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 a new donation from Comcast in March, we’re now in the position to offer short-term paid 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 three $1,500 fellowships for individuals underrepresented in the tech industry who meet the technical need for established projects.

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

  • Front-end development
  • DevOps
  • 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

PROJECT / PRODUCT MANAGEMENT FELLOW

The 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.

PRODUCTION ENGINEERING (DEVOPS) FELLOW

The DevOps fellow will work to deploy an open source BI tool to Linode. This deployment process includes automating container deployment, scaling, and management as well as integrating CI/CD. The DevOps fellow doesn’t necessarily need development experience but should be comfortable in a UNIX/LINUX environment. The DevOps fellow will be working closely with a Senior Production Engineer to deploy this tool.

FRONT-END REACT ENGINEERING FELLOW

The front-end developer will be working in a React.js production environment, on an established Code for Philly project. They will be resolving defined issues appropriate for entry level JavaScript and CSS development, from unit tests to optimizing the front-end code base. These issues will increase in complexity as the fellow gets more comfortable and as the fellowship progresses. The developer will be mentored by senior level JavaScript developers and have ample opportunity for feedback, pair programming, and mentorship.

Mentors

Front end development / React:

DevOps:

Project management:

Career Development:

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 September 5. 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 10th. Fellowships will start on September 14th.