Carolina Code Collective is more than just a learning platform—it's a real-world development environment where aspiring and experienced developers alike contribute to meaningful projects, build their skills, and connect with opportunities.
We believe that the best way to learn software development is by building real software. Not simulations, not tutorials, but actual features that real users will interact with. This approach ensures that every developer who joins our collective gains practical experience that translates directly to career success.
Hi, I'm Houston Breedlove, the founder of Carolina Code Collective. I've spent years in the software industry, working with teams of all sizes and mentoring developers at various stages of their careers.
What I've learned is that there's a significant gap between what traditional coding bootcamps teach and what the industry actually needs. Too many developers graduate with theoretical knowledge but lack the practical experience that makes them truly valuable to employers.
That's why I created Carolina Code Collective. Here, developers don't just learn—they contribute to a live codebase, work with industry-standard tools and workflows, and build a portfolio of real work that demonstrates their capabilities.
In today's rapidly evolving tech landscape, understanding and working with AI tools is no longer optional—it's essential. The software development ecosystem is undergoing a fundamental transformation, and we're at the forefront of this change.
We believe that learning to code and think through software problems helps with all kinds of problems to solve. This isn't just about becoming a developer—it's about developing a mindset that can tackle complex challenges in any field.
Our approach integrates modern AI tooling into every aspect of our learning process, ensuring that students not only understand traditional programming concepts but also how to leverage AI as a powerful collaborator in their development workflow.
One of our main projects that students and I will work together on is building an AI resume chatbot in place of traditional portfolios and resumes. This innovative approach represents the future of personal branding in tech.
Instead of static documents, students will create intelligent chatbots that can engage with potential employers, answer questions about their experience, and showcase their skills in an interactive, memorable way. This project combines:
• AI Integration: Learning to work with natural language processing and AI APIs
• Full-Stack Development: Building both frontend interfaces and backend logic
• Personal Branding: Creating a unique digital presence that stands out
• Real-World Application: Developing a tool they can actually use in their job search
Part of this effort is to engage, inspire, motivate, and work with North Carolinians and further strengthen our community. We believe that strong local tech communities are the foundation of innovation and opportunity.
By focusing on North Carolina talent and fostering connections within our state's growing tech ecosystem, we're not just building individual careers—we're building a stronger, more connected tech community that benefits everyone.
We operate on three core principles:
1. Real Projects: Every feature you build becomes part of our live platform, used by real users.
2. Industry Practices: Git workflows, code reviews, testing, and collaboration—exactly what you'll encounter in professional environments.
3. Community: Learn alongside other developers, share knowledge, and build lasting professional relationships.
When employers see your contributions to Carolina Code Collective, they see someone who understands real-world development. They see code that's been reviewed, tested, and deployed. They see a developer who knows how to work in a team and deliver value.
This isn't just another portfolio project—it's proof that you can handle the challenges of professional software development.
Ready to start building your future?
Join Carolina Code Collective and become part of a community that's reshaping how developers learn and grow.