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Zed Labs MVP Program

Overview

The MVP Program at Zed Labs is a training initiative designed to prepare people in the Caribbean to thrive in the tech world. Our MVPs gain essential skills and hands-on experience in various key areas.

The program provides MVPs with opportunities to work alongside the Zed Labs team, contributing to products we're building and exposing themselves to leading practices and bleeding-edge industry standards. By joining the MVP Program, participants not only develop their technical skills but also immerse themselves in a culture of innovation and strategic impact.

At Zed Labs, we are dedicated to increasing capacity and developer talent in the Caribbean. The MVP Program is a cornerstone of this mission, empowering the next generation of tech leaders to drive progress and create meaningful change. Through this program, we aim to cultivate a vibrant community of skilled professionals ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

Introduction

What

The objective of the MVP Program is to give students access to everything they need to become the Minimum Viable Programmer in just six months. At the core of the program is not just the development of strong technical skills but also the work ethic, communication skills, networking skills, and understanding of industry-standard tools for product development, enabling graduates to become the Most Valuable Players in their workplace!

How

How do we achieve this? MVP - Become the most valuable player The MVP Program is a thoughtfully crafted ecosystem designed to help Caribbean youth excel in tech. The program comprises three key elements: Coding, Community, and Coaching.

  • MIND: Learn core tech knowledge and skills in web development through the Coding Bootcamp.
  • VALUES: Learn core values through the Zed Labs community, offering numerous planned and organic knowledge-sharing opportunities with developers, designers, and creatives.
  • PROGRESS: Receive career support through our designated program coach, including group and individual career guidance and interview prep.

From Fundamentals to Advanced Skills

Our MVP Program eases participants into coding by starting with the basics of web development. Beginning with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, students build a solid foundation in front-end development using React. As they progress, they delve into back-end development with Node.js and explore other JavaScript frameworks and technologies, moving into new domains such as React Native (mobile), Electron (desktop), and Johnny-Five (IoT, Robotics).

JavaScript serves as the gateway language, providing a versatile foundation that allows participants to branch into various specialized areas. Whether their interest lies in data science with Python, server-side languages like Rust and C++, or mobile development with Kotlin, Java, Swift, or Objective-C, the MVP Program equips them with the skills and mindset needed for continuous learning and problem-solving.

Cultivating a Problem-Solving Mindset

At the heart of the MVP Program is the goal to instill a persistent, problem-solving mindset. Participants are encouraged to tackle challenges, overcome hurdles, and delve deeper into complex topics. This approach ensures that they are not only skilled in coding but also resilient and adaptable, ready to face any technological challenge.

Problem

Many youths lack access to resources in the software development industry, from basics like:

  • A laptop
  • Reliable broadband
  • Industry-standard education

To elements that shape impactful careers, including access to:

  • A community of tech practitioners
  • Community events around modern technology
  • Exposure to cutting-edge technology institutions

For individuals to have fulfilling and impactful careers in tech, they need access to:

  • High levels of knowledge and skill
  • Learning techniques
  • Research and mentorship opportunities
  • Networking skills to develop their abilities and find new opportunities
  • Understanding of how to impact their community with their skills
  • Marketing skills to secure the best opportunities

Solution

The MVP Program addresses these challenges through:

  • Programming Bootcamp / Hub Network: Offering a comprehensive and structured learning environment.
  • Access to a High-Value Network: Connecting participants with industry experts, mentors, and resources.
  • Instilling Good Practices and Industry Insight: Providing education that meets industry standards through hands-on projects.
  • Mentoring: Leveraging a network of professionals from various fields, including technology, sports, arts, and agriculture, to mentor participants.

Philosophy

General Approach - Our Values

Our approach encourages students to always dig deeper to understand more. We have built this into the program by design:

  • Teaching Style: “Be a guide on the side, rather than a sage on the stage.”
    • Based on project-based learning, or intellectual adventures, where students solve problems through internal knowledge, collaboration, and expert guidance.
    • Using storytelling to present projects, enhancing communication and presentation skills.

Technology and Curriculum

Programming Language: JavaScript, due to its approachability and versatility.

  • Students start with HTML and CSS to build and style websites, then progress to JavaScript for web development.
  • They learn the front-end and back-end architecture of the web, build simple servers in NodeJS, and explore frameworks like React.
  • Opportunities to learn new languages like React Native (mobile development), Electron (desktop development), and Rust (back-end web).

Hardware and Tools

Students will work with computers, Raspberry Pis, and robotics kits to understand the fundamentals of electronics and hardware.

Core Elements

Coding Curriculum

  • 16-week Full Stack Web Developer Coding Bootcamp focused on HTML/CSS/JavaScript
    • Outcome: Junior Software Developer
    • Specialization options available

Community

  • Bi-monthly mandatory program events
  • Access to a co-working space

Coaching

  • One-on-one and group coaching
  • Interview prep for local and international internships

Supporting Activities

Community Outreach

Free monthly coding sessions to raise awareness of the program

Selection Process

Tracking career development of our graduates

Supporting Our Partners

Our partners provide us with:

  • Funding for staff and equipment
  • Real-life projects for students to hone their coding and communication skills
  • Internship opportunities

We support our partners by providing:

  • Skilled interns
  • Solutions to their technology-related problems via student projects

Our Values

Contribution to Sustainable Development: Contributing to the economic growth of Trinidad and Tobago.Innovation and Collaboration: Providing coworking spaces, a network of mentors and resources, and infrastructure from urban to rural areas.Global Reach: Connecting with experts and industry leaders globally.Immediate Opportunities: Offering employment through in-house technology initiatives like the WAM mobile money app.

Join the MVP Program

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey into the world of technology? The MVP Program at Zed Labs is your gateway to a future filled with endless possibilities. Join us and be part of a movement that is shaping the technological landscape of the Caribbean.