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Free coding education in the time of COVID-19

A group of computer science instructors bring introductory coding to the world.
You should expect to be working 15 to 20 hours a week and you will need an internet connection strong enough to stream video.

The time of COVID-19 has been difficult for many people around the world, in many different ways. As an act of community service, a group of computer science instructors is coming together to offer our teaching services free of charge for people who want to learn introductory coding, subject to availability. This is a one-time offering for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Course Dates: April 13th until May 22nd.
Where: Anywhere with internet.
Who: Learners, with no programming experience, and time to dedicate to learning.
Student application deadline: April 8th, Anywhere on Earth.
Teacher application deadline: April 3rd, Anywhere on Earth.

The learning experience, which we call CS106A - Code in Place, will be an introductory programming course using the Python language, using material from the first half of Stanford University's established intro course, CS106A. It assumes no prior programming experience. You should expect to be working 15 to 20 hours a week and you will need an internet connection strong enough to stream video.

This experience is different from typical free online courses in that, in addition to using online resources, you will meet (via videoconferencing) in a small group, once a week, with someone on the teaching team. The course is centered around engaging assignments and includes an optional final project. You won't receive a grade in the course, and completing the experience doesn't earn university credit. Instead, the main outcome is that you will have acquired a new and wonderful skill: how to program.

Enrollment is subject to availability, although we have space for hundreds (or even thousands) of students. To apply, you complete a short, fun, learning exercise before April 8th, estimated to be 1 to 2 hours of work. Finishing the exercise will give you an idea of whether this course is good for you.

If you are an educator who knows Python, apply to be a volunteer instructor. Every volunteer teacher means more students can join.

As a disclaimer, this is a first-of-its-kind offer from Stanford. We are seeking students who are up for being part of an experimental education experience. If you have any questions please email codeinplace@cs.stanford.edu. We are limiting the course to students and teaching team who are at least 18 years old.

Join as a student.

Apply to be a section leader

Learn more