{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Chalk and Code","title":"AI, open source, and the new entry-level: Tyler Menezes on preparing students for tech careers","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2713,"description":"In this episode of Chalk and Code, host Theron Davis sits down with Tyler Menezes, CEO of CodeDay, a nonprofit that creates welcoming, project-based experiences for underserved students to explore a future in technology through 24-hour coding events and open source–focused internships.Tyler shares his journey from Y Combinator–backed startup founder to nonprofit leader, and why CodeDay is obsessed with helping students build real things, not just pass tests. He breaks down how experiential learning, mentorship, and open source contributions can close the gap between “I have a degree” and “I can actually do the work” in an AI-saturated job market.From rethinking hackathons as creative entry points for beginners, to using open source as a verifiable micro-credential, to confronting how AI is eroding traditional entry-level roles, this conversation looks squarely at what students really need to become workforce-ready in computer science and beyond.Key Moments01:09 Tyler’s journey from college dropout and YC-backed founder to nonprofit CEO02:32 Why CodeDay started with students who had little or no prior interest in coding03:44 Using creativity, games, art, and music to make coding feel fun and accessible04:25 Where CodeDay sits on the “systems vs. individual learner” continuum10:19 How teachers find CodeDay and why there is a learning curve on both sides26:14 New grads hiring is down, mid/senior hiring is up: what that means for CS programs27:55 Rethinking the value of a CS degree in an AI-driven labor market28:32 AI as the new “junior engineer” and the shrinking space for entry-level roles38:47 The Open Source Fellowship and supporting students over multiple years40:00 How CodeDay measures engagement, readiness, and long-term impact41:04 Using application, interview, and offer data as a near-term signal of employability42:07 Classifying student standups with AI to find who is stuck and intervene earlyWhy You’ll Love This EpisodeIf you care about how to actually get...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/3axgf2SSmiMFxyolDWwFFSNcakWI6mxP4Mv3QdmXP4A/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS80Zjhk/Y2I1ODg2MjlhZTQx/OWYyM2Q2NzFlYjBl/ZGE1ZS5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}