Academy Pittsburgh: School Overview

Academy Pittsburgh: A Comprehensive Overview

Academy Pittsburgh is a coding bootcamp located in Knoxville, Pittsburgh, offering intensive programs that prepare students for careers in technology. With a focus on social equity and inclusion, the school emphasizes collaboration and practical experience through community-focused projects. Its curriculum is designed to address industry demands while fostering strong relationships among students and instructors.

Academy Pittsburgh was founded in 2015 by John Lange, with the intention of increasing diversity in the tech industry.
The school offers two main bootcamps: a Developer Bootcamp and a Digital Marketing Bootcamp, each lasting twelve weeks.
All classes are conducted in-person, promoting collaborative learning and hands-on experiences.
Academy Pittsburgh does not require upfront tuition payments due to its Income Share Agreement (ISA), aimed at reducing financial barriers for students.
Located near public transportation, Academy Pittsburgh is easily accessible for students commuting from different areas.
The school encourages community impact, with students developing final projects for local nonprofits.
Academy Pittsburgh provides ongoing curriculum updates based on student feedback and employer hiring trends.
Students gain practical experience in programming languages, UX/UI design principles, and digital marketing strategies critical for modern tech careers.

Subjects Taught at Academy Pittsburgh

Academy Pittsburgh focuses primarily on two main subjects: Web Development and Digital Marketing. Each subject prepares students for a variety of career paths by teaching relevant skills and knowledge.

Web Development: This subject includes training in front-end and back-end technologies, such as C#, Ruby, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Students learn to create dynamic and interactive websites, which is crucial in virtually every industry today.
User Experience/User Interface (UX/UI): This area covers design principles that enhance the usability and aesthetic appeal of websites and applications. Understanding UX/UI is essential for creating user-friendly digital experiences.
Data Science: Although not a primary focus, elements of data science are integrated into the curriculum, enabling students to understand how to analyze data for informed decision-making. This knowledge is increasingly valuable as businesses rely on data-driven strategies.
Digital Marketing: This subject provides insights into managing online presence and customer relationships, covering essential tactics for promoting businesses digitally. Students gain skills that are directly applicable to the evolving landscape of digital marketing.

Top Courses/Bootcamps at Academy Pittsburgh

Academy Pittsburgh offers two main bootcamps tailored to meet the needs of emerging tech professionals. These programs focus on providing industry-relevant skills and practical experience through project-based learning.

Developer Bootcamp: This comprehensive bootcamp covers programming languages such as C# and Ruby while also addressing web technologies like HTML and JavaScript. Graduates are equipped with the skills to pursue various roles in software development and web design.
Digital Marketing Bootcamp: This program teaches students about web management, marketing strategies, and best practices in digital outreach. Students emerge with the capability to create effective online marketing campaigns, vital for today’s businesses.
Capstone Projects: Both bootcamps culminate in a project for a local nonprofit, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world scenarios. This project amplifies their portfolios and provides valuable experience in working collaboratively.
In-Person Learning: All courses are delivered in-person, providing students with direct access to instructors and hands-on experiences. This format helps facilitate teamwork and immediate feedback, enhancing the learning process.
Programming Languages: Students learn essential programming languages and frameworks that are widely used in the industry today, making them competitive candidates in the job market. Proficiency in these languages can lead to various career opportunities in tech.

Cost of Classes at Academy Pittsburgh

Academy Pittsburgh aims to reduce financial barriers for potential students by offering flexible payment options. The school utilizes an Income Share Agreement (ISA) model, allowing students to defer tuition payment until they secure a job earning a specified income.

Tuition for the Developer Bootcamp is capped at $16,000, with students required to start making payments only once they earn $45,000 annually.
Alternatively, students can choose a one-time lump sum payment of $10,000 for the Developer Bootcamp or $8,000 for the Digital Marketing Bootcamp prior to the start of classes.
There are no application fees or additional costs for books or supplies, making the financial commitment more manageable.
Students typically need to supply their laptops, but a limited number are available for those who cannot. This provision further reduces costs.
By minimizing financial obstacles, Academy Pittsburgh allows students to focus on learning and career development, rather than financial stress.
This investment in education ultimately pays off as over 80% of graduates report being employed, demonstrating a solid return on investment.

Benefits of Taking Classes at Academy Pittsburgh

Academy Pittsburgh offers various advantages to students pursuing tech education. The supportive community and hands-on projects set the foundation for meaningful learning experiences.

No Upfront Tuition: Students do not need to worry about immediate financial burdens due to the Income Share Agreement. This greatly enhances access for diverse groups of students.
Strong Community Focus: The school emphasizes collaboration and projects that benefit local nonprofits. This creates a sense of purpose and connection among students and instructors.
Experienced Instructors: Students benefit from knowledgeable instructors who are not only industry professionals but also committed to their students’ success. This fosters an environment where learners can thrive.
Networking Opportunities: Through community events and collaborations, students can expand their professional networks. Networking is crucial for job searching and career growth in the tech industry.
Practical Skills Development: The focus on real-world projects and problem-solving equips students with applicable skills for their future careers. This hands-on experience is invaluable in preparing them for employment.

Reviews of Academy Pittsburgh

Overall feedback from students reveals a largely positive experience at Academy Pittsburgh, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. Many graduates appreciate the supportive instructors and the comprehensive curriculum tailored to industry needs.

Pros:
- Instructors are described as approachable and supportive, making the learning environment welcoming.
- The community-oriented approach promotes collaboration and real-world application of skills.
- The curriculum is frequently updated to ensure relevance in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Cons:
- The lack of online learning options may limit accessibility for some potential students.
- Job placement assistance could be improved to provide more comprehensive support for graduates seeking employment.

Are Courses at Academy Pittsburgh Worth It?

Determining the value of courses at Academy Pittsburgh involves examining both the cost and the outcomes achieved by students. Given the financial commitment required, prospective students should consider the potential return on investment based on post-graduation employment rates and salaries.

The ISA model allows students to enter the program with low initial financial risk, which is appealing for many individuals seeking career changes.
Over 80% of graduates find employment after completing their programs, which indicates strong outcomes for students despite the competitive job market.
Graduates report average starting salaries of over $55,000, suggesting that the investment in education can yield substantial financial benefits.
Practical project experience enhances resumes, providing tangible evidence of skills that employers value. This hands-on approach is a great equalizer in the job market.
Each cohort’s community project fosters not only learning but also professional contacts that can assist in job placements post-graduation.
Ultimately, prospective students should weigh financial costs against potential career advancements and begin their journey informed and ready to succeed.