[g123g]

What is the reason for having the age restriction of 30? Does it not implicitly contribute to the existing ageism issue in tech industry. Why can't a professional working in another industry learn something new at the age of 35 or a mother who wants to come back to the workforce after her kids start going to school?

[marcobooth]

I'm currently in the school in Paris and so thought I could help clarify. The main programme doesn't accept people above 30 but they do run a separate one which is tailored to those people - for example, it's not a given that they'll have to be here 24/7

[gamblor956]

The age restriction is also possibly illegal in the US, as age is a protected class under federal law.

[jasode]

It's easy to find examples of "protected class" filing discrimination lawsuits in cases of employment, housing, and retail (e.g. "ladies night pricing" ruling in favor of males.)

However, I can't think of an example of a "protected class" winning a court judgement over how a non-profit chooses to donate its money.

[ac29]

> However, I can't think of an example of a "protected class" winning a court judgement over how a non-profit chooses to donate its money.

Yes, in academia its pretty easy to find non-profits or government programs that sponsor exclusively certain groups based on age, sex, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation... pretty much any "protected class" that would get you in trouble if you were an employer.

Please note I'm not taking a stand on this one way or another. There are arguments on both sides.

[nappybrainiac]

Indeed they should be able to!

I'm a student at Holberton School in SF and we use the same methodology - project based, peer-learning - and our student body is made up of people who range in age from 17 to over 50. I'm 43.

Coding is for everyone.

[kalden_]

Here is all what the director seems to have said about the age limit (that is the same in the French school):

"I noticed in the past that we should not encourage too much age difference because it's harder then to form groups that work." (http://www.clubic.com/pro/emploi-informatique.clubic.com/act...)

"42 indeed focuses first on the 18-30. We think about other people with care, but we already initially have much to do." (http://www.vousnousils.fr/2013/04/12/nicolas-sadirac-l%E2%80...)

[g123g]

Regarding this statement -

"I noticed in the past that we should not encourage too much age difference because it's harder then to form groups that work."

Shouldn't a startup founder be then allowed to reject any 30+ candidate with the same reasoning if their company already has a bunch of 25 year olds? Can't you detect the blatant age bias in this statement?

[kalden_]

I can. It may be relevant to mention there must be a couple of cultural differences on this point. I think most people in France may have never heard about the word "ageism", from the moment they're not in some social justice circles. Employment discrimination is a public sphere topic but it is much more about immigrants and women. Also, the tech labor market in SF bay area may display way different variables compared to Paris (as may the educational system).

[pierre]

If I recall correctly they have 50k+ applications a year in France. You have to do some filtering.

[jnbiche]

Why not filter on the basis on aptitude, or even attitude, instead of age?

[dmh2000]

i expect it would be illegal in the US. no sure since its private.

[jasode]

As a loose comparison, the Rhodes Scholarship has an age restriction of 18 to 24 and I'm not aware of any legal challenge to it.

http://www.rhodesscholar.org/applying-for-the-scholarship/

When it comes to providing a gift of free education via scholarships or unpaid teaching, it seems like the donor can attach any criteria he/she wants. E.g. A billionaire wants to provide scholarships to females aged 20 to 25 that can run a mile in less than 6 minutes. Even with those restrictive conditions set, it seems like the philanthropist is immune from lawsuits filed by males and handicapped people claiming discrimination.

[melvinmt]

I'm guessing most people over 30 can not commit to a 3-year full time study, but it's weird indeed that they're not even allowed in.

[jbob2000]

3 years of study?? What!? That's insane, you do not need 3 years of study to enter this industry. At that point, I may as well go and get a Computer Science degree at a local college and at least have a legitimate degree.

[JohanByttner]

This course is not a bootcamp. It is a substitute for an undergraduate degree and it is intended to give you a similar width and depth of knowledge (undergraduate degrees in Europe are three years). In France there are very few schools teaching computer science to a very high standard (Grade Ecoles teach engineering) and 42 has the ambition to educate the best computer scientists in France. Thumbing on the years makes that impossible.

You can go to community college; that is a legitimate choice; but 42 teaches you in a different way, one which 42 argues is more suitable for learning than classroom hours and lectures. And you miss out on some of that ambition.

[fbucher]

3 years is the basic cursus. You can do it in one year if you are able to. You can also Just take the skills you want and leave. Its on your own

[knz42]

Yeah you can but to do that you need to match the academic prerequisites. You can enter 42 whatever your background is.

[gravypod]

Unless you are older then 30.. then it doesn't allow you to enter regardless of your background.

Most universities and almost every community college has acceptance for a wide range of backgrounds. You can enter my university on a GED at 31 if you like, doesn't seem possible here.

[volent]

Would it be tuition free ?

[jbob2000]

Can you afford to take 3 years off? Tuition at a community college is pennies compared to living expenses for 3 years.

[nialo]

The opportunity cost of not working for three years is huge, maybe more than the tuition at a non-top end university.

[nappybrainiac]

I'm sure that if they are looking for a change in career, taking some time off to make that change is not really a choice.

I'm 43, and enrolled at Holberton School, which is project based. Granted, I'm only taking 2 years off, but by the time the 9th month rolls around we will be interning in San Franciso (and possibly around the World). Some of those internships are paid.

[fbucher]

If you are at Holberton you are In a great place so no worries :-)