Application Required Only 12 Seats Available. Apply before the cohort closes.
The application takes about 20 minutes to complete. We use it to score, balance the cohort, and place each student on the right team.
HOW THE 8 WEEKS UNFOLD
From a real problem to a live pitch.
Every week has a clear goal. Students don’t follow worksheets. They define a problem, build a solution, and ship working software with AI as a tool, not a crutch.
Frame and plan
Weeks 1–2 • Jun 15 – Jun 28
Students are placed in skill-balanced teams of 4 to 5, choose a real iCode problem to solve, and learn to build with AI from intent to implementation.
Build the foundation
Weeks 3–4 • Jun 29 – Jul 12
The app comes to life. Teams ship their first working features, connect a real database, and meet with their assigned industry mentor.
Integrate and polish
Weeks 5–6 • Jul 13 – Jul 26
End-to-end user flows. AI integration where it makes sense. By Week 6, the MVP is locked. No new features after that.
Test, story, pitch
Weeks 7–8 • Jul 27 – Aug 7
Internal testing, narrative building, dress rehearsals. Week 8 ends with a live pitch at iCode Corporate. Certificates awarded.
What they’ll actually build
Three real problems, three real solutions.
Each of the three teams in the cohort takes on one of these challenges. Real operational pain points sourced from iCode, not invented exercises.
Track 1: Material Inventory System
Build a tool that helps iCode locations track equipment, supplies, and consumables across classrooms. Real inventory, real data, real decisions.
Track 2: Video Pool System
Build a platform for organizing, tagging, and searching the growing library of iCode instructional videos so the right content reaches the right student.
Track 3: Belt Assessment Bot
Build an AI-powered assistant that helps instructors evaluate student progression through the iCode belt system more consistently and faster.
The Six Most Important Things to Have Ready Day One of College Applications
What parents ask first
The questions we hear most, answered plainly.
My child has never coded before. Is this program for them?
Yes, if they have genuine curiosity and can commit to the time. We intentionally select for motivation and willingness to learn, not prior coding experience. Beginners thrive in this program because they use AI tools that translate their ideas into working code. What we cannot teach in 8 weeks is curiosity. That has to come with them.
How much time will my student actually spend on this?
Four hours of guided sessions per week — two sessions of two hours each — plus open lab time for self-paced work. Most students put in an additional 2 to 4 hours per week outside of sessions during the build phase. Total commitment is roughly 6 to 8 hours per week across the 8 weeks.
Will my student work alone or in a team?
In a team. The cohort of 12 is divided into three teams of 4 to 5, balanced by skill profile. Each student takes on a primary role — builder, AI thinker, product thinker, or communicator — and contributes across areas. Working in a team is part of the value. It’s how real software gets built.
What if my student misses a session?
Occasional absences happen. We ask you to disclose any planned absences on the application so we can plan around them. Students can use open lab time to catch up. However, students who miss multiple sessions struggle to keep up with their team, so consistent attendance matters.
Is the application competitive?
Yes. Enrollment is limited to 12 students per cohort, and we typically receive more applications than seats. Selection is based on motivation, commitment, communication skills, and how a student’s skill profile fits the cohort. We score every application against a published rubric and select for balance, not just top scores.
What technology will my student use?
The same tools used in industry. GitHub for version control, Next.js for the application framework, MongoDB for data, Google Gemini for AI workflows where applicable, and iCode’s NEXUS IDE for project management. Students leave with transferable experience on real-world software, not toy tools.
What does my student need to bring?
A laptop they can install software on — Mac or PC, less than 5 years old preferred — and an active interest in solving problems. We provide everything else: accounts, tools, mentorship, and the project.
How and when do we find out if my student is accepted?
Applications are reviewed within two weeks of the deadline. You’ll receive a decision by email: accepted, waitlisted, or not selected this cohort. Accepted students receive program details, enrollment instructions, and a welcome packet.