People of AI What is Vets Who Code: Teaching veterans and leveraging AI
Sep 29, 2025
Jerome Hardaway, the founder of Vets Who Code and a former Air Force member, shares his inspiring journey from military service to self-taught software developer. He discusses the creation of his nonprofit aimed at teaching veterans coding skills using a unique 'crawl, walk, run' learning approach. Jerome explains how he integrates AI tools, like Gemini, into the curriculum to personalize learning paths and adapt to job market demands. He also emphasizes the importance of keeping his program relevant amid AI-driven changes in the workforce.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Coding Became A New Boxing
- Jerome compared learning to code with boxing as a focus and healthy outlet.
- Coding kept him mentally sharp and inspired him to teach other veterans.
Self-Taught SQL Led To DHS Job
- Jerome taught himself SQL from a book and got hired by the Department of Homeland Security as a data analyst.
- That self-taught skill directly enabled a civilian job he couldn't get from his military experience.
Teach With Crawl, Walk, Run
- Use a 'crawl, walk, run' progressive practice model: learn a thing, then practice a new thing that builds on it.
- Reinforce old skills while adding new ones so learners combine capabilities effectively.