CodePath, a national nonprofit transforming computer science education for underrepresented students, has selected Florida International University (FIU) as one of only four campus partners nationwide for its Emerging Engineer Empowerment Program. This new initiative is designed to cultivate the next generation of AI-native engineers, CTOs, and tech founders, preparing students for leadership in the rapidly evolving tech industry
CodePath is transforming higher education by developing the first AI-native generation of engineers, CTOs, and founders through industry-vetted courses and career support tailored to first-generation and low-income students. With a network of 30,000 students and alumni from 700 colleges now working at over 2,000 companies, CodePath is reshaping the tech workforce and building a more inclusive future. Recognized by Fast Company as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2024, CodePath empowers students of all backgrounds to gain the skills, mentorship, and connections needed to succeed in the most competitive technical roles.
FIU students Jude Surin, center, and Robert Velasquez, right, discuss their experience in the CodePath program with Emmanuela Stanislaus, a career liaison at CodePath.
The partnership is already producing results. Jude Surin, a computer science student at FIU, was recently selected as a Pathways Fellow at Apple, while fellow student Robert Velasquez secured a full-time position at Google—both attributing their success to the skills and confidence they gained through CodePath programming.
This formal collaboration expands upon a longstanding relationship between CodePath and Florida International University, which has connected students to industry-backed computer science courses, exclusive career fairs with Fortune 500 companies, and mentorship opportunities since 2020. With the launch of the Empowerment Program, FIU students will gain enhanced access to CodePath’s rigorous, real-world-aligned curriculum, as well as career readiness workshops and hands-on learning experiences through the university’s Knight Foundation School of Computing & Information Sciences.
Michael Ellison, Cofounder & CEO of CodePath
“Since 2020, over 1,000 FIU students have participated in CodePath courses and programming. Our expanded collaboration will further integrate industry-aligned curriculum into FIU coursework and expand career pathways,” said Michael Ellison, CEO and Co-Founder of CodePath. “We will continue to ensure our strategic plan and growth exponentially advances FIU’s initiatives.”
As part of this initiative, FIU students will also have access to a new, for-credit Technical Interview Prep course beginning in Summer 2025. Co-taught by an experienced software engineer and FIU faculty, the course will equip students with the skills and mindset needed to tackle technical interviews at top-tier tech companies. It will focus on self-directed learning, technical communication, and problem-solving strategies for real-world engineering challenges.
Bridgett Cram, VP of Student Success Operations & Integrated Planning at FIU
“Through our collaboration with CodePath, FIU students have gained access to resources that are significantly enhancing their competitiveness in the computer science field,” said Bridgette Cram, Vice President of Student Success Operations and Integrated Planning at FIU. “With tailored career support, this partnership has enabled students to launch their careers – connecting them to internships and directly to full-time opportunities – demonstrating the transformative impact of intentional, industry-aligned training.”
FIU alumna Ayleen Roa, who secured a paid technical internship at Universal Studios for Spring 2025, credited her transformation to the CodePath program.
“From who I was a year ago to who I am today, I have grown immensely as a programmer, and I can thank CodePath for a huge part of it,” Roa said. “Take your first step into a bigger and better version of yourself and join CodePath.”
FIU computer science students who have completed Data Structures and Algorithms are eligible to enroll in the Technical Interview Prep course, pending faculty approval. Additional information on CodePath’s programs in partnership with FIU can be found at the CodePathxFIU webpage.
With a median starting salary of $93,000 among CodePath alumni, this partnership continues to position FIU students at the forefront of the nation’s tech talent pipeline, fueled by inclusive innovation and access to opportunity.
To learn more about the CodePath program at FIU, please visit https://www.codepath.org/student/fiu