Earlier this month, we celebrated the unbelievable journey of our 2025 apprentices — a cohort of software program engineers coming into the trade with assist from Ramsey County and the Metropolis of Saint Paul, via the Be taught and Earn program.
At its core, we created this apprenticeship to construct a various pipeline of software program engineers — however extra importantly, to develop a bunch of engineers who know tips on how to construct software program with love.
By “constructing software program with love,” I imply engineers who method their work with care, who perceive that behind each line of code is a human being whose life is perhaps improved by what we create. Engineers who carry their complete selves to their work, who ask not simply “can we construct this?” however “ought to we construct this?” and “how can we construct this in a method that serves and uplifts individuals?”
This issues greater than ever as a result of know-how is reshaping our world at breakneck pace. We want various voices and views within the rooms the place these selections are made. We want engineers who perceive the communities they’re constructing for, as a result of they arrive from these communities. We want individuals who will problem the established order and demand that know-how must be a pressure for fairness and justice.
Our 2025 apprentices embody this imaginative and prescient. What struck me most about this cohort isn’t just their uncooked expertise — although they’re extremely gifted — however their work ethic, their curiosity, and the way shortly they’ve absorbed and utilized every thing they discovered in bootcamp. They’ve gone from studying the basics to including actual worth to tasks in file time. Their recent views have already made our work higher.
These apprentices are able to take the subsequent step of their careers, and I’m asking on your continued assist — whether or not that’s mentoring, serving to them safe employment, or if you happen to’re able to rent, contemplate them for alternatives at your organizations.
They’re not simply expert engineers; they’re the engineers who will assist us construct know-how that actually serves humanity. They deserve our assist, and albeit, we’d like them.
Thanks for investing in the way forward for our trade. And congratulations as soon as once more to our superb apprentices!
My proudest second all through this apprenticeship was being a assist to my friends, with the ability to look over their code and possibly perceive some points I had run into earlier than — and in addition not being shy about asking for assist once I wanted it, and trusting them to assist me.
— Abdirahman Ali
Software program for Good has taught me the worth of “progress over perfection.” As a developer, we get higher via iterations and going via the method, as a substitute of instantly realizing all our solutions.
— Nadia Kane
I actually loved working with my fellow apprentices and our mentors, and with the ability to talk with the Dorie product group was actually insightful. With the ability to work intently with everybody, I received to see how everybody approached issues and the way they thought of issues.
— Julie Lee
My proudest moments got here from engaged on tickets that I knew weren’t actually my forte. Entrance-end improvement was one thing I knew I wanted to work on, so finishing these tickets was genuinely a second the place I felt pleased with myself.
— Peter Lee
From hands-on expertise, I discovered rather a lot via trial and error. One factor that basically helped me develop was attending the tech data periods led by senior builders. I used to be launched to new ideas, finest practices, and beneficial coding suggestions.
— Torshia Lee
I not solely discovered about coding, however at Software program for Good, the neighborhood has been very supportive and welcoming. I discovered a way of professionalism and good communication that I can take with me.
— Aliyah Moore
On the bootcamp, I discovered tips on how to construct an software, however I really feel like at Software program for Good, I’ve discovered to suppose like a developer. One in every of my proudest moments is studying tips on how to predict potential pitfalls and challenges earlier than I begin coding.
— Saba Negeye
