Platform Launch + Vets Who Code Demo Day

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Theory of Change

Our Theory
of Change

01 Blueprint for Impact

How we transform military experience into software engineering excellence.

Vets Who Code — Theory of Change

A Structured Path from Service to Software

Core Belief

We believe that military experience instills a unique blend of grit, discipline, and adaptive thinking that—when paired with cutting-edge technical training and real-world software development opportunities—produces exceptional software engineers. Our mission is to channel that potential through a proven, product-focused learning ecosystem designed for impact.

Inputs

We start by identifying highly motivated U.S. military veterans and military spouses ready to transition into tech. Our key inputs include:

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A curated selection of veteran learners with high aptitude and drive
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The Vets Who Code learning platform, housing our open-source curriculum, projects, and blog
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A network of experienced mentors, industry veterans, and alumni coaches
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Community infrastructure for remote collaboration and code reviews
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Access to development tools, GitHub repositories, and cloud environments

Activities

We immerse our learners in a 100% remote-first, product-driven experience that mirrors real software engineering workflows. Our core activities include:

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Platform-Based Learning: Learners progress through a rigorous 12-module open-source curriculum hosted on our custom platform, covering everything from core web fundamentals to backend APIs and DevOps.
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Mentorship & Pair Programming: Each veteran is paired with mentors from our alumni and industry network who guide them through weekly check-ins, code reviews, and career strategy.
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Open Source Collaboration: Learners contribute to internal and external open-source projects, learning how to write scalable, readable code that integrates into production environments.
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Product Development: Veterans work on real nonprofit apps, tools, and features—like the PTSD Toolkit and AEGIS—designed to be used by real users. This gives them portfolio-ready projects with real-world scope and impact.
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Career Development: Weekly resume reviews, GitHub audits, behavioral interview training, and asynchronous job prep help troops present themselves as polished professionals.

Outputs

By the end of the program, graduates leave with:

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A strong GitHub profile reflecting open-source and production-level contributions
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Completed software products deployed or used by actual users
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Job-ready skills in tools like TypeScript, React, Next.js, Python, FastAPI, Git, and CI/CD workflows
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Direct mentorship and professional guidance from engineers already in the field
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The confidence and social proof to break into the tech industry

Short- to Medium-Term Outcomes

Within 6–12 months, we see:

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Veterans hired into six-figure tech roles in software engineering, DevOps, or data roles
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Alumni re-engagement as mentors, speakers, and open-source contributors
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Economic mobility, especially among underrepresented and minority veterans
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Product impact as the tools and apps they've built are used in the real world
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Portfolio visibility, helping them stand out in competitive hiring pipelines

Long-Term Impact

Over time, our model creates:

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A visible, high-performing ecosystem of veteran technologists whose skills are rooted in service and real-world engineering
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Generational wealth creation and stability for veteran families
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A transformed narrative in tech: veterans aren't just potential hires—they're builders, maintainers, and innovators
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A proven, replicable nonprofit model that blends product-based learning with mentorship and community leadership
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A more diverse and mission-driven U.S. tech workforce that reflects the values of service, resilience, and contribution

Vision

We envision a future where every veteran who wants a career in tech has access to the platform, mentorship, and tools they need to succeed. Our platform is not just a curriculum—it's a launchpad. By continuing to build open-source tools that matter, develop products people use, and uplift our own through mentoring and advocacy, Vets Who Code will remain a blueprint for what's possible when service meets software.