Should Homeschool Students Learn Programming? The Job Market Explained
Computer Science: How to Thrive in a High-Unemployment Field
How the Times Have Changed (Quickly)
When I graduated with a Computer Science degree in 2019, I landed my first job at the very first place I interviewed. Though it may have taken my peers more than just a single interview (I had an excellent reference within the company), I wasn’t aware of anyone who couldn’t find a job shortly after graduating. About 3-4 years ago, this quickly changed, and today, Computer Engineering ranks 3rd, and Computer Science ranks 7th for the highest unemployment rate [1]. I know of a student who graduated this previous year and, after applying to over 200 companies, had yet to find a job in programming. Stories like this have become increasingly common, leaving many Catholic homeschooling families wondering: Should we still encourage our teens to pursue computer programming?
The answer is yes, but with a more strategic approach.
While the traditional path of “get a computer science degree and land any programming job” has become significantly more competitive, the field still offers tremendous opportunities for those who know how to navigate today’s market. Far from throwing in the towel, I’m going to suggest a path forward that is not merely a survival strategy, but a strategy to help your homeschooled student truly thrive in programming.
How Did We Get Here? (It’s More Than Just AI)
You might hear in conversation that Artificial Intelligence is the main reason for the high unemployment rate in programming. While AI has certainly changed the landscape, there are many other, and even more pertinent, factors at play.
The Programming Bubble
As software pioneer Bob Martin points out, the number of programmers has doubled every five years since the field’s inception in the 1950s [2]. That means that every five years, half of all programmers worldwide have less than five years of experience. This rapid growth created a bubble bound to burst, and it looks like we may have finally reached that breaking point.
Over-Hiring During Covid
When industries rushed to remote work and schools mandated virtual learning, tech companies overhired. As the economy stabilized, many of these positions were eliminated, creating even more competition for entry-level jobs.
Evolving Skill Expectations
Today’s employers are looking for more than just a degree. With most software projects failing in some capacity [3], they are looking for talented and professional developers with practical experience, problem-solving skills, and a portfolio of real-world projects.
The Silver Lining for Homeschool Families
Here’s the good news: Catholic homeschooling families are uniquely positioned to help their students stand out. The flexibility of homeschooling allows for hands-on projects, internships, and skill-building that can make all the difference in today’s market. In the sections that follow, I’ll share specific strategies to help your homeschooler not just survive, but excel in programming, no matter how the job market shifts.
Internships: What Your Student Should Work Towards
Internships are opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in a real workplace, and they’re not just for college students. In fact, I know several developers who started as interns without a college degree and were subsequently hired as entry-level developers. Companies are always looking for motivated, teachable young people who are eager to learn and contribute. Not to mention, interns are lower risk and cost companies significantly less than full-time entry-level developer employees. Internships are becoming a more and more essential step before becoming an entry-level developer.
Personal Projects: Building a Portfolio That Shines
Not every student will find an internship right away, and that’s okay! One of the best ways to gain real-world experience is by building personal projects. Whether it’s creating a website for your family business, designing a simple app, or programming a game, these projects show initiative and creativity, qualities that every employer looking for an intern values. When I was in high school, I joined a robotics team as a programmer. I built a mobile app that could be used at competitions, and during my first internship interview, I presented the app to the interviewer, which landed me the job.
We Can Help
Ready to take the first step to help your student build up their portfolio and work towards an internship? Homeschool Connections offers beginner-friendly courses designed specifically for homeschool students:
For Web Development:
- Introduction to Front-End Web Development – HTML: This recorded course teaches the fundamentals of HTML, perfect for absolute beginners in 8th-12th grade.
- Introduction to Front-End Web Development – CSS: This Spring 2026 course teaches the visual design elements needed to make websites look modern and professional. (Coming soon recorded.)
- Introduction to Front-End Web Development – JavaScript: This Fall 2026 course overviews basic programming logic to interactively make things happen on a web page.
- Introduction to Front-End Web Development: Bootstrap – Coming Spring 2027! This engaging course will teach you the foundations of Bootstrap, from containers and grids to pagination.
- Introduction to Front-End Web Development: JQuery – Coming soon LIVE!
Note that all five courses can be taken independently of one another and that there are no prerequisites.
For Other Programming Paths:
It’s important to note that while web development is an excellent starting point, other forms of development remain vital in many industries and use cases. If your homeschooler shows interest in other types of programming, Homeschool Connections also offers:
- Coding with Minecraft with Dan Goddu – A fun, game-based introduction to programming concepts
- A Catholic Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Dan Goddu – A hands-on and critical introduction to Artificial Intelligence, covering its history, foundational concepts, societal impact, and ethical concerns
- Programming Catholic Games with Python (2-D) with John Paul Zwick – Perfect for beginners, this hands-on course teaches middle and high school students Python through game design from a Catholic perspective.
- And many more at Homeschool Connection Computer Science Courses.
Each path has its merits, and starting with any of these courses will give your homeschooler a strong foundation in software development.
You don’t need to be a tech expert to support your homeschooler in learning web development. The beauty of these Homeschool Connections courses is that experienced instructors guide your student step by step. Your role? Simply encourage their curiosity and celebrate their creations, whether it’s their first “Hello, World!” webpage or a full website for your family’s favorite saint.
Technology doesn’t have to be intimidating. Web development, in particular, offers a gentle, visual, and immediately rewarding introduction to the world of programming. With just a computer, a browser, and a willingness to learn, your homeschooler can begin a journey that might lead to a fulfilling career, a useful life skill, or even a way to serve God’s Kingdom in the digital age.
Footnotes
[1] https://www.newyorkfed.org/research/college-labor-market#–:explore:outcomes-by-major
[2] https://blog.cleancoder.com/uncle-bob/2014/06/20/MyLawn.html
[3] https://www.callibrity.com/articles/why-software-projects-miss-the-mark
What are your thoughts on this topic? I invite you to join other homeschooling parents and me in the Homeschool Connections Community or our Facebook group.
