People of AI What is Vets Who Code: Teaching veterans and leveraging AI
Sep 29, 2025
Jerome Hardaway, the founder of Vets Who Code and a former Air Force member, shares his inspiring journey from military service to self-taught software developer. He discusses the creation of his nonprofit aimed at teaching veterans coding skills using a unique 'crawl, walk, run' learning approach. Jerome explains how he integrates AI tools, like Gemini, into the curriculum to personalize learning paths and adapt to job market demands. He also emphasizes the importance of keeping his program relevant amid AI-driven changes in the workforce.
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Coding Became A New Boxing
- Jerome compared learning to code with boxing as a focus and healthy outlet.
- Coding kept him mentally sharp and inspired him to teach other veterans.
Teach With Crawl, Walk, Run
- Use a 'crawl, walk, run' progressive practice model: learn a thing, then practice a new thing that builds on it.
- Reinforce old skills while adding new ones so learners combine capabilities effectively.
Define Success As Software Engineering Hires
- Measure bootcamp success by graduates getting software engineering jobs, not any job.
- Keep fundraising and storytelling focused on that clear outcome to sustain programs.