If you learned to code in college, chances are you got this experience through an internship. But if you're one of the thousands of people teaching yourself to code through interactive tutorials, online courses, and other web-based resources, you might not be able to take that kind of time off from your day job.

Free Code Camp offers another way: volunteering your new-found programming skills to non-profit organizations throughout the world.

Dozens of companies have emerged in recent years aiming to train the masses to fill the estimated thousands of available programming jobs in the US. So-called "code bootcamps," which aim to teach students the basics in only a few weeks, are one popular choice. But not everyone has the time or money to attend a six-week, full-time program. Other companies offer interactive tutorials or online courses, but it can be hard for their students to find real-world experience.