Background

Code for Philly LOVES our volunteers - and quite literally wouldn’t function without volunteer help! Code for Philly projects offer volunteers opportunities to practice their craft while giving back to the local community and non-profits.

For individuals who are newer to tech or want to break into a more senior role in the industry, Code for Philly projects also offers skill-building, networking, and other professional development opportunities. When it comes to career advancement, however, we know volunteer experience doesn’t always carry the same weight as paid experience. In addition, we recognize that individuals from underrepresented groups face barriers to accessing paid tech work.

With our third donation from Comcast, we’re kicking off the third year of our fellowships for individuals who are are underrepresented in the tech industry. Fellows will benefit from mentorship and paid experience in tech. Code for Philly project leads and teams will benefit by delivering on their objectives in a timely manner. The Philadelphia community will benefit from new tech solutions. Apply today and contribute to this win-win-win!

How it Works

Code for Philly is able to offer four $1,500 fellowships for individuals underrepresented in the tech industry who meet the technical need for established projects.

We’ll select four fellows working 10-hour weeks for 8 weeks on:

  • Software Engineering
  • DevOps/QA
  • Javascript Data Integration
  • Project/Product management

The project should not exceed 80 hours of development work. (More time on a volunteer basis is always available and will not be discouraged!)

Fellows will report to their mentors and pair with technical leaders on the project to work on defined tasks and timelines.

Fellows need to be comfortable using their personal machine for development and fellowship activities.

Fellowship Role Descriptions

Note: While the program is remote, all applicants must be located in the greater Philadelphia area.

SOFTWARE ENGINEERING FELLOW

The Software Engineering fellow will join the PLSE Expungement team in building an expungement petition generator application for the Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity. This application is used by PLSE’s lawyers to generate petitions to expunge the criminal records of their clients. A mentor will be provided to coach the fellow and help them learn and develop. The fellow’s duties will include, attending regular meetings with the team to coordinate work to be completed, working with the team members and mentor to develop solutions to issues brought to us by PLSE, and using Github to collaborate with team members and the mentor. The application is built in React.js, Django, PostgreSQL, MySQL and git. The fellow does not have to have experience with all of these tools, but an familiarity with Javascript, Python, SQL queries will be preferred, but especially preferred is an understanding of the gravity of helping people clear their records and a sensitivity to the vulnerability of the population we are working to help. Final candidates may be asked to complete a short video interview with at least two members of the team.

DEVOPS/QA FELLOW

Philly Ward Leaders is looking for a DevOps fellow who also has JavaScript experience. This fellow/mentor will be developing an updated system to build and deploy updates, identifying issues and implementing fixes that meet the project’s needs. A solid background with Github, and familiarity with headless CMSs, automated testing, and Python are appreciated.

Key Skills: npm (specifically webpack), github actions, JS, Contentful

Responsible for:

  • Work on improvements to the build process
  • Create a new build/deploy pipeline on Github to automate the build and deploy processes
  • Update outdated components from Vue.js 2 and other npm packages to the current version.
  • Build and test the site with the updated components
  • Write automated tests to support reliable updates of components in the future
  • Identify technical problems and develop software updates and ‘fixes’
  • Work with other developers to ensure that development follows established processes and works as intended

JAVASCRIPT DATA INTEGRATION FELLOW

The ChooseNativePlants.com JS Developer will be enhancing and extending on functionality on ChooseNativePlants.com to enrich the user experience of learning about native plants. This fellow will interface with the Data Lead and Product Manager to add and adjust filters on the left side filter pane and extend external hyperlinks on the “More Info” pages. The fellow will attend backlog grooming sessions and scrum stand ups on Tuesday or Thursday nights. The fellow can spend the remaining time updating the web site on their own schedule and working with their mentor. JS skills required. MongoDB and Vue.js skills preferred.

PROJECT / PRODUCT MANAGEMENT FELLOW

The PHLASK PM fellow will be responsible for managing issues and feature development associated with two Code for Philly projects, the Philly Bail fund and Prevention Point. PM duties include working with the developers and project leads to create issues, scope out features, document key project components, and check on developer progress each week. This role will predominantly be after work hours, specifically on Tuesday evenings (during hack nights).

Candidates for the PM fellow may not have had experience in a technical environment but are willing to learn how to manage and conduct development work on volunteer based projects. Final candidates may be asked to do a short video interview before selection.

Mentors

We are excited to announce that Comcast has graciously offered provide technology experts to serve as mentors for this year’s fellows!

Why should you apply?

  • Introduction to experts in the area of tech you are interested in
  • Mentorship advice on roles you should be looking for
  • Experience working in a real-life development environment
  • Paid job experience for your resume
  • Opportunities to present your work at local meetups
  • Advice on resume building, interviewing, and showing off your work

Application Process

Submit your application today

Applications are open now through August 17. We’re looking for applicants that:

  • Demonstrate introductory skills for their respective fellowship role
  • Are excited about using your talents to support local non-profits
  • Commit to the 8 week, 10 hours per week timeframe
  • Be flexible when meeting / working with their respective project team and mentor (including nights and weekends)
  • Willing to learn about development and product lifecycles

Fellowship Coordinators will review applications along with respective Fellow Mentors. Mentors may ask to meet applicants for an informal, virtual discussion.

Applicants notified on selection outcomes on or by September 2nd. Fellowships will start on September 12th.