Top 5 Best AI Bootcamps in Des Moines in 2025

Des Moines is emerging as a powerful AI and technology hub in 2025, combining rapid tech sector growth with a cost-effective, business-friendly environment. With an 8.9% increase in tech job growth, 2,500+ new roles, and average tech salaries reaching $118,827, opportunities abound for AI, cloud, and cybersecurity professionals - particularly in Iowa's key industries like finance, healthcare, and agriculture.

Major employers such as Principal Financial Group, John Deere, and Dwolla, as well as tech giants like Microsoft and Meta, have heavily invested in the region, cultivating a thriving innovation ecosystem and flexible job options.

According to the Greater Des Moines Partnership's technology industry overview, the city is a top 25 up-and-coming tech market, while events like Tech Hub LIVE showcase how AI and data analytics are driving efficiency and resilience in ag-tech:

“We're not just adapting, we're advancing. Tech Hub LIVE is where these conversations become action, and I'm proud to be part of it.”

(as reported by the Global Ag Tech Initiative's coverage of Tech Hub LIVE).

The growth of AI roles - where senior engineers command over $200,000 - reflects Des Moines' forward momentum and underscores why mastering AI and machine learning locally can launch a high-impact tech career or entrepreneurial journey according to recent tech job market analysis by Nucamp Bootcamp.

To determine the top 5 AI bootcamps in Des Moines for 2025, we combined best-practice methodologies from industry-leading sources and tailored our criteria for Iowa's unique learning ecosystem.

We prioritized programs offering immersive, up-to-date AI training - including hands-on projects, live instruction or mentorship, comprehensive coverage of generative AI, LLMs, and essential frameworks like Python and TensorFlow - as highlighted by Course Report's in-depth review of 2025's best AI and machine learning bootcamps.

Quantitative metrics such as student reviews, job placement rates above 80%, program length (minimum 8 weeks), and transparent career support were emphasized in our evaluation - aligning with insights drawn from Nucamp's examination of top AI bootcamps and outcome data for 2025.

Specific consideration was given to flexible scheduling, financing options, and the potential to serve local communities, highlighted by initiatives such as the Mark Cuban Foundation x Corteva bootcamp, which exemplifies regional accessibility and industry engagement in Iowa (Mark Cuban Foundation and Corteva's Des Moines bootcamp announcement).

With a focus on both in-person and high-quality live-online options, our methodology ensures the selected bootcamps not only reflect national standards but also support Iowan learners' pathways into AI careers.

The Mark Cuban Foundation, in partnership with Corteva, is launching its first-ever free Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bootcamp for Des Moines-area high school students in November 2025, cementing the metro's role as a Midwest AI education leader.

This no-cost, in-person bootcamp specifically targets underserved and underrepresented students in grades 9-12, requiring no prior coding or computer science experience.

Over three consecutive Saturdays, participants choose from hands-on tracks - Healthcare, Arts & Entertainment, Business & Entrepreneurship, Computer Science, Sports Science, or Education and Career Readiness - while receiving complimentary lunch, snacks, transportation assistance, and all necessary technology.

Hosted and staffed by Corteva, a global agricultural innovator headquartered near Des Moines, the bootcamp's mission is to expand access to AI fundamentals, ethical considerations, and real-world applications.

As Mark Cuban emphasized,

“As AI continues to become an undeniable force... it's crucial that we open the door to this knowledge, especially to young people who want to explore it... the bootcamp will offer an avenue to explore this fascinating field of technology to any student, no matter their means.”

For more details about the program's local impact and offerings, see the official announcement of the Mark Cuban Foundation and Corteva Free AI Bootcamp for Des Moines Area Teens, discover how Des Moines is investing in future tech talent at Des Moines Tech News: Free AI Bootcamp for High Schoolers, or learn more and apply via the Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp website.

Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) is set to launch Iowa's first community college Artificial Intelligence (AI) AAS degree and certificate program in Fall 2025, pending final approval from the Iowa Department of Education.

Developed in partnership with the Intel® AI for Workforce Program, DMACC's curriculum is built for both newcomers and IT professionals, integrating hands-on learning with cutting-edge tech education - including machine learning, data science, neural networks, natural language processing, and robust coverage of AI ethics.

As the first Intel AI for Workforce College partner in Iowa, DMACC offers over 700 hours of AI content, faculty development from Intel, and real-world projects tailored for modern workforce demands.

A unique highlight is the fully online format, making AI education accessible across Iowa. According to DMACC President Rob Denson,

“It fits in every area of curriculum… every subject matter, whether it's technical or arts and sciences, can benefit from the AI process.”

Graduates will be positioned for roles such as Machine Learning Engineer, AI Researcher, or Product Manager, or to pursue further study.

DMACC's affordable tuition, small class sizes, and commitment to student success ensure an ideal pathway for aspiring tech professionals. For detailed program features and enrollment, explore the official DMACC Artificial Intelligence program page, learn about their innovative Intel-powered curriculum, or read about DMACC's partnership for statewide AI workforce development in coverage by the Des Moines Register.

