Build Modern Web Apps in the Quad Cities

Next cohort starting March 3rd 2025 · Limited spots available

Develop & Design Your Ideas

Hi, I'm Andrew. With over a decade of experience in software design and development across Silicon Valley, NYC, LA, and teaching at a Salt Lake City bootcamp, I’m excited to offer a hands-on, in-person learning experience in the Quad Cities.

This course delivers the practical skills I wished I had when starting out. Learn current techniques used by top developers and collaborate in a supportive, in-person environment.

In a few weeks, you’ll build your own applications, adopt industry best practices, and use modern tools with real-time support. Join fellow QC residents and turn your ideas into reality before spots fill up!

Designing and building software empowers you to bring any idea to life, unlocking endless possibilities across industries. AI is making these skills more accessible than ever.

We're at the beginning of the AI revolution. While its full impact is yet to be seen, those with the right knowledge will leverage its potential. As software transforms every industry, now is the time to seize these opportunities.

Signature of Andrew Gierke
Andrew Gierke
Lead Instructor, Designer and Developer

Learn a modern tech stack Right here in the Quad Cities.

Small class sizes for personal attention.

Build real projects for your own purpose.

Learn industry best practices focus on what counts.

Course Curriculum

This in-person program is designed to take you from beginner to solid grasp of fundamentals in four weeks. Each module builds on the last—all while building your own website for whatever you design.

1

Foundations & Setup

Introduction to web development.

In this foundational module, we'll cover the essential tools and technologies you'll need to start your web development journey. From setting up your development environment to understanding the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, you'll build a strong base to build upon.

Intro to HTML, CSS, and JavaScript background

Intro to HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

Learn the core building blocks of the web. Master semantic HTML, modern CSS techniques, and JavaScript fundamentals.

Git & GitHub Fundamentals background

Git & GitHub Fundamentals

Version control essentials: repositories, commits, branches, and collaboration tools every developer needs.

VSCode Setup & Extensions background

VSCode Setup & Extensions

Configure a professional development environment with powerful extensions and productivity shortcuts.

Initial React & Next.js Setup background

Initial React & Next.js Setup

Create your first modern web application using React 18 and Next.js 14 with TypeScript.

Tailwind Integration & Simple Landing Page background

Tailwind Integration & Simple Landing Page

Build a responsive landing page using Tailwind CSS, learning utility-first styling approaches.

2

Project Structure & Deployment

Building your first production-ready project.

This module focuses on organizing your project effectively and preparing it for deployment. You'll learn best practices for structuring your code, collaborating using Git and GitHub, and deploying your application to a live environment.

Directory Structuring & Components background

Directory Structuring & Components

Organize your codebase using modern best practices, learning component architecture and file organization.

Branching, PRs & Collaboration background

Branching, PRs & Collaboration

Real-world Git workflows: feature branches, pull requests, and resolving merge conflicts.

Styling Patterns & Responsive Design background

Styling Patterns & Responsive Design

Advanced Tailwind techniques, component variations, and mobile-first design principles.

Vercel Deployment Basics background

Vercel Deployment Basics

Deploy your site to production with automated builds, previews, and custom domains.

Deploying Your First Site background

Deploying Your First Site

Launch your project with proper environment configuration, analytics, and monitoring.

3

Database & CMS with Supabase

Adding powerful backend capabilities.

Enhance your application with a robust backend using Supabase. Learn how to set up databases, manage user authentication, and integrate a content management system to handle dynamic data seamlessly.

Supabase Setup & Configuration background

Supabase Setup & Configuration

Set up a production-ready database with authentication and real-time capabilities.

Database Schema & CRUD Operations background

Database Schema & CRUD Operations

Design efficient data models and implement create, read, update, and delete operations.

Authentication & Authorization background

Authentication & Authorization

Implement secure user authentication, protected routes, and role-based access control.

REST API & Routing Essentials background

REST API & Routing Essentials

Build and consume REST APIs, handle dynamic routes, and manage server state.

Transforming Your Site into a CMS background

Transforming Your Site into a CMS

Add content management capabilities allowing dynamic updates without code changes.

4

Application architecture and design basics

Mastering professional development practices.

Dive into advanced application architecture and design principles. This module covers building scalable applications, optimizing for performance and SEO, and ensuring a great user experience through UI/UX best practices.

Creating & Managing Blog Posts background

Creating & Managing Blog Posts

Build a full-featured blog system with drafts, publishing, and content organization.

Rendering Content & Basic SEO background

Rendering Content & Basic SEO

Optimize your site for search engines with metadata, sitemaps, and performance tweaks.

Maintenance & Real-World Considerations background

Maintenance & Real-World Considerations

Learn monitoring, error handling, and maintaining a production application.

Demo Day & Presentation Tips background

Demo Day & Presentation Tips

Prepare and deliver a compelling presentation of your project to showcase your work.

UIUX Design and best practices background

UIUX Design and best practices

Master core design principles, component libraries, and user experience fundamentals.

