Coding For Veterans’s float at the 2024 Rose Parade (Photo: Gil Lipaz)
At the 135th Rose Parade in Pasadena on January 1, Coding for Veterans, a Toronto-based non-profit organization, received the award for the most outstanding float from outside the United States.
The float, named “Sounds of Success,” showcased technological innovation and honored Canadian and U.S. Veterans. The Rose Parade float, a representation of their commitment to supporting Veterans in their post-military careers, featured an animated laptop symbolizing the tech-oriented nature of their training programs. Alongside this, the float included a fighter jet emitting flares, a Black Hawk helicopter with operational rotors and tail, and a replica F-35 Lightning II jet as a tribute to the sacrifices made by military personnel.
The Parade was an opportunity for Coding for Veterans to display their float and announce the expansion of their program to include U.S. military Veterans. Executive Director Jeff Musson highlighted the organization’s commitment to retraining Veterans, emphasizing that the online program provides stable career paths for those who have served.
Coding for Veterans focuses on providing educational courses to current and former military personnel, facilitating their transition from public service to the private sector, specifically in the fields of cyber security and software development. The organization collaborates with institutions such as the University of Ottawa and recently forged a partnership with the University of Southern California to offer online training courses, leading to certifications in just a few months.
Since its inception in November 2019, Coding for Veterans has witnessed growth, with approximately 500 students enrolled since the fall. The program boasts an over 85 percent job placement rate for graduates. Musson emphasized the critical need for IT professionals within the next 12 to 18 months.
The float marked a historic moment as the first Canadian entry in the Tournament of Roses Parade in 35 years and served as a backdrop for a surprise family reunion. Nine Veterans, both Canadian and American, rode on the float, culminating in a reunion between a deployed U.S. Marine and his unsuspecting wife, broadcasted live on television.
Reflecting on the parade’s impact, Musson expressed gratitude for the exposure gained, revealing that the organization received 221 program applications within two hours following the parade. This heightened interest and recognition signify Coding for Veterans’ commitment to supporting Veterans’ successful transition into the rapidly evolving landscape of information technology careers.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
