Code Platoon Receives IDVA Vet Cash Grant

Code Platoon has received $50,000 from the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs’ (IDVA) Vet Cash Program to help the ongoing effort of training Veterans and military spouses into the career of software development. Since 2017, IDVA has supported Code Platoon’s mission and has contributed a total of $150,000 which helps the Coding Bootcamp offer an immersive, hands-on, 15 week Coding Bootcamp, and the opportunity to secure paid internships following the completion of our program.

“The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs is pleased to assist Code Platoon in its mission,” says Director of Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Linda Chapa LaVia. “By providing opportunities for training and mentorship, Code Platoon offers veterans the chance to enter into an in-demand and well-paid career in software development. The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs salutes the work Code Platoon is doing to lift up Illinois veterans. ” 

The Vet Cash program proceeds help support Illinois Veterans by funding services that focus on some of the challenges that the military-affiliated community is confronted with including health costs, post-traumatic stress disorder treatment and research, job training and placement, and homelessness. By providing funds to nonprofits, government agencies and Veteran organizations, IDVA is able to help smaller groups make a much larger impact to the Illinois Veteran community.  

“The support from IDVA’s Vets Cash program cannot be understated,” says Rod Levy, Founder and Executive Director of Code Platoon. “Investing in our Veterans and military spouses has a proven return rate, as 71% of Code Platoon graduates report an increase on average of $25,000 within the first six months of graduation. After 24 months, 80% of our graduates are earning, on average, $88,000 as Full-time software developers. Thanks to IDVA’s Vet Cash program we can continue to empower our Veterans and military spouses across the state to achieve higher economic and career outlooks together.”

Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) mission is to empower Veterans and their families to thrive by assisting them in navigating the system of federal, state and local resources and benefits. IDVA also provides long-term health care for eligible Veterans within Veterans’ Homes; and partner with other agencies and non-profits to help Veterans address education, mental health, housing, employment, and other challenges.

Code Platoon is a 501(c)3 non-profit that helps Veterans and military spouses transition into the civilian workforce by providing technical training and career placement. For 15 weeks the students are immersed in learning the full web development stack, including Python, Django, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. No previous programming skills are required.