Learning track: Software Engineering

Python: Foundations

This exciting journey will take you from a complete beginner, to an intermediate level Python Software Engineer, able to confidently branch off into specializations such as Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Machine Learning.
Duration

10-Week Program

Prerequisites

None

Learn by doing

Class Projects
+ Capstone

Recommended Ages

13-18

Next Available Start Dates

Monday, June 17

Class schedule: Mon, Wed
Start time: 5pm EST / 2pm PST
Duration: 1 hour

Tuesday, July 9

Class schedule: Tue, Thu
Start time: 7pm EST / 4pm PST
Duration: 1 hour

This Program is For

  • Teens looking to build strong engineering skills in Python, the foundational programming language behind software, data science, and AI models.
  • High school kids interested in exploring careers in computer science, engineering, or data analysis, where Python is an essential building block for problem-solving and innovation.
Write your awesome label here.

Class Syllabus:

(10 week program, 2 sessions per week)

Week 1: Python Basics & Data Types

  • Explore our environment 
  • Working with output and the console 
  • Assigning data types and operators
  • Variables, boolean logic, and lists

Week 2: Writing Programs That Make Decisions

  • Creating expressions and conditional logic
  • Iterating through code using loops
  • List and dictionary manipulation
  • Control flow & null values

Week 3: Functions & Re-Using Code

  • Defining functions and overview
  • Customizing functions with parameters
  • Using functions to perform calculations
  • Local scope vs. global scope
  • Reusing functions and understanding errors

Week 4: Classes & Object-Oriented Programming

  • Arguments and parameters
  • Python magic methods and initialization
  • Inheritance
  • Using methods & creating instances

Week 5: Error Handling & Debugging

  • Built-in errors and universal error codes
  • Raising errors and custom errors
  • The try/except block and exception handling
  • Troubleshooting our code with the Python debugger

Week 6: Reading Files & Writing to CSV

  • Working with files in Python
  • File paths and input/output errors
  • Importing/exporting files
  • Using Python libraries

Week 7: Modules & Third Party Libraries

  • Math and the random module
  • The requests library, and how to structure JSON data
  • Using requests for API communication
  • Gathering responses and handling data

Week 8: Scripting & Scraping Data with Python

  • Sending SMS and emails
  • Converting images and file types
  • Building password validation with hashing
  • Web scraping and API's

Week 9: Statistics & Probabilities

  • Calculate dataset averages using mean, median, mode
  • normal and binomial probability distributions
  • Use confidence intervals to draw assumptions
  • Form hypotheses and perform tests

Week 10: Final Capstone Project

Program Requirements:

Python: Foundations is our introductory program into the world of software engineering. It's recommend that all students new to Python start here, before getting into more advanced specializations at Generation STEM such as Data Science & ML, or the Blockchain learning tracks. This Python: Foundations bootcamp is the essential building block.

A Thriving Community!

Hear From Past Students

The machine learning specialization felt like stepping into the future! We learned how to build programs that can actually learn and adapt on their own. Crazy to see our AI program recognize patterns after feeding them data. This class definitely challenged me, but it was also incredibly fun and sparked a passion. Now I'm super interested in going further into AI.
- Sarah, 16, Machine Learning Masterclass
Learning to code used to seem intimidating, but the beginner python program at Gen STEM made learning to code extremely engaging, and easy to understand. Now I can actually write and execute my own programs, which feels like magic. Now I have a clear direction of where I'd like to take my journey next.
- Alex, 13, Python: Foundations


The Robotics for Beginners class is a must-take! I went from knowing nothing about the ROS 2 framework to feeling like I understand well a lot of the functionality. We learned some pretty advanced robot techniques like sensor integration and communication between robots. This was a great primer for me to pursue a major in robotics engineering next fall
- Maya, 18, Robotics For Beginners
Meet the instructor

Daniel Doody

Daniel is a Senior Backend Engineer specializing in Cloud Infrastructure & helping Fintech companies achieve scalability. Daniel currently serves full-time as the Lead Instructor at Generation STEM.
Patrick Jones - Course author

Building Young Software Engineers.

The Python: Foundations bootcamp is designed for beginners, as our interactive curriculum guides you through core concepts, from the building blocks of syntax to advanced object-oriented programming (OOP) principles. Led by experienced Python developers, you'll gain hands-on experience through exercises, projects, and real-world code examples.

Throughout the program, you'll establish a strong foundation in Python's core functionalities. You'll master variables, data types, and operators, crafting programs that make decisions using conditional statements and loops. Essential data structures like lists and dictionaries become your toolbox for organizing information effectively. As you progress, you'll dive into the power of functions, reusable blocks of code that streamline your programs and enhance readability.

The second half of the bootcamp ventures into more advanced Python. You'll grasp the core principles of OOP, a powerful approach to program design using classes and objects. This empowers you to build modular and reusable code. Equipped with debugging techniques and error handling strategies, you'll gain the confidence to fix errors and troubleshoot your code efficiently.

Python's true strength lies in its ability to interact with the world around it. You'll explore how to read and write files, allowing you to manage external data sources. The vast world of Python libraries opens its doors, with tools like math, random, and requests extending Python's functionalities to tackle data manipulation, automation tasks, and even scraping data from websites.

The program culminates in a capstone project, where you'll develop a Python project that showcases the skills you've learned over the previous 10 weeks, leaving you confident and prepared to leverage Python as you branch off into more specialized areas.

** This is a beginner level program, tailored to those who are completely new to coding.

  • Earn a Certificate

    Add a professional Python certificate from Generation STEM to your accomplishments:
    • University applications
    • Hang on your wall
    • LinkedIn profile
    • Resume
    • etc.
Created with
Powered by Top Rated Local®