No. SEO First Year Academy is designed as a gateway into coding and CS fundamentals. No prior programming experience is required. The program is ideal for first-year students who are already in a tech-related major or are undecided but curious about exploring computer science and a future in tech.

You’re eligible if you’re a first-year college student expected to graduate in Fall 2027 or Spring 2028, enrolled at a four-year accredited university or a two-year community college. You should have a strong interest in learning to code and pursuing a software engineering or tech-centric career, even if you haven’t declared a CS major yet.

First Year Academy is a two-part virtual program:

• Spring Session (8 weeks, February–April): ~5 hours per week, focused on foundational Python programming through mostly asynchronous learning with some live TA-led sessions.
  
• Summer Session (4 weeks, July–August): ~15–20 hours per week, focused on hands-on projects, collaboration, and team-based learning. Only students who successfully complete the spring session are invited to continue.

Tech Developer Lite is a condensed, part-time, asynchronous version of the core Tech Developer program. While it’s shorter and less intense than the full summer residency, you’ll still receive the same essential curriculum content and program benefits — just delivered in a more flexible format that allows you to learn at your own pace without a full-time time commitment.

Tech Developer Lite runs for four weeks during the summer and requires approximately 15–20 hours per week. The program is fully virtual and asynchronous, allowing you to set your own study schedule. You’ll complete assigned coursework and projects independently, with access to virtual support from SEO Tech Developer staff and mentors throughout the program.

This program is designed for students who already have some programming experience and want to continue building their technical skills while balancing other summer commitments. Applicants are typically sophomores (or rising juniors transferring from a two-year college), with a preference for quantitative majors such as Computer Science, Data Science, or Engineering — though all majors are considered. A 3.0+ GPA is preferred, and familiarity with at least one programming language (such as Python, Java, or C++) is expected.

SEO Tech Dev Con is a three-day, in-person conference in NYC that celebrates the hard work of Tech Developer students after a summer of intensive virtual training. The conference features panels, fireside chats, and community-building experiences with engineers, recruiters, and industry leaders — plus a Partner and Community Mixer with complimentary food, drinks, and swag.

Tech Dev Con is open to students who complete the 2026 Tech Developer Program. If you’re not part of the Tech Developer cohort or alumni network but would still like to participate, you can attend the Partner and Community Mixer, which brings together students, industry professionals, and members of the NYC tech community.

The Partner and Community Mixer is the signature networking event of Tech Dev Con. It brings together Tech Developer students, software engineers, recruiters, SEO partners, staff, and the broader NYC tech community. Students can ask questions, receive career and life advice, explore internship opportunities, and build meaningful professional connections.