scholarships, and connections to inclusive employers.

US-widefreeBlack technologistsmentorshipcommunitycareer servicesearly-career (0–3 yrs)

Resilient Coders

Free coding bootcamp focused on training people of color for careers in software engineering, with job placement support and ongoing community. Based in Boston with cohort-based instruction.

US – local/metrofreepeople of colorbootcampcohort-basedcareer servicescareer switcher

Code2040

Activates, connects, and mobilizes Black and Latinx technologists and their allies through fellowship programs, skills training, and community events. Focuses on career acceleration for early and mid-career engineers.

US-widefreeBlack technologistsLatinx technologistsmentorshipcareer servicesearly-career (0–3 yrs)

CodePath

Provides free computer science courses for college students from underrepresented backgrounds, with industry mentors and career support to prepare for software engineering roles.

collegeonlinecohort-basedmentorshipfreepeople of colorUS-wide

Pursuit

Provides a four-year software engineering fellowship for adults from underserved backgrounds in NYC, including intensive training and comprehensive career services.

career switcherhybridcohort-basedbootcampcareer servicespeople of colorUS – local/metro

Outreachy

Offers paid three-month remote internships in open source software for people from underrepresented groups, with dedicated one-on-one mentorship from project maintainers.

any stageonlinementorshipprojectsstipend availablepeople of colorglobal

MLH Fellowship

Provides remote software engineering internship experiences for students, including open source contributions, production engineering externships, and collaborative projects.

collegeearly-career (0–3 yrs)onlinecohort-basedprojectsstipend availableglobal

Exercism

Free platform offering coding exercises across 60+ programming languages with volunteer mentor feedback, helping learners develop skills through practice and personalized guidance.

any stageonlineself-pacedmentorshippracticefreeglobal

Gaza Sky Geeks

Gaza Sky Geeks provides six-month JavaScript-based web development bootcamps and ongoing mentorship for Palestinians in Gaza. The program teaches full-stack development (Node.js, React, SQL) and connects graduates with global mentors and tech opportunities.

bootcampmentorshipcareer switcherearly-career (0–3 yrs)scholarship availablein-personnon-US

Palestinian Internship Program (PIP)

PIP connects Arab IT students from East Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories with paid internships at Israeli and international tech companies. The program helps graduates secure their first professional tech job and build careers in the Palestinian tech ecosystem.

early-career (0–3 yrs)collegecareer servicespaidin-personnon-US

Palestinian Mentorship Program (PMP)

PMP matches Palestinian tech entrepreneurs and executives with international mentors from venture capital, software companies, and startups. The six-month one-on-one mentorships provide professional guidance on business development, marketing, product management, and sales.

mentorshipmid-career (4–9 yrs)early-career (0–3 yrs)freeonlinenon-US

Gaza Tech Mentorship

Gaza Tech Mentorship connects Palestinian students with world-class mentors through project-based learning, personal 45-minute sessions, and open workshops. Mentors provide guidance on technical skills, career development, and emerging technologies to Gaza's tech community.

mentorshipprojectscollegeearly-career (0–3 yrs)freeonlinenon-US

Re:Coded

Re:Coded provides immersive six-month coding and design bootcamps for refugees, internally displaced people, and conflict-affected youth in Iraq, Turkey, Yemen, and Lebanon. The program focuses on full-stack development and has an 85% employment rate within 120 days of graduation.

bootcampcareer switcherearly-career (0–3 yrs)scholarship availableonlinehybridnon-US

ReBootKamp (RBK)

ReBootKamp offers an intensive 16-week full-stack JavaScript bootcamp in Jordan specifically designed for refugees and vulnerable youth. The program uses pair programming and project-based learning to prepare students for software engineering careers with hiring partners locally and remotely.

bootcampcareer switcherearly-career (0–3 yrs)cohort-basedin-personscholarship availablenon-US

Muslim Tech Collaborative (MTC)

MTC is a nationwide organization with 30+ university chapters across the U.S. providing Muslims in tech with technical workshops, career fairs, mentorship programs, industry partnerships, and networking events. MTC also offers coding workshops for middle and high school students.

communitymentorshipcollegehigh schoolcareer servicesfreeUS-wide

Tech Sisters

Tech Sisters is a global community for Muslim women in technology offering peer support through Slack, career guidance, networking opportunities, and hackathons. The community shares stories and experiences to help Muslim women navigate tech careers together.

communitywomen & nonbinaryany stagefreeonlineglobal

SE Factory

SE Factory is a non-profit coding bootcamp in Lebanon offering 12-week full-stack web development and data science programs. The bootcamp teaches modern frameworks, cloud architecture, and professional skills with a low-cost, pay-on-employment model making it accessible to diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

bootcampcareer switchercollegecohort-basedscholarship availablein-personnon-US

Palestine Launchpad

Palestine Launchpad is a multi-year Google, Udacity, and SPARK initiative providing 16-week hybrid technical training for Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. The program covers web development, AI engineering, and data analysis, plus mentorship and job placement assistance.

bootcampmentorshipcareer switchercollegefreehybridnon-US

Techqueria

Techqueria is a nonprofit serving the largest global community of Latinx professionals in tech. Members gain access to mentorship, networking events, career development resources, and a Slack community with thousands of active members.

Latinx technologistscommunitymentorshipnetworkingfreeUS-wideany stage

Latinas in Tech

Latinas in Tech is a nonprofit connecting and empowering Latina women working in technology. The organization provides learning opportunities, mentorship programs, and recruitment support in partnership with major tech companies.

