What Code Platoon does

Code Platoon is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit coding bootcamp founded in 2016 by Rod Levy, operating under the legal name Code Platoon, NFP (EIN 47-2499578). Its mission is to prepare U.S. military Veterans, active-duty Servicemembers, military spouses, and (since July 2025) adult children of Veterans for software engineering careers. The organization runs two flagship technical programs: a Fullstack Engineering Program (15-week immersive full-time or 28-week evening-and-weekend, teaching JavaScript, Python, React, Django with an integrated AI component) and an AI Cloud and DevOps Engineering Program (28-week remote evenings-and-weekends, covering AWS, Terraform, Kubernetes, CI/CD, and machine learning model training/deployment). Underpinning both is a free, self-paced Intro to Python course that serves as the top-of-funnel readiness tool.

The core technical platform is a curriculum-and-cohort delivery model rather than a software product, supported by a Teaching Assistant program (where alumni mentor new cohorts), a Volunteer Corps of industry mentors, and a paid Corporate Apprenticeship Program that places top graduates into 3-6 month paid apprenticeships at employer partners including DRW, 8th Light, Travelers, Cecilian Partners, Caesars Entertainment, and Affirm. The organization is an approved provider under the GI Bill, VET TEC, and DoD SkillBridge programs, and offers AWS-aligned certification prep, with the February 2026 curriculum emphasizing building GenAI-powered features using OpenAI, Hugging Face, AWS Bedrock, and SageMaker.

Code Platoon does not generate revenue from student-paid tuition; its operating model combines VA benefit reimbursements, a 'pay-what-you-can' scholarship program (over $1.2M in cumulative scholarships awarded), individual donations, event-driven fundraising (the annual Celebrate Code Platoon gala), and corporate sponsorships and apprenticeship-to-hire investments. By 2025, the organization reports 700+ alumni across 25+ states and DC, a 74-75% job placement rate within six months of graduation, and a median starting salary of $85,000 rising to $115,000 within 24 months. The team is small (1-10 employees) and founder-led, with Rod Levy continuing as Executive Director and the broader growth narrative anchored by deepening employer partnerships rather than large external capital raises.

Name

Code Platoon

Legal name

Code Platoon, NFP

Website

https://codeplatoon.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Code Platoon is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs 15- to 28-week coding bootcamps (Fullstack Engineering and AI Cloud & DevOps) for U.S. military Veterans, active-duty Servicemembers, military spouses, and adult children of Veterans, funded by VA benefits, scholarships, and corporate employer partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Coding Bootcamp Education

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Cloud, DevOps & Software Engineering Certifications (EDAAANAH)

Keywords

• Coding bootcamp
• Veteran software training
• Fullstack engineering program
• Cloud devops education
• Military career transition

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition via GI Bill / VET TEC / Scholarships (Pay-What-You-Can): Program tuition is covered through a combination of GI Bill benefits, VET TEC, and Code Platoon's 'pay-what-you-can' scholarship model. The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 47-2499578). More than 90% of military spouse students received scholarships in the past year.
2. Individual Donations and Sponsorships: Donations processed through the website and at annual events such as 'Celebrate Code Platoon.' Over $1.2M+ in scholarships have been awarded cumulatively, funded by donor contributions.
3. Corporate Sponsorships and Hiring Partnerships: Corporate sponsorships from companies such as Cecilian Partners, Comcast, DRW, and RAPP at the Celebrate Code Platoon annual event, alongside apprenticeship-to-hire investments from partners (DRW, Travelers, 8th Light, Cecilian Partners, Caesars, Affirm).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Code Platoon is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates an immersive coding bootcamp preparing U.S. military Veterans, Servicemembers, military spouses, and adult children of Veterans for software engineering careers. Its core offerings are a 15-week Fullstack Engineering program (also delivered in a 28-week evening/weekend format) and a 28-week AI Cloud and DevOps Engineering program, supported by a free Intro to Python primer, paid corporate apprenticeships, and Career Services for job placement.

