location: United States
host: Code for America
apply-url: https://codeforamerica.org/jobs/
Code for America is a nonprofit that uses the tools and talent of the technology industry to improve government services for people who need them most. Since its founding in 2009, Code for America has built benefits-access tools used by millions, operated the largest civic tech volunteer network in the United States, and run fellowship programs that embedded technologists inside city and county governments. Its flagship fellowship program ran from 2011 to 2020 — today, Code for America primarily engages technical talent through direct employment, the Brigade volunteer network, and targeted partnership programs.
What Code for America Does
Core Programs
- GetCalFresh / Benefits navigation: AI-assisted tools helping low-income Americans apply for SNAP, Medicaid, and other safety-net programs
- Clear My Record: Automated record-clearance tools helping people with old convictions clear their criminal records
- Safety Net Innovation Lab: Testing new approaches to delivering government services equitably
- Code for America Brigade: A national network of 80+ local volunteer chapters where technologists work alongside governments on civic projects
Code for America's work is primarily staff-led today. The organization employs engineers, designers, product managers, and policy experts who work full-time on these programs. Open roles are posted on their careers page.
The Original Fellowship (2011–2020)
From 2011 to approximately 2020, Code for America ran a competitive annual fellowship that placed teams of technologists inside city and county governments for 11 months. Fellows were paid a living stipend, worked directly with government partners, and built civic technology products. The program produced landmark tools and influenced how dozens of cities approach digital services.
The fellowship concluded as Code for America shifted its model toward sustained, staff-driven programs rather than time-limited cohorts. The alumni network remains active and many former fellows now lead civic tech and government innovation efforts nationwide.
Current Opportunities
Community Fellowship Pilot
Code for America has piloted a Community Fellowship program that pairs local Brigade members with government partners to improve services over 3–6 months. This program is local, volunteer-adjacent, and operates differently from the original paid annual fellowship. Availability depends on active Brigade partnerships in your area.
Full-Time Careers
The primary way to work with Code for America in 2026 is through direct employment. Roles in engineering, product, design, data science, and policy are posted at codeforamerica.org/jobs/.
Brigade Volunteering
The Code for America Brigade network has 80+ local chapters across the US. Brigade members volunteer their technical skills on civic projects — no formal application required. It's an excellent way to build a civic tech portfolio, meet government partners, and contribute to open-source public-interest tools.
Find your local Brigade chapter at brigade.codeforamerica.org.
How Code for America Compares
| Program | Type | Pay | Commitment | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Code for America Careers | Full-time employment | Market rate | Ongoing | Active — see jobs page |
| Code for America Community Fellowship | Local pilot program | Varies | 3–6 months | Limited availability |
| Code for America Brigade | Volunteer | Unpaid | Flexible | Active in 80+ cities |
| AmeriCorps VISTA | National service | ~$27,886 stipend | 12 months | Active — positions open year-round |
| Claude Corps | Fellowship | $85,000/year | 12 months | Applications close July 17, 2026 |
Eligibility and How to Get Involved
Full-time Roles
- US work authorization required (requirements vary by role)
- Technical skills in engineering, product, design, data science, or policy
- Commitment to racial equity and serving people with low incomes
- Apply via codeforamerica.org/jobs/
Brigade Volunteering
- Open to anyone with a civic interest and technical skills — no formal eligibility criteria
- No application required — find your local chapter and show up
- Skills useful: software development, data analysis, UX/design, project management, policy
- Find chapters at brigade.codeforamerica.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Code for America still run a fellowship?
The original Code for America Fellowship (2011–2020) has concluded. Code for America now primarily engages talent through direct employment and the Brigade volunteer network. A Community Fellowship pilot exists in some cities but operates at a smaller, local scale than the original program. Check the official website for current availability.
What kind of work does Code for America do?
Code for America builds technology to improve how government delivers services to people in need. Core programs include GetCalFresh (SNAP benefits access), Clear My Record (criminal record clearance), and the Safety Net Innovation Lab. The organization focuses on racial equity and serving people with low incomes.
Is the Brigade a paid program?
No. Code for America Brigade chapters are volunteer networks. Members donate their time on evenings and weekends to work on civic tech projects. The value is the experience, the network, and the impact — not a stipend or salary.
What is the best alternative to the Code for America Fellowship in 2026?
For early-career candidates, Claude Corps (Anthropic) offers $85,000/year to embed AI practitioners at nonprofits — applications close July 17, 2026. For experienced technologists, the Presidential Innovation Fellows program places senior advisors at federal agencies at GS-15 pay ($163K+). For national service, AmeriCorps VISTA offers year-round positions at nonprofits with a living stipend and education award.