Dev/Mission’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program Opens Doors to Tech Careers

This past September, young talent took center stage at Dev/Mission's 8th Annual Gala.

A functional alarm system.

A disaster preparedness website.

A global recipe exploration app.

These weren’t senior developer projects—they were the work of young pre-apprentices. The annual fundraiser highlights what’s possible when young people who have never coded before are given the opportunity to thrive in tech.

Since 2017, Dev/Mission’s registered pre-apprenticeship program serves young adults aged 16-24 across San Francisco and the Bay Area, providing tech training and career support that prepares participants for registered apprenticeship programs. As a Round 1 California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship (COYA) grant recipient, Dev/Mission was able to expand to serve over 60 youth per year—representing a 32% increase in youth served.

What is pre-apprenticeship? Pre-apprenticeship is a state registered vocational program that prepares individuals to enter and be successful in state registered apprenticeship programs in the same occupation. A registered pre-apprenticeship program must be connected to at least one registered apprenticeship program. This ensures participant career pathways: they enter a pre-apprenticeship, which prepares them for an apprenticeship, which in turn prepares them for a career.

The Dev/Mission Program

The 12-week, 240-hour curriculum includes lectures, code-alongs, group exercises, reviews, and portfolio building. The program removes financial barriers by providing hardware, coding instruction, and essential professional skills training. But Dev/Mission goes beyond technical skills; job readiness is also integrated into the curriculum. Tech companies in the San Francisco Bay Area and program alumni provide participants an overview of the tech sector, any employment requirements, and workplace culture.

The program serves 100% low-income youth of color, with 40% living in public housing. All instructors are former clients; tech industry volunteers are primarily people of color, ensuring participants see role models who reflect their backgrounds. With staff bringing 110+ years of combined experience delivering STEM curriculum, the program creates an environment where youth can envision themselves succeeding in tech.

Building Pathways Through Partnership

With support from the COYA grant, Dev/Mission is expanding its pre-apprenticeship program. Upon completion, participants prepare to enter a registered apprenticeship program through the San Francisco City and County Office of Economic and Workforce Development’s TechSF initiative, continue onto tech career pathways once out of reach. Participants receive mentorship and career guidance from leaders in the tech industry, with support for those pursuing certifications to further enhance their credentials.

Ready to start your tech journey? Learn more about Dev/Mission by visiting: https://devmission.org/free-coding-classes/

November 2025