BrainStation's live online AI and Data Science bootcamps make it easier than ever for Des Moines career starters to launch a tech career without relocating. Their immersive, instructor-led programs offer comprehensive, project-based curriculums from anywhere in Iowa, emphasizing hands-on practice and collaboration through a premium online platform.

The Data Science Bootcamp, for example, runs 400 hours and integrates coding, machine learning, and portfolio-worthy projects, backed by robust career support and a global network of 30,000+ alumni now at tech powerhouses like Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft.

One graduate shared,

“My experience at BrainStation really impacted my career as it put me in a position to get the job I have today. The access to BrainStation's professional network put me in the position I am in today.”

While reviews note the program's fast pace and limited theoretical depth, most alumni agree it equips you for entry-level roles - even if concepts move quickly and require self-discipline to keep up.

For comparison shoppers, a simple table underscores BrainStation's value among leading bootcamps:

*Ratings reflect student reviews as of 2025.

If you're seeking a flexible, career-focused introduction to AI, BrainStation's online bootcamps in AI and Data Science are recognized as one of the best options for aspiring tech professionals in Iowa and nationwide, as corroborated by rankings from Course Report's 2025 list of top AI bootcamps and summarized by SwitchUp's best data science bootcamps ranking for this year.

Le Wagon stands out in 2025 as a top-ranked, globally recognized bootcamp, offering Des Moines residents a flexible way to learn data science and AI entirely online or on a schedule that fits their lives.

With convenient full-time (2 months) and part-time (7 months) options, students can master essential topics such as data analysis, machine learning, deep learning, and ML engineering, benefitting from live code classes, supportive coaching, and a strong project-based curriculum.

Graduates consistently rate the program highly (4.98/5 from over 6,000 reviews) and report landing data jobs within three months of completing the course, thanks in part to Le Wagon's international hiring network and lifetime access to their learning platform.

Tuition typically ranges from $7,000 to $12,500, with financing and scholarships available to help make the program accessible. According to a 2025 Course Report ranking, Le Wagon is praised for its "live code classes and community feel," helping it maintain a leading position amid remote bootcamp providers.

As summarized in an industry review,

Le Wagon offers an intensive bootcamp for web development and data science, offered full-time and part-time. International presence with a strong global alumni network.

For more about their immersive curriculum and flexible schedules, explore their online data science bootcamp details or see their comprehensive course breakdown on Le Wagon's Data Science & AI course page.

Springboard stands out among Des Moines' best AI bootcamps in 2025 with its flexible, mentor-driven approach and a robust job guarantee for graduates. The 100% online, self-paced curriculum blends theory and real-world projects - including deploying machine learning models, deep learning, and work with cutting-edge tools such as TensorFlow and AWS - with a focus on practical application for the Iowa tech market.

Students benefit from weekly one-on-one mentorship, personalized career coaching, and access to a supportive community, helping 85–94% of eligible grads secure jobs within a year and achieve significant salary boosts.

According to one graduate,

“A transformative and career-changing experience. Comprehensive curriculum and invaluable mentorship.”

Springboard's program is designed for career changers and upskillers - making it suitable for both new and experienced professionals eager to break into AI or machine learning engineering roles.

Financing options, scholarships, and a tuition-back guarantee provide additional security for Iowa learners seeking rapid advancement. The program's commitment to student outcomes is demonstrated by impressive student reviews and outcomes data, which you can explore in this detailed Springboard bootcamp review.

For an in-depth look at how Springboard compares to other leading AI programs, see this independent ranking of top AI and machine learning bootcamps in 2025, and discover how hands-on, employer-aligned experiences can fast-track your AI career ambitions in Iowa.

Learn more about Springboard's AI curriculum and industry partnerships in this coverage of its newly launched AI bootcamp for university partners.

Choosing the right AI bootcamp in Des Moines in 2025 means weighing Iowa's fast-growing demand for tech talent against your career and learning goals. With the local tech sector expanding by 6.8% annually and giants like Meta and Microsoft fueling a digital renaissance, both in-person and online bootcamps now offer practical pathways to lucrative roles in AI, data science, and machine learning according to Nucamp's 2025 job market guide.

Whether you're drawn to free, foundational experiences like the Mark Cuban Foundation x Corteva AI Bootcamp for high schoolers, or seeking a mentor-led, job-guarantee program from Springboard or BrainStation, Des Moines offers accessible options for every background.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, the Nucamp Solo AI Tech Entrepreneur Bootcamp stands out: its 30-week curriculum lets you master vibe coding and launch an AI-powered SaaS business globally, with flexible payment plans tailored to new founders (see full syllabus details and admission at Nucamp's Solo AI bootcamp page).

Meanwhile, industry research suggests, “Employers value demonstrated skills and projects more than degrees… the best strategy is to combine practical experience with certification.”

Many bootcamps now offer hands-on learning, career support, and job placement assistance, positioning grads for real opportunities in Des Moines' booming tech economy.

For a comprehensive breakdown of leading national and remote AI bootcamps - including curriculum content, costs, and unique features - see the latest rankings from Fortune's 2025 AI bootcamp report.

No matter your path, bootcamps are now a recognized, speedy, and practical launchpad for tech success in Iowa and beyond.