When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Alchemy Code Lab
Why Alchemy Code Lab is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Alchemy Code Lab is an exceptional developer training academy based in Portland, Oregon, offering an immersive and intensive career-focused JavaScript coding bootcamp. What sets Alchemy Code Lab apart is its commitment to an intimate learning environment with a 6-to-1 student-to-instructor ratio, enabling personalized instruction and hands-on guidance. The full-time program, typically spanning 21 weeks, is designed to prepare students for mid-level software development roles by teaching not just coding skills but also critical thinking and problem-solving techniques essential for developers. Their instructors, seasoned tech professionals with decades of real-world experience, emphasize the fundamental processes behind programming, ensuring students grasp how and why their code functions. The program includes immersive lab sessions and regular testing to simulate real-world development scenarios. This structured setting, whether in person at their Portland campus or online, equips graduates to immediately contribute productively to developer teams. Beyond technical skills, Alchemy Code Lab integrates career services to support students in securing employment upon program completion. This dedication makes it a great meeting point for tech enthusiasts and career changers eager to develop their coding expertise within a supportive community.
Here's what people think of Alchemy Code Lab
As of recent, Alchemy Code Lab holds a 4.5-star rating based on 17 reviews.
User reviews of Alchemy Code Lab generally reflect a highly positive experience, with an overall rating of 4.5 from 17 reviews. Reviewers consistently praise the strong, supportive community fostered by the school and highlight the low student-to-instructor ratio, which allows for tailored instruction and immediate feedback. Many graduates appreciate the quality of the curriculum that balances theory and practical application, preparing them well for real-world jobs rather than just basic entry-level positions. Positive reviews also note the experienced instructors who bring valuable industry insights and mentoring, helping students grow both technically and professionally. Career services are frequently mentioned as a beneficial resource that aids in job placement after graduation. On the downside, some students mention the tuition cost of $24,000 as a significant investment and note that the program is intensive and demanding, requiring considerable time and effort over its 21-week duration. A few reviews cite the shift to online learning during COVID-19 as impacting the in-person experience, although flexibility was appreciated. Despite these considerations, the consensus is that Alchemy Code Lab offers excellent value for those serious about advancing in software development, providing a comprehensive, well-structured path into tech careers. The positive feedback about the instructional quality and career outcomes makes it a top choice for aspiring developers in Portland and beyond.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Pete Hamrick
This was a very positive move for myself and my future. I'd first heard of Alchemy through a friend who went through the program in 2016. During the early pandemic I lost my job and decided it was time to take my future career more into my hands. I saw coding as an increasingly in demand field and with pay that would lead to financial security for myself and my family. I looked at programs around the Portland area and surveyed friends in the tech world to see what they knew about local code school options. One friend told me not even to bother with a boot camp and to just teach myself. When I mentioned I was considering Alchemy they immediately stopped and said, well I have actually only ever heard good things about that program. Between that and my friend who had gone through the program previously my mind was made up. My informational interview with Megan was purely a formality (but I will admit it made me even more eager to start ASAP). Megan was very honest about time commitments, academic rigor, and job search following the program. If I wanted to make this transition, it was not going to be easy or brief. That was exactly what I wanted to hear. 6 months of coding and a portfolio with at least 4 projects to show to prospective employers gave me full confidence in the program. The program itself lived up to the hype. I won't lie and tell you it was always fun, or that I even felt like I was progressing each day. However, each week I felt like I was a stronger coder, reader of code, and critical thinker than the week before. Alchemy blended solo work and group work to create a nice measure of personal progress and learning to code and manage group dynamics. They also incorporated career services assignments throughout the course. This gave students dedicated time to work on things like resumes and researching both technical and behavioral interview questions. It also provided time to work with colleagues on our answers to those interview questions. My personal favorite during all of this was 1 on 1 meetings with the career service staff to tighten up my resume, craft my narrative of becoming a software developer, and gain confidence in talking professionally about my skills. Overall, I would highly recommend the program to those ready to make the leap. It has given me the tools to succeed in the tech world and enhance my ability to contribute to companies and provide me and my family financial security going forward.
