Lambda School, now known as Bloom Institute of Technology, is an online coding bootcamp that offers intensive training programs in data science and full-stack web development.
The school aims to provide a comprehensive education in a condensed timeframe, allowing students to gain the equivalent of a four-year computer science degree in a much shorter period through live, remote learning courses.
Key Features and Programs of Lambda School
- Programs Offered: Lambda School offers two main courses: data science and full-stack web development. These programs can be completed in either 9 months (full-time) or 18 months (part-time).
- Curriculum: The data science curriculum includes training in data wrangling, statistical tests, linear algebra, machine learning, and more. The full-stack web development course covers HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, and other essential web technologies.
- Income Sharing Agreement (ISA): Lambda School's ISA model allows students to defer tuition payments until they secure a job making at least $50,000 per year. Under this agreement, students pay 17% of their income for two years.
- Career Support: The school provides career coaching, mock interviews, resume polishing, and matches students with professional mentors to help them build their professional network and improve their job prospects.
Controversies and Challenges
Lambda School has faced several controversies and challenges:
- Curriculum and Instruction Issues: Some students have reported inconsistencies in the curriculum and frequent changes in instructors, which have affected their learning experience.
- Legal and Regulatory Issues: The school has faced legal challenges, including a fine from the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education for operating without proper registration.
- Rebranding: In November 2021, Lambda School rebranded to Bloom Institute of Technology, partly due to a trademark dispute and to distance itself from negative publicity.
Financial Model and Costs
- Tuition: The tuition cost is $30,000, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was reduced to $15,000. Students can choose to pay upfront or through an ISA.
- New Terms: After the rebranding, the school introduced new terms for ISAs, including upfront payments and higher repayment caps, and shifted focus towards traditional loans with high-interest rates.
Lambda School, now Bloom Institute of Technology, offers a unique and intensive approach to tech education but has faced significant scrutiny and challenges that potential students should consider.