The COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on all of us. Millions have lost their jobs or been furloughed, and others are dealing with the struggles of self-isolation. To support those whose work has been affected, we recently launched a program to donate Codecademy Pro to 100,000 impacted workers. For every Pro membership purchased, five memberships will be donated to workers that have lost their jobs or been furloughed.

We believe that learning a new skill during this challenging time can provide a sense of empowerment and so much more. Here are six reasons to take the plunge and learn to code while you’re at home.

Set yourself up for future career success

Coding is a great skill to add to your resume, whether you’re looking to start something new or simply advance in your current role.

Want to fully change careers and become a programmer, data scientist, or web developer? Our Pro Career Paths guide you through everything you need to get there. Being home with extra time on your hands is a prime opportunity to get started.

Want to learn new skills to help you excel in your current role? Coding isn’t just for programmers. It can be used to analyze data, build chatbots, tweak your business website, and more. Take this time to invest in yourself. Use coding as a springboard for providing value and advancing in your career. Check out our Pro Skill Paths to discover new skills to master.

Track progress towards a goal

Self-isolation is tough. Being home day after day means there aren’t a lot of things to help you keep track of the progression of time. If you’re feeling like you’re trapped in the movie Groundhog Day, you’re not alone. Learning to code can serve as a way to break out of the routine.

Progressing through a Skill Path or Career Path — available with a Codecademy Pro membership, learning a new language, or adding days to your streak brings a sense of accomplishment. And seeing all you’ve learned can help you maintain a positive mindset, too!

Find a sense of purpose

In addition to the sense of accomplishment you’ll get from learning a new skill, learning to code can also help you feel a sense of purpose. This holds true especially for those whose work has been affected by the pandemic.

Alan, a factory worker from Mississippi, has been using Codecademy Pro while quarantined. “Emotionally, it is a challenging time with the future of the factory uncertain at this time and the full economic implications of COVID-19 still unknown,” he told us. “My wife (who works in the restaurant business as a chef) also lost her job the day after I was asked to quarantine. Having access to Codecademy Pro is helping to give purpose to my days during this time of uncertainty.”

During quarantine, Alan shared that he tried to make a little progress each day, working through a module or two. “I have always had a desire to learn more about coding and to expand my skills; having the time and access to Codecademy Pro is giving me hope that I can strengthen my coding skills.”

Learn skills to build that thing you always wanted to build

Is there something you’ve always wanted to build? Maybe you’ve wanted to build a website or learn Swift so you can design a mobile app. Learning new skills takes work and time. But there’s no time like the present to start developing the foundational skills you need to build the thing you’ve always dreamed of building!

Connect with friends — and make new ones!

You may be stuck at home, but there’s a thriving online community of people learning to code, just like you. You can find them on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or in the Codecademy Pro community.

If you’re not sure where to start, check out the Codecademy Community on Facebook. With over 30,000 members, this Facebook group is a great place to find out how to get started and get coding help. Plus, you’ll meet new people and get the support you need to stay motivated. You can also check out the Codecademy Forums for code help.

You may also be surprised by just how many of your friends are currently learning to code, or have in the past. So share your goals and what you’re working on with your own friends on social media, too!

Learn a new skill and help others at the same time

For a limited time, we’re matching every Pro membership purchased with 5 memberships donated to people that have lost their jobs as a result of COVID-19. So if you’ve been thinking about taking the plunge, now is a great time to start learning to code and help provide a coding education to five people in need. Learn more here.