Product overview

Code Platoon operates a portfolio of education and career-launch services for the U.S. military community rather than a single unified software product. Its core platform is the Immersive coding bootcamp experience, anchored by two flagship technical programs — the Fullstack Engineering Program (offered in 15-week Immersive Full-Time and 28-week Evening & Weekend formats) and the newer AI Cloud and DevOps Engineering Program — both of which now incorporate AI/ML skills. Underpinning the offering is a free Intro to Coding (Intro to Python) self-paced course that feeds prospective students into the bootcamps. Wrapping these technical programs are Career Services (resume coaching, interview prep, and employer matchmaking), a paid Corporate Apprenticeship Program that places graduates with employer partners such as DRW, Caesars Entertainment, Cecilian Partners, 8th Light, and Affirm, and a Teaching Assistants & Volunteer Corps that delivers mentorship and supplemental instruction. An annual Celebrate Code Platoon event rounds out the offering as a community and fundraising touchpoint.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Fullstack Engineering Program Intensive coding bootcamp teaching Python, JavaScript, React, and Django to prepare Veterans and military spouses for software engineering roles such as Software Engineer, Fullstack Developer, or Frontend Developer. Offered in a 15-week Immersive Full-Time format (Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM-5 PM Central) and a 28-week Evening & Weekend format, with the AI + Fullstack Engineering curriculum integrating generative AI, prompt engineering, and responsible AI practices into web applications.
• AI Cloud and DevOps Engineering Program Cloud and DevOps engineering bootcamp covering AWS, Terraform, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines, and core machine learning concepts. Fully remote evenings-and-weekends format that prepares graduates for roles such as Cloud Engineer, DevOps Engineer, or Site Reliability Engineer, with curriculum aligned to AWS AI Practitioner certification.
• Intro to Coding (Intro to Python) Free, self-paced beginner Python course that allows prospective students to experience coding through hands-on exercises before committing to a full program. Serves as a top-of-funnel pathway into the Fullstack and AI Cloud & DevOps Engineering programs.
• Corporate Apprenticeship Program Paid 3-to-6-month software engineering apprenticeships for top graduates of the Fullstack Engineering Immersive program, delivered in partnership with corporate employers such as DRW, Caesars Entertainment, 8th Light, Cecilian Partners, and Affirm. Many apprenticeships convert into full-time engineering roles.
• Career Services Post-program career support including resume translation of military experience into civilian-friendly narratives, networking guidance, mock interviews, salary negotiation coaching, and employer matchmaking. Run by the Head of Career Services and Career Services team with personalized mentorship for Veterans and military spouses.

