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AI Developer Scholarship for New Yorkers

The only thing standing between you and a tech career is the opportunity. Here it is.

We're offering a full scholarship to become an AI Developer — built for New Yorkers ready for more.

In 6 months, you'll go from complete beginner to job-ready AI Developer. Plus, you'll have 6 months of job search support to land your first role in tech.

The Break into Tech AI Developer scholarship is a learning opportunity for underrepresented New Yorkers ready for a better career — no tech experience needed. Fully funded by the Zero Irving Workforce Development Project Fund.

Only 15 scholarships available Apply by August 1, 2026

Sound too good to be true?

We get it. You've probably seen programs that promise a lot and deliver nothing.

This is different. The Break Into Tech AI Developer Scholarship is fully funded by the Zero Irving Workforce Development Project Fund — a real scholarship, with real support, for real New Yorkers.

Who is Skillcrush?

14 years of experience turning beginners into developers

The Break Into Tech AI Developer scholarship is powered by Skillcrush, an online tech education platform built on one core belief: tech is for everyone.

Since 2012, Skillcrush has helped over 200,000 students across 148 countries learn to code, build real projects, and land jobs in tech — most of them starting with zero experience, just like you.

We know what it takes to turn "I could never do this" into "I just got hired." The Break Into Tech AI Developer Scholarship is how we're bringing that same proven curriculum, mentorship, and career support into a New York City classroom — so you can make it happen, too.

14 yrs
Turning beginners into developers since 2012
200K+
Students taught how to code
148
Countries reached around the world

If any of this sounds familiar…

You're tired of jobs that don't pay enough
You've thought about a career in tech, but assumed it wasn't for people like you
You can't afford to go back to school
You don't own a laptop
You're ready to change your life, but don't know where to start

You are exactly who we built this for.

What your scholarship includes

6 months of hands-on AI developer training

Starting from zero — no experience required.

A free laptop

Yours to keep after you graduate.

An AI Developer Certificate

Issued by Skillcrush.

Up to 6 months of job coaching

Helping you land your first tech role.

A community and mentors

Who are with you every step of the way, cheering you on.

The median total pay for an AI Developer with 0–1 year of experience in NYC

$157K/year

That's the market you'll be stepping into — and we're going to help you get ready for it.

Source: Glassdoor

What is an AI Developer?

You've probably already used something an AI Developer built — a chatbot that actually helped you, a tool that summarized a document in seconds, an app that felt like it read your mind. AI Developers are the people who create those experiences. They combine web development skills with AI tools to build apps that are smarter, faster, and more useful than anything that came before.

Companies like Stripe, Duolingo, Morgan Stanley, and Bing have already transformed how they serve their customers using exactly these kinds of tools — and they're just the beginning. It's the fastest-growing skill in tech right now, and the demand for people who can build these apps is only going up.

Just a few of the companies already building with these tools:
Stripe Duolingo Morgan Stanley Bing

Totally new to coding? So were they.

Skillcrush alums who came in with zero tech experience — and built a whole new career.

Skillcrush alum Jasmine Reese
Now: Web Administrator

"The skills I learned from Skillcrush made me more prepared for my first role than my coworkers who had computer science degrees. To realize that I'm doing Skillcrush and I'm learning these skills and within a year I have a job — it is mind blowing!"

Jasmine Reese
Previously: Human Resources
Skillcrush alum Alana Nanz
Now: Developer

"The Skillcrush program is very supportive of women, career-changers, & under-represented groups in tech, which I found very uplifting and encouraging. The courses were very informative, fun & the right amount of challenge."

Alana Nanz
Previously: Nonprofit Arts Administrator
Skillcrush alum Melissa Gerbereux
Now: Senior Creative Developer

"Skillcrush completely changed my life. Only 10 months after starting my first lesson, I was able to land a flexible job at a media agency and am continuously growing my freelance web design/dev business."

Melissa Gerbereux
Previously: Senior Buyer

What you'll learn

From your very first line of code to your first day on the job — here's the full journey, step by step.

01

Front End Development

Foundations
HTML & CSS
Working with Git & GitHub
Coding Responsive Websites
JavaScript Fundamentals
Intro to React
Intro to React Hooks
02

Full Stack Development

Build
Getting Started with Python
Building Web Apps with Python
Preparing & Displaying Data with Python
Full Stack Project — build a real app with React & Python
03

AI Development

Specialize
Intro to Generative AI Web Apps
Building Complex AI Apps with LangChain
Enhancing AI Apps with Domain Specific Content
Portfolio Workshop
04

Get Hired Program

Land the job

Up to 6 months · April – September 2027 · 1-hour weekly virtual group sessions

Resume, LinkedIn, & Portfolio preparation
Interview prep & technical test guidance
Job search strategy and support
Coaching to help you land your first role

When & where you'll learn

When
In-Person · Every Friday · 2:00–5:00 pm
September 18, 2026 – March 26, 2027
Plus ~20 hours of at-home study each week, with your provided laptop and courses.
Where
Civic Hall · Zero Irving
124 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003

A modern, professional space in the heart of Lower Manhattan — right where NYC's tech community comes to work and connect.

Steps from the trains:
456LNQRW
Then: Job Search Support
Get Hired Program

After class wraps, the work continues. The Get Hired Program runs for up to six months — pairing ~20 hours of at-home work with 1-hour weekly group sessions, held virtually, to dig into job search strategy, support, and coaching helping you land your first role in tech.

April – September 2027
Up to 6 months (less if you land a job sooner!)
~20 hours of at-home work
1-hour weekly virtual group sessions

What happens after you apply

1
Now – Aug 1
Apply
Online form, only takes 5 minutes.
2
Starting July 1
Info Session
We'll email the link to the virtual session recording to qualified applicants.
3
Aug 10–21
Short Interview
A brief 15-minute conversation with select applicants.
4
By Aug 29
Decision
Every applicant hears back. No one gets left hanging.
5
Sept 1–12
Onboarding
Laptop, MetroCard, everything you need before Day 1.
6
Sept 18
First Class
You show up. We take it from there.
Only 15 spots

You've read this far.
Something in here spoke to you.

Don't talk yourself out of what could be the best decision you ever make.

Only 15 scholarships available.
Applications close August 1, 2026.
Classes start September 18, 2026.

Not sure if you qualify? Apply anyway.

We review every application individually. We'd rather hear from you than have you talk yourself out of it.

Have questions? We'd love to hear from you. Reach out at hello@skillcrush.com