Reid Russom is the Curriculum & Instruction Director at Code the Dream, a nonprofit offering free coding training and apprenticeships to underrepresented communities like immigrants, women, and people of color. A former middle school English teacher, he joined in 2019 via Johnson Service Corps and advanced through roles focused on curriculum design and volunteer coordination. His work bridges the digital divide by making tech skills accessible and building supportive learning environments.
Reid Russom: Nonprofit Leader in Tech Equity
Imagine scrolling through job listings, only to see tech roles demanding coding skills you never had the chance to learn. That’s the reality for millions in underrepresented communities, where the digital divide blocks paths to stable careers. Reid Russom saw this gap firsthand and turned it into his mission. As Curriculum & Instruction Director at Code the Dream, he designs programs that equip immigrants, women, and people of color with practical software development skills—no prior experience required.
You might search for Reid Russom after hearing about his volunteer spotlights or his push for equitable tech education. This article walks you through his journey from classroom teacher to nonprofit leader, highlighting how he crafts inclusive curricula that lead to real job outcomes. By the end, you’ll grasp not just his story, but actionable ways to support or join similar efforts. Whether you’re an educator eyeing impact work or someone curious about breaking into tech, Reid’s approach shows what’s possible when equity drives instruction.
Early Roots: From Admissions to the Classroom
Reid Russom didn’t start in tech. His career kicked off in higher education admissions, where he guided students through applications and deadlines. That role sharpened his eye for what makes learning stick—clear communication and personalized support. But it was teaching middle school English at a STEM-focused school that tested him most.
Picture a post-pandemic classroom: kids wrestling with reading assignments while grappling with bigger issues like family stress or remote learning burnout. Reid spent his planning periods mediating conflicts, since no counselor was on hand. He logged nearly 60 hours a week, squeezing in grad school on top. The burnout hit hard—physical illness followed, forcing him to rethink everything. Why pour energy into a system that drained him? He quit, seeking a space where his skills could build up others without breaking him down.
This pivot taught you something key if you’re in education: boundaries matter. Reid’s early path shows how admissions and teaching build transferable strengths, like fostering resilience in students. He credits those years for his focus on emotional support in learning—vital when tech fields feel intimidating. If you’ve felt stuck in a role that doesn’t align, Reid’s story reminds you to scan for intersections, like education meeting tech.
Finding Direction in Community Service
Enter Johnson Service Corps (JSC), an intentional community in Durham, North Carolina, that pairs young adults with nonprofits for a year of service. Reid joined the 2019-2020 cohort, landing at Code the Dream as an intern. No coding background? No problem. The organization trains underrepresented folks in software development, and Reid handled data coordination and volunteer support right away.
The pandemic upended plans—group living turned isolating, projects shifted online. Yet one moment stands out: floating in the Haw River, current tugging at his legs, Reid felt rare peace. “I’ve tried to remember moments like that one as I look back on a year of service that turned out nothing like I had planned,” he later reflected. JSC gave him room to explore career interests and spiritual questions, with mentors like Nancy helping unpack doubts.
For you, this phase highlights how service programs accelerate growth. Reid emerged with confidence, even without tech expertise. “At Code the Dream, I was trusted with meaningful work, despite knowing little about code schools or software development when I started,” he said. That trust fueled his return. If you’re considering a gap year or career shift, look to groups like JSC—they turn uncertainty into clarity, much like Reid’s river epiphany.
Stepping Into Code the Dream’s Mission
By 2022, Reid was back at Code the Dream as Programs Associate, then climbed to his current director role. The nonprofit’s model is straightforward: free 20-week bootcamps in languages like JavaScript and React, followed by paid apprenticeships. Students, often from immigrant or low-income backgrounds, graduate ready for entry-level developer jobs. Reid oversees the curriculum that makes this happen, ensuring lessons adapt to diverse needs.
What sets his work apart? He weaves in soft skills—problem-solving under pressure, collaborative debugging—that employers value. Take a typical cohort: participants juggle full-time jobs or family duties while learning. Reid’s teams design flexible modules, like recorded sessions for night owls. This isn’t abstract; it’s led to hundreds of placements at companies like Calendly and Red Hat.
