Zip Code -- Coding Builds Communities

Dear Friends of Zip Code Wilmington,

Since 2015, Zip Code Wilmington has been transforming lives through immersive tech training and career placement. Founded by Ben duPont, Porter Schutt, and Jim Stewart, our mission is simple yet powerful: equip adult learners with the skills they need to build better futures. By transforming their lives, we helped change the trajectory of an entire community. In short, we all rise.

How do I know? The data tells the story. In the past decade, nearly 750 graduates have completed our programs, resulting in an average $50,000 wage increase per graduate and more than $140 million in increased wages earned which increases the tax base of a community and breaks the cycle of poverty for many. These are not just numbers—they represent families thriving, careers reborn, and a stronger community.

Zip Code graduates come from all walks of life. Their stories are remarkable. For example, I remember "Steve." He was born and raised in Delaware and had worked in fast food for years wishing he could go to college to study computer science like his friends from high school. It wasn’t in the cards for him. No one in his family ever made more than $20,000 a year, and he thought he was destined for a similar life. But he found out about Zip Code and decided to take a chance. He bet on himself, completed Zip Code, found a job with a large financial company, and now makes more than 5x what he made before Zip Code. Not only that, his cousins, friends, and family members have made the transition into tech. He travels the world working remotely and enjoying a life he only dreamed of attaining. There is no limit to what he – and his community – can do next!

Today, we stand at a pivotal moment. The work we do is still needed, but the current market challenges demand change. We all need to know AI to keep our jobs and our economy strong. That’s why we are pivoting to broader training programs and opportunities by providing live and virtual AI training to tech and non-tech learners and leaning into AI-enhanced software development and data engineering training. This shift could even help you retain your job in an ever-changing tech climate.

Your support is critical to keep operations running and ensure this transformation succeeds. Please donate. Any amount counts and is deeply appreciated. Together, we can continue to open doors for our entire community. Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us build the future. Coding builds communities!

With gratitude,
Desa Burton
Executive Director
Zip Code Wilmington