Frequently Asked Questions

• What should I prepare before applying?

  Ada Core is an 11-month program teaching full-stack web development. This program is not for beginners; students should understand foundational concepts such as using loops, lists, and dictionaries. 

  We recommend completing Ada Build, a self-guided curriculum that introduces beginners to Python and coding fundamentals, or a comparable program before applying to Ada Core.

  Additionally, we encourage prospective students to plan and budget for their career journeys before applying and make the best decision for their success and the overall well-being of themselves and their families.

• Is the program remote/virtual?

  Currently, the classroom portion of the Core program is remote/virtual. Most, if not all, internships will be in-person. 

  Students are to live in their assigned internship locations and follow the location requirements set by the hosting company for the duration of their internship assignments (up to 5 days a week in the office). 

  You can share your preferences for locations in the application process.

• What are the costs of attending?

  All of our programming is tuition-free. We recommend making Ada Core a full-time commitment and do not recommend that students work while enrolled in the program.

  While in internship, Adies receive a stipend to offset living expenses during the 5 months of Internship ($15,400 total, pre-tax).

• Who is eligible to apply?

  You must be an adult (21 years of age or more), living in the United States for the full duration of the program, and have permanent work authorization at the time that you apply and throughout the full duration of the program. DACA recipients are eligible to apply to the program.

  • If you require or will require sponsorship in the future, you are not eligible for our program.
  • OPT and CPT are not eligible for our program.

  You can complete this optional eligibility form if you’d like to learn more.

  Ada’s mission is to prepare women and gender-expansive adults (21+) to be software developers while advocating for inclusive and equitable work environments. We primarily serve and address the needs of Black, Latine, Indigenous Americans, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander, LGBTQIA+, and low-income adults.

• Will I need a laptop?

  The classroom portion is virtual, so we require that students have a reliable workspace with internet access. Also, we require that students use a MacBook that meets the following specifications:

  • Macbook Air with M1 (2020 or newer) or Macbook Pro (2019 or newer)
  • 16 GB RAM minimum
  • 64 GB drive space minimum, with 8 GB space available

  A limited number of laptops are available to borrow during the classroom portion if obtaining one would be a barrier to your participation. 

  Our curriculum is not compatible with Windows machines.

• What are you looking for in prospective students?

  Our community is vibrant. “Adies,” current students and graduates of our programs, are artists, carers, leaders, storytellers, explorers, and so much more. We find that folks who have their own ways of demonstrating the following qualities thrive in the Ada environment:

  1. Interested in Tech and Coding: Adies are technologists. They have a genuine enthusiasm for technology and its role in our lives.

  2. Curiosity: Adies are lifelong learners. They explore, ask questions, fail, practice, seek out feedback, and celebrate when others do the same.

  3. Persistence: Adies are optimistic and realistic. They show up for themselves and for other people regularly.

  4. Community-Oriented: Adies are purposeful in their careers. They believe in our shared vision of claiming economic power for marginalized communities, lifting others as they climb and build for themselves.

  5. Self-Understanding/Self-Awareness: Adies are mindful. They reflect on their connections, their time, and how they stay organized and engaged on their journeys.