1. Dev Hatchery
The Dev Hatchery is our training ground for new developers. We call these new developers Hatchlings and as they volunteer their time on our projects we will pass them through knowledge levels until they hatch!
The Dev Hatchery is where all the magic happens. In exchange for volunteering their time Hatchlings are mentored. Being mentored means new knowledge and growth as a developer and in their career. In addition to mentorship Hatchlings get projects to put in their portfolio and open source code they can show potential employers.
Because these new developers volunteer their time we are able to do something really amazing: We can provide low-cost software solutions to non profits as well as develop CodeDoesGood organizationally owned projects which solve real problems in the world. But let's go back to the non profits... Software is really expensive to develop. Most non profits simply can not afford to have these tools built which they really need. Sometimes it will be an internal tool and sometimes it will be a public facing mobile or web app which will give the non profit the advantage it needs to either fundraise or to perform their main goals better. The fact that we are able to help them achieve these technical goals is a BIG DEAL and we are super excited about it.
Not only are we helping new developers gain experience, learn and grow but we are helping the technical community as a whole. Most businesses simply do not want to hire new developers. Perhaps they aren't large enough to provide the mentorship required or maybe they just think new developers aren't capable. Well, we know that's not true. We were all new developers once and because we were given a chance with that first job or working with that first great mentor, we became valuable members of the technical community.
Well, we figure if the tech community wants to lament the lack of experienced developers but doesn't want to actually train up the incoming devs, we can step into that role. You're welcome tech community!
And last but not least we are giving lead and mentoring experience to developers who generally wouldn't have an opportunity to do either thing at their current job and we are training them up. Our Lead Mentors do not just mentor Hatchlings, they mentor Assistant Mentors also. Lead Mentors will help Assistant Mentors learn how to give feedback, how to manage team dynamics, how to become valuable mentors.
The response we've received from the community thus far has been incredible. Here are just a few comments received on our developer intake forms:
CDG is such an exciting idea. Can't wait to to see it grow.
I have been looking for something with these qualities and of this caliber for a long time now. This sounds like an amazing opportunity to really DO GOOD by helping other people while doing what I love at the same time. It doesn't get better than this! My most sincere thanks for creating this community with such amazing goals, I am really excited to start!
This is totally awesome! Coding + open source experience + mentorship, all for a good cause? Amazing!
During high school, I mentored elderly people about using a computer one-on-one. Ever since I've been a professional developer, I wanted to contribute to a social cause. There are few ways to join a good cause that leverages my technological skills. CodeDoesGood is a great way do just that!
I don't want to work in IT to just make cool 'things', I want what I DO to make a positive impact.
Thank you for this incredible opportunity. I would love to be able to work on projects that will have a positive influence in the real world and at the same time become a better developer myself. I cannot be more excited to start!
I am passionate about using what I have learned to help empower children from low-income neighborhoods like the one I grew up in.
This sounds like an incredible opportunity to help not just communities but fellow developers. Let's do this!