Emily Sarani
The Alchemy Community is really positive and supportive. If you are wondering if tech is for you, let me say: Yes. it is. Alchemy will give you the confidence and skills to believe it is too. They will not let you fall behind and my TA's were wonderful in guiding me and helping me grow. I've met some of my greatest friends here and I am honestly still meeting wonderful people even after graduating. Alchemy is worth taking the chance on. The professors are passionate about what they teach and about their student's success. The Career Services are kind and encouraging people who offer amazing advices and resume/cover letter help. Alchemy never lets you feel like you are on this journey alone.
27Nyappy
Alchemy is a fast paced learning environment but definitely will give you the skills you need to break into tech. Of course you will need to put in the work, stick to coding and market yourself, but Alchemy does a great job at providing you with a network and support system in which you can acquire professional connections that can possibly expand into getting that job, it is all on how you decide to use those resources. If you are coming in with zero coding knowledge it could be very rough at first since there is so much to learn but eventually you start getting more comfortable with the basics and the information starts to sink in. A great thing about Alchemy is that they ensure that the people they have attending their school are diverse, from all sorts of backgrounds and open to differences, they provide a healthy social environment which makes it easier for it to be a more collaborative, supportive and judgement free zone. I attended when it was in person so I cannot speak on how the distance learning would be, but I definitely recommend the program, they teach what is being used the most in the industry for web development and what you more likely will end up using once you get your first tech job, all I learned from Alchemy is what I use every day at work. The instructors are very knowledgeable and the team projects assigned are a great way to get prepared on how collaborating in a professional setting will be.
Tommy Tran
Alchemy Code Lab was probably one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. Prior to this, coding was something I was interested in but never really planned on pursuing. That was until one of my best friends took the program. Before coming to Alchemy, I already had a good impression because my friend had been trying to convince me to take it from when he was in the program up until the point when I finally said yes. I gained confidence in Alchemy’s ability to prepare people for tech careers when my friend got his first job where he was referred to by another Alchemy graduate, and after talking to Megan, my decision was made. If your only interest is to learn web development, then I would suggest much cheaper alternative resources like Khan Academy, Udemy, Codecademy, YouTube, etc. There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of other resources that are much cheaper than Alchemy Code Lab that you can use to learn web development. Alchemy Code Lab isn’t just about teaching you web development, it’s about preparing you for a career in tech starting with web development. You’ll get tech industry-related experience with teamwork and communication, project planning and management, and best practices as well as career-related experience with networking, resume writing, interviewing, and salary negotiation. When you join Alchemy Code Lab, you won’t just be enrolling in a class, you’ll be joining a positive and supportive community that will support you during your time at Alchemy and will continue to do so long after you’re done with the program. While the cost of doing Alchemy Code Lab is obviously higher compared to other programs in the Portland area and keeping in mind that I can’t really compare the Alchemy program to other programs (because I didn’t have to take other programs), I would say that it’s totally worth it for the experience and the amount and quality of support you get from the staff. I would dare say that you can get your money’s worth just from having access to Shannon in Career Services but that wouldn’t be fair or right to Megan, Marty, Ryan, and the other staff members (I haven’t met the others) because they are all amazing and supportive. Shannon will help you with networking, interviewing, and negotiating salary. She will give you advice on your resume and even set you up with recruiters for positions that she thinks would be a good fit for you. Her goal isn’t just for you to get a job, it’s for you to get a job that you’re happy with and pays well. Marty and Ryan are veterans in the tech industry and are very up to date on the latest and most popular technologies. They always make sure that the curriculum they teach you is reflective of the demand in the job market. Megan is basically Alchemy’s mom. She’ll support you emotionally if you ever feel down, and she’ll also work with you to get financial aid. Before the pandemic when the classes were in-person, she made sure that the class environment was comfortable and gave out snacks everyday. I want to be clear, just doing the program isn’t going to guarantee you a job nor will it guarantee that you will be an amazing developer. You’ll have to put in the work to get results. However the work you put in at Alchemy will have amplified results with their support.
Darren Bridenbeck
I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Alchemy Code Labs! I ended up attending for a bit under two months (I left because I ended up getting a job offer due to a previous job search pre-Alchemy) but can attest to their high quality instructors, commitment on good coding best practices, and impressive depth and speed of topics they cover. . . by 4 weeks you're making a shopping cart checkout-flow using localStorage and TDD! My instructor Dani was super helpful and knowledgable. The additional staff, Marty, Megan, and Shannon were incredibly supportive as I weighed my decision to take my job opportunity, or continue with ACL. Even though I decided to leave, I still stay in active touch with my old classmates and the ACL staff. One of the best decisions I made in my software engineering career!