You benefit from understanding this if you’re hiring or job-hunting in tech. Reid’s emphasis on apprenticeships shows how nonprofits fill talent pipelines. He spots talent others miss, like a former performing arts major turned mentor. His blog series on volunteers—over 20 profiles since 2022—spotlights these stories, from Pavel Machuca’s “human connection” focus to Gina Castromonte’s Node.js leadership. Each piece reinforces: tech thrives on diverse voices.
Crafting Curricula That Close the Equity Gap
Dive deeper, and Reid’s real impact shines in curriculum design. He leads evaluations that tweak programs based on data—student feedback, completion rates, job outcomes. One update? Integrating mental health check-ins, drawing from his teaching days. “JSC shaped my life in profound ways,” he notes, crediting it for blending reflection with action.
Consider the challenges: English isn’t always a first language for learners, and imposter syndrome hits hard in male-dominated fields. Reid counters with small-group mentoring and project-based assessments. No more rote memorization; students build apps from day one, like community resource trackers. This hands-on method boosts retention—Code the Dream reports over 80% completion rates, far above industry averages for bootcamps.
| Curriculum Element | Benefit for Learners | Real-World Example |
|---|---|---|
| Modular Lessons | Fits busy schedules | Bite-sized videos on async/await in JavaScript |
| Peer Review Sessions | Builds collaboration | Group critiques of portfolio projects |
| Apprenticeship Tie-Ins | Direct job prep | Partnerships with local firms for 6-month placements |
| Feedback Loops | Personalizes growth | Quarterly surveys adjusting pace for non-native speakers |
This table outlines why Reid’s frameworks work—they prioritize you, the learner, over rigid standards. If you’re an instructor, steal this: start with empathy audits. Survey your group on barriers, then redesign accordingly. Reid’s avoided that by embedding equity from the start, turning potential dropouts into developers.
But here’s the catch: scaling this nationally requires funding and buy-in. Reid advocates for corporate sponsorships, arguing that tech giants gain from diverse hires. His efforts have drawn JSC back as a partner, creating a feedback loop for fresh interns.
Insights from the Front Lines: Reid’s Writing and Mentorship
Reid doesn’t just build programs; he amplifies voices through writing. His volunteer spotlights read like mini-biographies, each unpacking a mentor’s shift into tech. Rogelio Camargo, for instance, breaks down algorithms for beginners, earning praise for “digestible pieces.” These posts aren’t fluff—they show you how one person’s flexibility inspires dozens.
Mentorship is Reid’s core. He coordinates sessions where pros like Eli Smith extend React lessons with custom challenges. “Students consistently praise Rio as dedicated,” he writes of another, underscoring consistency’s power. If you’re mentoring, take Reid’s cue: record your sessions. It lets absentees catch up and builds a shared knowledge bank.
Personally, Reid balances this with life—hiking trails, experimenting in the kitchen, and diving into books on equity. Married to Gabi Jackson since May 2025, he credits her for grounding him. “Eventually, I realized that I could not value my mental and physical health while still being a teacher,” he shared post-quit. That vulnerability? It models self-care for his teams, preventing the exhaustion he once faced.
You see the payoff: leaders like Reid foster cultures where growth isn’t solitary. His approach answers a big question—if tech feels exclusive, how do you make it welcoming? Start small: volunteer once a month, like his honorees.
Looking Ahead: Reid Russom’s Vision for Tech Access
Reid Russom’s trajectory points to broader change. With AI reshaping jobs, he pushes for curricula that teach ethical coding alongside syntax. Imagine modules on bias in algorithms—vital for diverse teams. Code the Dream under his guidance eye expansion, targeting rural areas next.
Challenges remain: funding dips and burnout in nonprofits. Reid counters with data-driven grants, proving ROI through alumni earnings. “The real reward is impact,” echoes his ethos, though he never says it outright. For you in policy or philanthropy, this means supporting hybrids—tech skills plus life coaching.
Reid’s story closes the loop on inclusive education. From river swims to React classes, he proves service sparks purpose. Search “Reid Russom” for inspiration? You’ve found a blueprint: trust your path, build for others, rest when needed. His work at Code the Dream doesn’t just train coders—it redefines who belongs in tech. Ready to contribute? Check their volunteer page; one spotlight could be yours.
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