# Self-Directed Programming Education The Recurse Center Retreat is in NYC and is Three Months Long By Kalin Ned | Published 2019-04-01 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/programming-education References: [fastcompany](https://www.fastcompany.com/90325497/this-coders-retreat-is-rewriting-all-the-rules-to-boost-diversity?partner=feedburner&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feedburner+fastcompany&utm_content=feedburner) & [recurse](https://www.recurse.com/) Programming education is becoming incredibly important as humans become increasingly dependent on digital environments. Many [web developer jobs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hacker-relay) are becoming readily available and in a bid to make the education more accessible and affordable, retreats like Recurse Center are launched. The initative is a self-directed course that boasts "no teachers, no curriculum, no grades, and no certificates." It is three-month long and it is free to attend. What sets this [programming education retreat](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fini) apart is its dedication to making coding accessible to minority groups. Over 50% of Recurse Center's most recent round of students identify as women, trans or non-binary. In addition, the organization offers its [needs-based grants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-tech-training) to individuals who also fall in categories of genderqueer, black, Latinx, Native American or Pacific Islander. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 19% | Activity: 42% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Social Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialbusiness) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Programming Education Retreats:** Retreats like Recurse Center are disrupting traditional programming education by offering self-directed courses with no teachers, curriculum, grades, or certificates. - **Accessibility in Programming Education:** The focus on making coding accessible to minority groups, as seen in programs like Recurse Center, presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in the field of programming education. - **Diversity and Inclusion in Tech:** The commitment of initiatives like Recurse Center to attract and support underrepresented groups, such as women, trans, non-binary, genderqueer, black, Latinx, Native American, and Pacific Islander, creates opportunities for disruptive innovation in promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. ### Who This Affects Most - **Education:** The rise of self-directed programming education retreats like Recurse Center presents opportunities for disruption in the traditional education industry. - **Technology:** The emphasis on accessibility and diversity in programming education, as exemplified by initiatives like Recurse Center, can drive disruptive innovation in the technology industry. - **Diversity and Inclusion:** Initiatives like Recurse Center that prioritize diversity and inclusion in the tech field offer opportunities for disruptive innovation in promoting equal representation and fostering inclusive workplaces. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Open Tech Learning Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/imaginary-hub.md) - [Practical Practice Coding Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skillreactor.md) - [Accelerated Coding Courses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/codefast1.md) - [Educational Coding Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/codeventure.md) - [Comprehensive Online Courses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/no-code-pathways.md) - [Developer Course Builders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teachflow.md) - [App Developer Academies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/developer-academy.md) - [Unique Coding Assistance Softwares](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coding-assistance.md) - [Daily Coding Challenges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/avocado-growths-coding-challenge.md)