How to reach Alchemy Code Lab
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Why Alchemy Code Lab may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Alchemy Code Lab with your friends?
Choosing Alchemy Code Lab as a meetup spot for you and your friends guarantees more than just a physical gathering—it offers an inspiring environment for growth and collaboration. With a strong 4.5-star rating based on around 17 reviews, this coding bootcamp in Portland has earned acclaim for its welcoming community and supportive atmosphere. Friends can rally here not just to socialize but to engage in productive learning experiences that can change careers and lives. Together, you’ll find passion-driven instructors and staff ready to help decode the complexities of software development, making challenging concepts accessible to everyone. It’s a place where encouragement thrives and group motivation is natural, so whether you’re all interested in tech or just curious, the supportive vibe makes gathering here energizing and purposeful. Hosting a meetup at Alchemy Code Lab also means immersing yourself in an innovative setting that sparks creativity, teamwork, and personal development—perfect for friends aiming to connect on a deeper level while exploring new skills.
What kinds of activities can you do at Alchemy Code Lab?
At Alchemy Code Lab, group activities center around hands-on coding experiences, collaborative projects, and learning workshops led by expert instructors. The primary focus is their Professional Software Development in Full-Stack JavaScript program, designed to build technical prowess through immersive, full-time courses. Friends or groups meeting here can participate in coding challenges or mini hackathons organized within the community, fostering teamwork and real-time problem-solving. The lab also offers study groups where peers can design projects, debug code, and share insights in a supportive environment — ideal for a meetup that combines fun with skill-building. Beyond coding itself, there are networking events and guest speaker sessions that open doors to industry insights, perfect for groups thinking about careers in tech. These varied activities ensure that whether you come as complete beginners or have some programming background, there’s always an engaging, collaborative way to spend time together.
Why is Alchemy Code Lab perfect for a group meetup?
Alchemy Code Lab’s unique strength lies in its blend of educational excellence and community spirit, making it an ideal venue for group gatherings. The staff and mentors are renowned for their compassionate approach, ensuring every member feels valued, supported, and motivated—a crucial factor for a positive group experience. The environment encourages pairing and cohort bonding, so friends can easily collaborate on coding projects or learn side by side without feeling overwhelmed. The facility’s layout fosters interaction through open spaces and shared desks, helping to create a natural flow of dialogue and teamwork. Additionally, the curriculum’s proven success rates and positive reviews about its transformative impact promote a sense of achievement that friends can share and celebrate together. Plus, with flexible financing options and multiple course delivery styles (including remote options), groups can accommodate varying schedules and preferences, making it convenient to plan meetups that align with everyone’s needs.
What kind of community and support can you expect at Alchemy Code Lab?
A defining feature of Alchemy Code Lab is its tight-knit, empathetic community. Alumni often highlight how the inclusive atmosphere boosts confidence and learning. When friends gather here, they become part of a network that doesn’t just focus on technical skills but also emotional resilience and personal encouragement. The teaching team is praised for their patience, accessibility, and deep expertise, helping students overcome roadblocks with tailored support. The staff acts like a family, continuously fostering a culture where it’s okay to struggle and ask for help. This community support makes meetups productive beyond mere socializing—it becomes a shared venture into mastering new challenges and celebrating achievements. This kind of environment ensures that every group leaving Alchemy Code Lab feels more confident, connected, and ready to face the tech world together.
How does Alchemy Code Lab’s learning approach enhance group meetups?
Alchemy Code Lab’s curriculum is known for its practical, immersive teaching style that emphasizes real-world application of skills rather than purely theoretical lessons. This approach makes group meetups highly dynamic, as participants actively engage in coding projects that mimic professional software development processes. The program’s length—being approximately twice as long as many other bootcamps—means it offers depth and thoroughness, giving groups ample time to bond over continuous learning and shared progress. The teaching staff engineers challenges to push beyond ‘good enough,’ encouraging students to excel and support each other. Collaborative learning is embedded in every stage, so friends can discuss concepts, troubleshoot, and build portfolios together. This method creates a highly motivating atmosphere where group members grow alongside each other, building a foundation of knowledge and experience that can pay off in future careers.
