College was supposed to be a launchpad. For many students, it’s become a burden.
Between rising tuition costs and a lack of practical experience, aspiring tech professionals are struggling to launch meaningful careers, while employers can’t find job-ready talent.
That’s why we created the Bletchley Fellowship.
Solving Student Debt and Experience Gaps
The tech industry faces two significant challenges: the rising cost of education and the lack of practical experience among graduates. Let's explore these issues in detail.
The High Cost of College
As of early 2025, the average U.S. student graduates with over $38,000 in debt, according to EducationData.org, often for a degree that doesn’t lead directly to a job.
This financial burden often forces graduates to accept jobs that may not align with their career goals, simply to make loan payments.
The high cost of education also deters many talented individuals from pursuing higher education, widening the skills gap in the tech industry.
Lack of Real-World Experience
Many college graduates enter the workforce with theoretical knowledge but little practical experience. This gap between academic learning and industry requirements can make it challenging for new graduates to secure entry-level positions.
WorkingNation reports that entry-level tech jobs are becoming scarcer, as employers increasingly seek candidates with hands-on skills.
This trend creates a catch-22 situation: graduates need experience to get jobs, but they can't gain experience without first landing a job.
The Bletchley Fellowship Solution
The Bletchley Fellowship offers an innovative approach to tech education, addressing both the financial and experiential challenges faced by aspiring tech professionals.
Earn While You Learn
The Bletchley Fellowship offers a unique “earn while you learn” model that removes the financial barriers to a tech education. Instead of taking on student debt, Fellows are matched with apprenticeship opportunities at tech companies that cover the cost of their college degree.
While gaining hands-on experience through real projects, Fellows focus on learning and building skills, not juggling part-time jobs or worrying about tuition. This model makes college more accessible and aligned with the realities of launching a career in tech.
Building a Job-Ready Portfolio with Real Work Experience
Through the Bletchley Fellowship, students gain more than a portfolio. They graduate with real work experience from paid tech apprenticeships. From early in the program, Fellows contribute to live projects for real companies, applying what they’re learning in the classroom directly to the workplace.
This hands-on experience gives them exposure to current technologies, tools, and industry workflows. They don’t just simulate work. They actually do the work.
By graduation, Bletchley Fellows have a competitive edge in the job market: a portfolio backed by on-the-job experience, strong references, and a proven ability to contribute from day one.
Tuition-Free, Accredited Degree
One of the most appealing aspects of the Bletchley Fellowship is the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s of computer science degree without incurring student debt. This tuition-free fellowship model is made possible through partnerships with tech companies to create apprenticeships that pay the full costs of a college degree at one of our partner universities.
Students can focus on their studies and apprenticeship without the stress of mounting student loans.
We’ve partnered with Clarke College and their unique work-integrated learning model to ensure that our apprenticeships both fit within the degree program and fully cover the cost of the degree.
Benefits for Employers
The Bletchley Fellowship isn't just designed to help students. It’s built to solve real hiring challenges for tech employers.
Access to Trained Talent
Through the Fellowship, companies gain access to a pipeline of motivated, vetted, and trained candidates who have already contributed to real projects in real workplaces. Fellows come equipped with technical skills, team experience, and the mindset to contribute from day one.
This reduces onboarding time and training costs, while increasing long-term retention and performance.
Training Aligned with Industry Needs
Bletchley doesn’t train in a vacuum. Our employer partners help shape the fellowship, ensuring that Fellows learn the tools, technologies, and workflows actually used in the field.
This input-driven model closes the gap between education and employment, creating a talent pipeline that’s responsive, relevant, and ready to go.
Ready to Get Started?
The Bletchley Fellowship offers a promising solution to the challenges of college affordability and the need for real-world experience in tech education.
Start Your Tech Career Debt-Free
Applications are now open for the following cohort start dates:
- Fall 2025 – Starts September 2, 2025
- Winter 2026 – Starts January 5, 2026
- Summer 2026 – Starts June 1, 2026
Apply now to start your journey toward a debt-free computer science degree and real-world tech experience.
Connect with our team to learn more about how the Fellowship works and whether it’s the right fit for you.
