So we still haven't come up with the exact perfect title for our project -- at last year's announcement we've been going with T3 Matchine! The project we're working on hasn't changed, but the working title has: The Oak (the Cookout).  Last year we started with a match 3 game. It's a favorite genre of mine (Lo) and it was accessible for junior programmers. 

This year we're working on the card game: Spades. And so far, this is easily our favorite part of the game. It's actually transforming our approach to the project in really cool ways that we can't wait to showcase. As full-time training winds down this month, it's time to transition back into project mode.

The Apprentice Training Program is intense, as any candidate will tell you. But during that time, the Guild puts our projects on pause to focus our attention on our apprentices. The goal is for them to be ready for work -- and in this case, ready to join this project and contribute!

We'll be making all development updates here, but if you really want to get into the juicy details of how the project is made, you should follow us over on Itch.io. We're super excited to get back to this project and we think you're going to like it too!

Last year we did a coding series, Overbyte, for software developers looking to improve their skills and knowledge with Python, and it was very well-received! During workshops, we'd pick a small project, build a prototype and then repeatedly iterate on it using very unnecessary and advanced programming techniques.

Why do this, I hear you ask?

To have fun with our craft, of course ...and to LEARN! Overbyte is about seeing the development process as iterative, watching the code get better and better with each improvement, and honing your craft. We use this workshop to share ideas and to learn to be better builders of software. 

Python Software Foundation is a sponsor for this workshop series, and we thank them for their support. Without sponsors like PSF, we wouldn't be able to offer free, professional workshops to our community! 

The first events are in-person, but we'll continue doing the online versions of this workshop as well. Come downtown for a session, meet some cool people and learn how to become a better software developer! 

We're on a mission to demonstrate to our community that small contributions make a BIG impact. We can deliver tech programs every season off the contributions of the first 500 supporters. While it doesn't stop there we see it as a symbolic and impactful message: 

We develop FREE tech training programs in Oakland and neighboring Bay Area communities. Contributions stay in our city by design -- we want to use technology to build and improve the lives of the people HERE! Each contribution makes it possible for us to deliver monthly training programs at no cost to participants:

We work with other local organizations to bring you these programs every month. This year alone we've been working with Rubicon CORE, Oakland Public Library, and Job Resource Center. Our work has been supported by sponsors like Python Software Foundation and Oakstop, as well as individuals who prefer to show their support anonymously. 

How can you contribute? You can become a regular supporter by becoming an official Guild Supporter on Patreon or Paypal. Or you can give individual contributions any time you like through the following channels:

 As a non-profit, all contributions are tax free, extending the power of our village even more! Patrons can receive swag, including our dope logo on a shirt, Smooth Operators game, and early access to our first digital project! Contributions larger than $100 should visit the workshop or contact us to receive a special invitation to our next event!  THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT. We literally cannot do this without the support of our community and we wouldn't have it any other way. 

We're here to serve!

We're partnering with West Oakland Public Library for Teen Tech Lab this Summer in June! For those aged 12+, we're creating a dynamic workshop where youth can explore the digital alchemy of coding! This event is free to the general public. 

Participants will learn how to build the most popular software ever: video games! And this isn't just coding, as we'll create 2D/3D art and digital music, all while learning how to combine them into an interactive gaming experience with code. 

You can register to participate by: 

Space is limited and participation is on a first come first serve basis so don't wait!