A Bit of News
Yesterday, we received some unexpected news. Our Campus Director called an impromptu meeting first thing in the morning with the entire cohort and staff to let us know that The Iron Yard would be closing all of its campuses following the conclusion of this current cohort. We didn’t receive much information about the ‘why’, other than it was apparently a Board decision and was likely financially motivated.

While this announcement came as a complete shock to all of us — and has left us all feeling pretty sad — the instructors and campus staff have really gone above and beyond in their handling and delivery of the news, which I feel they did in the most transparent and best possible way. They’ve reiterated and reassured us of their continuing commitment to us as individuals and as a class, and emphasized their shared goal of leaving us in the most competitive possible position coming out of graduation and the supplemental career prep month following the conclusion of the formal course.
While a lot of time could be spent speculating around the reasons for closure — and inevitably more of this will be hashed out in the weeks to come as more information becomes available — much of the general sentiment from TIY staff and students/alum nationwide seem to be that this was an example of the failing of a business, NOT the failing of an educational approach and model.
Before committing to a bootcamp, I spent over a year researching options and speaking to staff and students at various schools. I visited three Iron Yard campuses (Atlanta, Charleston, and DC), and in spite of yesterday’s disappointing news, still strongly believe I made the right choice to enroll in this particular program. The Iron Yard has a solid curriculum, committed/impassioned/experienced instructors, supportive campus staff, beautiful facilities, and a solid community presence.
The school has launched the careers of thousands of new programmers, from all backgrounds and walks of life. The instruction we have received up to this point has been outstanding, and the rigor of the class and exceptionally challenging work-load has been tempered by the supportive, upbeat, and positive energy from the entire staff and community.
While the school will no longer formally exist a few months from now, I already know that the skills, resources, and relationships I’m establishing and building here will continue to be a critical component of my life moving forward.
So for now, we’re all still full-steam ahead — attacking new challenges and supporting each other every step of the way. Grateful to be moving through this time with such an amazing team behind me, and grateful to The Iron Yard for making it all possible for so many folks from the start.
Now back to work.
Song of the Day: ‘Good As Hell’ by Lizzo