Next Steps & Continued Learning background

Next Steps & Continued Learning

Map out your learning journey with resources and strategies for ongoing development.

Build What Matters to You

We're entering a new era where AI empowers individuals to build faster and better than ever before. Instead of theoretical exercises, you'll create real projects that align with your goals—voted on by you and your cohort. Whether you're a future founder, freelancer, or just want to bring your ideas to life, you'll learn to leverage AI and modern tools to build professional applications in weeks, not months.

Cohort-Driven Projects

Submit and vote on project ideas in our private dashboard before the course begins.

Collaborative Building

Work together on shared goals while building your own version with personalized guidance.

AI-Enhanced Development

Learn to leverage AI tools to accelerate development while maintaining code quality.

Project 1: Your Own Website

Project 1: Your Own Website

Build a high-impact landing page for your business or idea. Whether you're showcasing a local service, launching a product, or building your personal brand, you'll learn to create the kind of clean, professional sites that usually cost thousands to outsource.

What You'll Build:

  • Custom design you can actually maintain yourself
  • Modern animations & interactions
  • SEO best practices built-in
  • Central design system

Technologies:

React
TypeScript
Next.js
Tailwind CSS
AI Tools
Project 2: Turn Your Site into an App

Project 2: Turn Your Site into an App

Transform your marketing site into a dynamic web application. Add user authentication, database integration, and modern features that turn static sites into powerful tools—perfect for blogs, portfolios, or business applications.

What You'll Build:

  • User management & authentication
  • Real-time updates & interactions
  • Content management system
  • AI-enhanced capabilities

Technologies:

Supabase
Authentication
Database
AI Integration
CMS

Ready to get started?

See if it's for you...

This Course Is For You If...

  • QC locals or nearby residents who want hands-on, in-person learning
  • Those interested in using AI to the fullest
  • Career changers seeking a structured path into web development
  • Designers who want to build their ideas

This Course Is Not For You If...

  • Advanced developers who already work professionally
  • Those seeking a purely online, passive learning experience
  • Unable to commit to regular evening or weekend sessions
  • Those looking for just basic HTML/CSS

Only a limited number of seats are available. Early applications recommended.

Course Details

Everything you need to know about timing, requirements, and enrollment.

4 weeks, part-time evenings. Three weekday sessions (6–8pm) plus one weekend day (10am–4pm) for hands-on workshops and collaboration.

Starting March 3rd Limited spots available.

Bring your own laptop. Mac (10.15+), Windows (10+), or Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+). Need 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, and reliable internet. We'll help you set up everything else during the first session.

Downtown Davenport In-person sessions only.

Small group learning. Limited to 15 students max to ensure personalized attention. $999 tuition with scholarship options available for local residents.

Andrew Gierke

Andrew Gierke

Developer, Designer & Course Instructor

Course Instructor

Hey QC! I’m Andrew—a Bettendorf grad who spent a decade in Silicon Valley designing and building software products, managing engineering teams, and consulting for startups in LA and NYC before recently returning to the Quad Cities. I also taught an in-person software bootcamp in Salt Lake City, which showed me that online advice and learning only goes so far.

My goal is to share that experience with fellow QCA residents looking to jump into tech or level up their skills. I believe a local, in-person learning environment can open new pathways in software development right here in the QC.

This course combines my background in real-world product design & development with a practical, hands-on approach. Whether you’re a student, a career changer, or simply curious about coding, I’m here to help you bring your ideas to life—right here in Davenport.

Areas of Expertise

UI/UX Design
Frontend Development
iOS Development
Building with AI
React & TypeScript
Team Leadership

Experience

Realtor.com

iOS Staff Sr Engineer

Led development teams and architected solutions for Realtor.com's flagship iOS application.

Unison

VP of Product and Design

Led design and engineering teams and coordinated with world-class designers to build Unison's financial products.

Metaplex

Sr Software Designer

Desgined products for Metaplex's NFT marketplace, enabling creators to mint and sell digital assets on the Solana blockchain.

Questions? Answers.

Find answers to common questions about the course, schedule, and support.

Register for the QC March Cohort.

Full refund available if minimum enrollment isn't met by mid-February. However, no refunds will be issued within one week of course start (Feb 24th) to ensure group commitment and course viability.

March 3rd-31st, 2025

Downtown Davenport

Mon, Tues, Thurs 5:30PM - 8:00PM

Sat or Sun 10:30AM - 2:30PM

Cohort Registration

$999USD

Get full in-person access to the March cohort.

  • 4 weeks of in-person instruction
  • Live workshops & coding sessions
  • 1-on-1 mentorship sessions
  • Access to course materials
  • Project feedback & code reviews
  • Downtown Davenport location
  • Join local dev community

Self-Guided

Free

Prefer to learn at your own pace? We believe in open learning. Feel free to reach out anytime for feedback, advice, or design reviews — no charge.

  • Ask questions anytime
  • feedback & support