Named customers11 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• DRWflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 June 2026Long-term strategic hiring and apprenticeship partner since Code Platoon's 2016 founding. DRW welcomed 31 Code Platoon apprentices over the decade and extended 25 full-time offers; its CIO Seth Thomson was an early advocate. DRW employees actively volunteer as mentors, resume coaches, teaching assistants, and workshop leaders (e.g., Chris Walquist and Rene Duquesnoy on GIT/Linux), and helped shape Code Platoon's AI Cloud and DevOps Engineering program. DRW was named Code Platoon's Partner of the Decade in 2026.
• AWS (Amazon Web Services)coreTechnology or Integration · 19 February 2026AWS is embedded in Code Platoon's AI Cloud and DevOps Engineering curriculum as the cloud platform of focus, including Amazon SageMaker for ML model training and deployment, AWS Bedrock and Lambda for AI pipelines, and preparation for the AWS AI Practitioner certification. AWS also hires Code Platoon graduates (e.g., Will Minshall, Solutions Architect at AWS).
• ComcastminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 September 2025Corporate sponsor of Code Platoon's Celebrate Code Platoon 2025 annual event at Burning Bush Brewery in Chicago.
• RAPPminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 September 2025Corporate sponsor of Code Platoon's Celebrate Code Platoon 2025 annual event at Burning Bush Brewery in Chicago.
• Eight Bit Studios (Don Bora)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 September 2025Don Bora, Partner at Eight Bit Studios, is a longtime Code Platoon board member and alumni mentor (e.g., mentored Michael Dorsey who now serves on the Code Platoon board). Listed as a Celebrate Code Platoon 2025 Legacy Supporter.
• Cecilian PartnersflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 June 2025PropTech employer partner that has hired five Code Platoon alumni into engineering roles over two years, plus two additional apprentices. Featured hires include Navy Veteran James Kelsey (2024 MVP Award) and Air Force Veteran/military spouse Kana Pankey. Named Code Platoon's 2025 Partner of the Year and recognized at Celebrate Code Platoon 2025 (September 25, 2025). Active in mentorship, sponsorship, and advocacy.
• Robert HalfcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 September 2024Staffing/recruiting partner whose volunteers have led eight expert workshops for Code Platoon students and graduates on resume refinement, salary negotiation, and interview techniques. Part of The Robert Half Veterans Initiative; provides Robert Half employees with insights into the Veterans' civilian transition.
• Cigna HealthcareminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 September 2024Healthcare employer of Code Platoon alumni; Ivan Trejo is a Software Engineer at Cigna Healthcare, citing Robert Half volunteer workshops as helpful in landing the role.
• TravelerscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 June 2024Property-casualty insurance employer partner that hired multiple Code Platoon graduates into its Engineering Development Program and provided philanthropic support. Named Code Platoon's 2024 Partner of the Year. Jim McMahon (Director of Talent Acquisition) cited Travelers' longstanding commitment to the military community, including a 3,300-member employee resource group, a military-spouse recruitment program with 300+ hires since 2020, and Statement of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve signings.
• Caesars EntertainmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 July 2023Casino/hospitality employer partner with a long-standing apprenticeship relationship; hired seven Code Platoon software engineering apprentices and converted five to full-time roles within Product & Technology teams, led by Chief of Staff Seth Riegelhaupt. Cited '100% success rate' with Code Platoon graduates.
• 8th LightflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 June 2023Software consultancy that entered a formal partnership with Code Platoon in 2019 and has placed eight Code Platoon graduates into software crafter roles. 8th Light employees regularly volunteer as mentors, tutors, and workshop leaders. Charles Kubiak progressed from Apprentice Software Crafter to Software Delivery Lead in five years. Named Code Platoon's 2023 Partner of the Year.
• AffirmcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 May 2022Fintech partner offering Code Platoon graduates a pathway through Affirm's six-month Upward Program apprenticeship for software engineers with non-traditional coding backgrounds. First participants: Tanya Dlabaj (military spouse) and Zachary Blackburn (Marine Corps Veteran). Upward Program aims to convert apprentices into full-time hires.
• Amazon (Military Career Programs)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate employer that hires Code Platoon graduates through Amazon Jobs military career programs; logo displayed as 'These Companies Love to Hire Our Graduates.'
• AccentureminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate employer partner listed among 'These Companies Love to Hire Our Graduates' on the Code Platoon homepage; recruits Code Platoon alumni via Accenture careers.
• U.S. Department of Defense (DoD SkillBridge)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCode Platoon is an approved SkillBridge provider, allowing active-duty Servicemembers in their final 120 days of service to attend Code Platoon programs while continuing to receive military pay and benefits.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Vets Who Code: Nonprofit coding community focused specifically on veterans transitioning into software engineering careers. Directly comparable mission, audience, and training model — small nonprofit with similar scholarship-supported delivery.
• Operation Code: 501(c)(3) nonprofit helping veterans and military spouses learn to code and build tech careers. Overlapping audience (veterans + spouses), GI Bill-aligned funding model, and similar career-services focus make this a near-direct peer.
• NPower: National nonprofit providing free tech training and job placement to veterans, military spouses, and young adults from underserved communities. Comparable tuition-free, employer-partner-driven model and similar career-launch outcome metrics.
• Per Scholas: Nonprofit tech skills training provider with a tuition-free model, employer apprenticeship pipelines, and similar career-services-to-hire structure. Slightly broader audience but same workforce-development nonprofit playbook.
• Year Up: Large workforce-development nonprofit combining technical training with corporate internships leading to full-time jobs. Comparable apprenticeship-to-hire outcomes model and similar employer partnership flywheel.

Emerging players

• Apprenti: Tech-focused registered apprenticeship nonprofit placing non-traditional candidates (including veterans) into paid IT apprenticeships at major employers. Highly comparable on the apprenticeship-to-hire mechanism that anchors Code Platoon's employer value prop.

Broad incumbents

• Flatiron School: Established coding bootcamp (now part of WeWork) offering fullstack and software engineering programs. Not veteran-focused, but competes for the same corporate employer hiring slots and is an approved GI Bill/VET TEC provider.
• General Assembly: Global bootcamp and reskilling provider (backed by Adecco) offering fullstack engineering and cloud/DevOps programs. Competes for the same junior-engineer employer demand pool and is a VET TEC-approved provider.
• Fullstack Academy: Coding bootcamp with fullstack, cloud, and cybersecurity programs, approved for GI Bill and other veteran education benefits. A relevant adjacent competitor in the VET TEC-approved bootcamp space.
• Galvanize: Tech education provider (now part of Strayer) offering bootcamp and data science programs to career changers. Comparable on corporate-employer hiring partnerships, though not veteran-specialized.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@CodePlatoon
• Facebookfacebook.com/codeplatoon.org
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/code-platoon
• Instagraminstagram.com/codeplatoon
• Xx.com/codeplatoon_org

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Code Platoon