This seems like an EXCELLENT way for junior engineers to finally get out of the "no job can't get a job" box. Super curious to see what comes of it, and to recruit those who complete the fellowships.
I think the much more common problem for new folks trying to break into software engineering is "not very good at coding yet, can't get a job". Not sure if Digital Corps is optimizing for these people but they really should be (given that they can't compete with the private market on comp).
High five figure to low six figure salaries are the aspiration
Everything else is too absurd or too risky
Very risk averse dynasties there that will drill this into their neighbors and children their whole life
Many contractors are also chasing a carrot on a stick hoping to convert to a federal employee if “mastuh is pleased”
There is a whole industry there catering to that
There are also a lot of opportunities for actually ambitious people such as making the contracting firm or selling something stupid to an agency that your friend working there signed off on
I've got a friend who went through the Code Fellows program last year. They advertise 93% job placement within six months. Based on conversations we had through his program, it seems like they're generally teaching a well-rounded set of skills, though tbf it's still a bootcamp, not a full CS degree.
Six months later, only 2 out of the 10 members of his cohort have gotten software jobs. He's still applying, but he's getting very few interviews and so far no offers.