What facilities and resources support group activities at Alchemy Code Lab?
Alchemy Code Lab provides a modern, well-designed space optimized for learning and collaboration. Its facilities include communal desks, breakout rooms, and dedicated coding labs with up-to-date software and equipment—perfect for groups to split between coding sessions and brainstorming meetings. The open, friendly layout encourages interaction while allowing for focus when needed, making it easy for meetups to balance social time and productive work. In addition to physical amenities, the school offers a range of digital resources, from course materials to online collaboration tools, supporting hybrid meetups or aiding friends who join remotely. Regular workshops and events add another layer to the community experience, giving groups fresh content and inspiration to discuss and apply together. All these elements combine to create an ideal ecosystem for friends to learn, experiment, and grow as a team.
How successful are alumni, and why does this matter for your meetup?
The proof of Alchemy Code Lab’s value lies in its alumni’s success stories. Graduates commonly describe their experience as life-changing, crediting the program with landing them jobs at prominent tech companies. Many reviews emphasize the comprehensive curriculum and professional guidance that transition learners from novices to job-ready software developers. For groups meeting here, this legacy of achievement adds a powerful motivational factor—your meetup is happening in a place with a track record of transformative outcomes. Seeing how peers succeed provides tangible encouragement that investing time together at Alchemy Code Lab can lead to real career advancements. It also means that meetups can extend beyond socializing into mutual career coaching, resume preparation, and interview practice, turning casual gatherings into stepping stones for futures in technology.
What financing options facilitate group participation at Alchemy Code Lab?
Alchemy Code Lab offers several flexible financing options to accommodate diverse financial situations, which is key when planning meetups that might include friends from varied economic backgrounds. Options include Income Share Agreements (ISA), deferred tuition, upfront payments, monthly installments, loan financing, and employer sponsorships. This range makes it easier for groups to participate together without financial stress influencing attendance. The inclusive payment plans encourage friends to support each other's educational journeys, fostering a strong community bond. It also allows meetups to be planned with longevity in mind, rather than short visits, as friends can commit to longer-term cohorts or courses. Such financial accessibility ensures that Alchemy Code Lab remains an inviting venue where groups can rally around mutual interests and ambitions, regardless of upfront cost concerns.
How does Alchemy Code Lab’s location and atmosphere contribute to group meetups?
Situated in Portland, a vibrant city well-known for its tech innovation and community spirit, Alchemy Code Lab benefits from a setting that complements its mission. The city’s creative vibe and collaborative culture permeate the school, making it a natural hub for friends looking to connect through shared learning. Portland’s neighborhoods offer plenty of nearby coffee shops, eateries, and recreational spots, so groups can easily extend their meetups beyond the classrooms into casual social settings. The positive energy within Alchemy Code Lab’s walls blends with the urban environment, creating an atmosphere that is both inspiring and comforting. For meetups, this urban access means convenience in planning, with transport and local amenities ensuring that attending is a hassle-free experience. The vibrant location enhances the feel of a progressive community where friends can grow together both inside and outside the classroom.
Why is Alchemy Code Lab a smart choice for lifelong learning meetups?
One of the most compelling reasons friends should choose Alchemy Code Lab as a gathering spot is its emphasis on ongoing education and evolving skills. Alumni report not only acquiring immediate job-ready skills but also developing a mindset geared toward continuous learning, experimentation, and adaptation. This culture of lifelong learning means meetups here don’t just end with a completed course; they often spark ongoing collaborations, mentorship, and engagement with the tech community. The encouragement to keep pushing boundaries makes every group visit an investment in personal and collective growth. The lab's dedication to nurturing learners at every stage ensures your meetup can be part of a broader journey, where friends can revisit, learn new content, and keep each other accountable for growth over time. This long-term educational focus makes Alchemy Code Lab a unique and valuable destination for friends looking to meet with purpose and potential.
In summary, Alchemy Code Lab is much more than a coding bootcamp; it’s a vibrant community space perfect for hosting meaningful meetups with friends and family. Its welcoming atmosphere, robust educational programs, supportive staff, and modern facilities provide a foundation for collaborative learning and personal development. Whether your group is just beginning to explore tech or looking to deepen existing skills, Alchemy Code Lab’s proven curriculum, diverse financing options, and Portland location make it an outstanding venue to rally, learn, and grow together.