# AI forces coding program to revamp how it prepares Philly students for tech jobs > Philly's coding program overhauls curriculum to help students adapt to AI-driven tech jobs. - Title: AI forces coding program to revamp how it prepares Philly… - Summary: Philly's coding program overhauls curriculum to help students adapt to AI-driven tech jobs. Launchpad Philly is updating its tech training for students to… - Keywords: launchpad philly, ai skills, tech jobs, philly students, coding program, ai job market, youth training, philly, news, local, forces, coding - Source: PhillyVoice — https://phillyvoice.com/coding-program-philadelphia-students-tech-jobs-ai - Published: 2026-10-10T09:01:00.467+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: launchpad philly, ai skills, tech jobs, philly students, coding program, ai job market, youth training, philly, news, local ## Launchpad Philly's new AI focus Launchpad Philly began teaching coding skills to high school students and recent graduates in 2022 to help them land tech jobs. > launchpad philly opened in 2022 with what seemed like a winning formula ## AI reshapes tech job market The tech industry's job market has transformed in the past year, with entry level jobs drying up as companies cut thousands of positions. > companies have cut thousands of jobs in favor of relying on ai to do basic tasks ## Students struggle to find work Daniel Johnson, 20, who completed Launchpad Philly's program in 2024, says he has never received a job offer despite having a portfolio and strong references. > i never get a single email back i don't even think i've received a rejection ## AI tools dominate industry now Claude Code, Anthropic's AI coding assistant that now dominates the industry, was not widely available when Launchpad Philly first started its program. > claudy code anthropic's ai coding assistant that now dominates the industry ## Program graduates face challenges Last year, Launchpad Philly graduated its first cohort of 12 students from an intensive program, but only three are now working full-time. > three are working full-time two are in college and the rest are piecing together freelance and part-time work ## Curriculum overhaul underway Launchpad Philly is now adding certifications in generative AI and project management skills to better prepare students for the current job market. > participants now can get multiple certifications to show they have experience using generative ai and project management skills ## New business model for students Launchpad Inc. creates work opportunities for students by connecting them with local companies and nonprofits for part-time projects at $20 per hour. > it only offers part-time work but pays twenty dollars per hour ## Students adapt to AI reality Bianca Ruiz, 18, joined Launchpad Philly recently and is learning about AI's capabilities while understanding its limitations in critical thinking and decision-making. > i feel like ai could take a portion of my job but i don't think it could take the whole thing ## Program's future challenges Demitri DeLuca-Lyons, 20, who graduated from Launchpad Philly last year, hopes to get a full-time tech job but is skeptical about the job market rebounding for non-college graduates. > a lot of my strategy kind of hinged on trying to stay here as long as i can to build up my work experience ## Program's role in Philly education Half of Philadelphia's public school graduates do not pursue college after high school, making Launchpad Philly's support crucial for career pathways. > half of philly's public school graduates don't go on to college once they get their diplomas ## AI skills for the future Launchpad Philly is reworking its curriculum to focus on translating technical tools for people in other business roles rather than just coding skills. > lessons focus more on translating technical tools for people in other business roles rather than just on coding ## Program's impact on students Students now receive mentorship and social work support to develop interpersonal skills for the workplace, addressing challenges after high school graduation. > launchpad employs a social worker to help participants develop the interpersonal skills they'll need for the workplace ## What happens next Launchpad Philly is updating its curriculum and creating direct work opportunities to help students navigate the evolving tech job market. > launchpad philly is overhauling its curriculum and providing more direct work experience in an effort to keep the door to well-paid tech jobs open ## Key takeaway Launchpad Philly is updating its tech training for students to include AI skills after job market shifts.