Building Tulsa’s Tech Future: How Urban Coders Guild Prepares Students for College, Careers, and Industry Certifications
As Tulsa positions itself as a growing tech hub, Urban Coders Guild is ensuring that students from historically underrepresented communities have access to education, mentorship and certifications necessary to succeed in the digital economy. Through free, high-quality coding programs, middle and high school students develop technical skills, industry knowledge and career readiness, opening doors to post-secondary education and high-paying jobs in technology.
Preparing Students for a Future in Tech
Urban Coders Guild provides structured after-school and summer programs that introduce students to computer science, software development and cybersecurity. The organization’s hands-on, project-based learning approach ensures that students not only learn coding but also gain problem-solving, teamwork and analytical skills, all essential for success in college and the workforce (National Science Foundation, 2023).
Current Programs Offered by Urban Coders Guild
Web development – Students learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript and front-end frameworks to build interactive websites and applications.
Game development – Using Unity and C#, students develop 2D and 3D games while gaining foundational programming knowledge.
Mobile app development – Focused on iOS development with Swift, this course teaches students how to design and build mobile applications.
Cybersecurity – Students explore digital security, ethical hacking and system protection, preparing for careers in cyber defense.
These programs serve as a pipeline to industry certifications, helping students earn credentials that demonstrate their technical abilities to colleges, employers and internship providers (CompTIA, 2023).
The Value of Industry Certifications for Young Students
Industry certifications provide verified proof of expertise, giving students a competitive edge in both college admissions and job applications. According to the International Data Corporation (2023), 93% of hiring managers say IT certifications help determine a candidate’s qualifications. By obtaining certifications at a young age, students can:
Build strong résumés early – Demonstrating technical proficiency as a high school student sets them apart in scholarship applications, college admissions and job opportunities.
Gain access to high-paying internships – Many tech internships prefer or require certifications, giving students a head start.
Skip entry-level barriers – Some certifications count as college credits or replace introductory coursework, accelerating their academic progress (College Board, 2023).
Earn higher salaries sooner – Certified individuals often command higher wages, even in entry-level roles (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023).
While some certifications have minimum age requirements, many allow students as young as 13 to get started on career-building credentials.
Key Certifications Available Through Urban Coders Guild
Urban Coders Guild prepares students for industry-recognized certifications that validate their skills in cybersecurity, programming, cloud computing and IT support.
| Certification | Relevant UCG Program | Career Pathways | Minimum Age | Potential Salary Range (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) | Cybersecurity | Cybersecurity analyst, IT security specialist | 16+ | $60K - $120K+ |
| Unity Certified User: Programmer | Game Development | Game developer, AR/VR developer, software engineer | 13+ | $55K - $110K+ |
| Swift Certified User | Mobile App Development | iOS developer, software engineer, app designer | 13+ | $80K - $140K+ |
| CIW Site Development Associate | Web Development | Front-end developer, UX/UI designer, web developer | 13+ | $50K - $100K+ |
| FreeCodeCamp Web Development Certifications | Web Development | Web developer, software engineer, UX designer | 13+ | $55K - $110K+ |
From the Classroom to Careers: The Urban Coders Guild Impact
Urban Coders Guild’s programs are more than just coding lessons—they open doors to academic and professional opportunities. By earning industry certifications, students gain the ability to:
Secure college scholarships and STEM opportunities – Many universities offer scholarships for certified students, giving them an advantage in admissions (National Center for Education Statistics, 2023).
Land high-paying internships before graduation – With a certification, students can start working in tech roles as young as 16.
Develop real-world projects – Students build personal coding portfolios, showcasing projects to college recruiters and potential employers (National Science Foundation, 2023).
Pursue fast-track career paths – Some certifications qualify students for jobs right after high school, allowing them to enter the workforce with competitive salaries.
The Future of Tulsa’s Tech Workforce Starts Now
Urban Coders Guild is committed to breaking down barriers in computer science education and ensuring that students—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—have access to tech careers, college pathways and financial mobility.
Whether students are looking to build a foundation in coding, earn industry certifications or explore career opportunities in tech, Urban Coders Guild is helping them take the first step toward success.
By investing in young coders today, we are shaping the future leaders of Tulsa’s tech industry.
References
College Board. (2023). Credit for Prior Learning and Certifications.
CompTIA. (2023). The Value of IT Certifications for Job Seekers.
International Data Corporation. (2023). IT Hiring Trends and the Impact of Certifications.
National Center for Education Statistics. (2023). Postsecondary STEM Scholarships and Enrollment.
National Science Foundation. (2023). Computer Science Education and Workforce Development.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Computer and Information Technology Occupations.