Latinx technologistswomen & nonbinarycommunitymentorshipfreeglobalany stage

Sabio

Sabio is a Latinx-led coding bootcamp offering 13-17 week full-stack development training with project-based learning. Over 55% of graduates are Latino or Black, and the program includes career services and an active alumni network.

Latinx technologistspeople of colorbootcampcareer switcherpaidscholarship availablecohort-based

Laboratoria

Laboratoria is a bootcamp for low-income Latina women in Latin America, offering UX/UI design and front-end development training. The program is free upfront, with graduates repaying only after securing employment in tech.

Latinx technologistswomen & nonbinarybootcampcareer switcherfreenon-UScohort-based

Per Scholas

Per Scholas provides tuition-free tech training in IT support, cybersecurity, software engineering, and more. With locations nationwide, the program serves diverse communities including Hispanic and Latinx learners, offering hands-on training and career coaching.

people of colorfreebootcampcareer switchercareer servicesUS-widecohort-based

Women Coding Community

Women Coding Community empowers women in tech through workshops, mentorship programs, career support, and regular meetups. Members can join as mentees or mentors to gain technical skills and advance their careers.

women & nonbinarymentorshipcommunityfreeonlineany stagecareer services

Black Girls CODE

Provides workshops, hackathons, and after-school programs to teach programming and technology skills to Black girls ages 7–17. Offers both in-person and virtual opportunities with mentorship from industry professionals.

high schoolBlack technologistswomen & nonbinarymentorshipin-personhybridscholarship available

ColorStack

Membership community for Black and Latinx computer science students offering peer support, mentorship, career resources, and company connections. Provides scholarships, events, and a supportive network throughout college and into early career.

collegeearly-career (0–3 yrs)Black technologistsLatinx technologistscommunitymentorshipfree

Blacks In Technology (BIT)

Global community organization hosting meetups, conferences, and networking events for Black professionals in technology. Offers mentorship connections, job boards, and local chapter events across multiple cities.

any stageBlack technologistscommunitymentorshipglobalfreein-person

Year Up

Intensive training program providing technical skills and corporate internships with a weekly stipend for young adults from underserved communities. Focuses on software development, IT support, and related technical roles with job placement support.

career switcherpeople of colorbootcampcareer servicesstipend availablecohort-basedUS-wide

The Last Mile

Provides coding education and career training to currently and formerly incarcerated individuals, helping them transition into software engineering roles. Offers in-prison classes, post-release support, and employer partnerships.

career switcherpeople of colorbootcampmentorshipfreecohort-basedUS-wide

National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)

Professional society supporting Black engineers and engineering students through conferences, career fairs, mentorship, and local chapters. Offers programming competitions, professional development workshops, and industry networking for technical roles including software.

high schoolcollegeearly-career (0–3 yrs)Black technologistscommunitymentorshipcareer services

Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT)

Career advancement organization supporting high-achieving Black, Latinx, and Native American professionals with coaching and employer connections. Technical Career Prep track helps software engineers and tech professionals advance to leadership roles.

early-career (0–3 yrs)mid-career (4–9 yrs)Black technologistsLatinx technologistscareer servicesmentorshipfree

American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)

A national nonprofit supporting Indigenous peoples in STEM through mentorship, scholarships, conferences, and professional development. AISES provides a strong community network with chapters at colleges and universities across North America.

collegeearly-career (0–3 yrs)mid-career (4–9 yrs)mentorshipcommunityscholarship availableUS-wide

Natives in Tech

A nonprofit focused on building community among Native American tech professionals through conferences, networking events, and open-source technology projects that support Indigenous economic development.

early-career (0–3 yrs)mid-career (4–9 yrs)any stagecommunityonlinefreeUS-wide

First Nations Technology Council

Offers free digital skills training programs for Indigenous people in Canada, ranging from foundational computer skills to tech career preparation. Programs are Indigenous-designed and grounded in traditional cultures.

career switcherearly-career (0–3 yrs)any stageonlineself-pacedfreenon-US

Techtonica

Six-month full-stack software engineering program for women and non-binary adults with low incomes. Provides laptops, living stipends, mentorship, and job placement with sponsor companies at no cost.

career switcherearly-career (0–3 yrs)women & nonbinarybootcampmentorshipprojectsonlinefreestipend availableUS – local/metro

The Collab Lab

Connected over 170 early-career developers with real-world project experience and mentorship from 2019 to December 2024. While the program has ended, it successfully helped developers gain collaborative skills and land roles at top companies.

early-career (0–3 yrs)onlineprojectsmentorshipcohort-basedfreeglobal

Girls Who Code

Girls Who Code offers free coding programs for teen girls through summer immersion programs and after-school clubs. The organization provides technical training, mentorship, and college-to-career support to close the gender gap in tech.

women & nonbinaryhigh schoolcollegefreecommunitymentorshipUS-wide

Latinos in Coding

Latinos in Coding connects Latino, Latina, and Latinx youth with mentors and resources to pursue careers in computer science and tech. The organization focuses on closing the equity gap through community support and role models.

Latinx technologistshigh schoolcollegementorshipcommunityfreeUS-wide
FirstWho Press, Ryan Mahoney © 2026
Privacy PolicyContactGithubLinkedIn
A must-read for engineers who want to actually ship things that matter.`