(Photo: Coding For Veterans)
As viewers eagerly anticipate the Rose Parade on January 1, one float, Sounds of Success, is set to standout as it makes its way down Colorado Boulevard. What makes this float unique is its creation by Coding for Veterans, a program committed to preparing Military Veterans for careers in software development and cybersecurity.
Coding for Veterans, which originally launched in Canada four years ago, is making its debut in the United States with a float that symbolizes the technological journey and retraining aspects of their program. The float, featuring a laptop, represents coding, software development, and cybersecurity, emphasizing the role of technology in the program.
“There’s over 750,000 cybersecurity jobs alone that are going unfilled in the U.S. in the next 12 to 18 months,” states the program’s executive director, Jeff Musson, emphasizing the need for skilled professionals in the field.
Coding for Veterans program offers an eight-month online course through the USC Marshall School of Business, allowing Veterans to prepare for careers in software development and cybersecurity, with starting salaries averaging between $75,000 to $85,000.
Coding for Veterans is one of the 34 organizations selected for the 2024 Rose Parade. In preparation, Coding for Veterans is seeking volunteers to help decorate the float throughout the month of December. Coding for Veterans invites individuals to be part of the decorating team and experience the behind-the-scenes process of bringing a Rose Parade float to life. Interested individuals can sign up on the program’s website, codingforveterans.com.
(Photo: Coding For Veterans)
Volunteers will place thousands of flowers on the float at the Phoenix Decorating Co., located at 5400 North Irwindale Avenue in Irwindale during the decorating week, from December 26 to December 31. Volunteers, ages 13 and older, are invited to work full eight-hour shifts, with parking available at the Rose Float Plaza South. All necessary decoration supplies will be provided, although volunteers are encouraged to bring their own scissors.
Additionally, the program allows individuals to “Thank a Veteran” by purchasing a flower for $25 to honor Military Veterans. The flower will be placed on the Coding for Veterans float as part of the “Dedication Garden,” with the buyer’s message of thanks displayed on the Digital Wall of Appreciation. Proceeds from this program contribute to providing financial assistance to students with tuition expenses. This program offers an opportunity to express gratitude to Veterans while supporting educational opportunities for future generations.
To participate in the “Thank a Veteran” program or for more information, interested individuals can visit the webpage here.
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.