Q-Learning Academy

Q-Learning Academy
Cultivating Digital Mastery.

Our Philosophy

Our name, Q-Learning Academy, is inspired by the iterative process of machine learning — a reminder that learning is an ongoing process of experimentation and incremental improvement. This philosophy drives everything we do.

At Q-Learning Academy, we don't just focus on teaching technical skills. We foster a mindset of continuous growth and lifelong learning.

We believe that everyone has the ability to perform great things with the right mindset, support, and direction. Early success in life is no guarantee of later success, nor does a rocky start need to be the end of the road. An AI learning to play Pacman is going to make more than a few mistakes before it learns the rules of the game! But with consistent, incremental improvement – learning from both its successes & mistakes – the AI agent becomes incredibly adept at navigating the maze.

The reality is that life has setbacks, and at Q-Learning Academy we strive to learn from them. With the breathtaking pace of technological advancement, success grows from a free spirit of exploration. So whether you’re new to tech or looking to advance your career, Q-Learning Academy is here to help you unlock your full potential.

Our Curriculum

There are many excellent educational resources out there for aspiring data scientists. If you’re a self-paced learner, Coursera & Udemy have a wealth of top-notch courses we can recommend!

We can help you navigate the route - and respond to your personal needs.

Our program is designed for students who want the structure & support of a traditional schooling environment with the accessibility of remote learning. If you’re just getting started on your data science journey, it can be hard to know what to focus on – what tools you’ll need, what exercises to train with, what skills to master before attempting the next. It’s an intimidating mountain to climb. At Q-Learning, we can help you navigate the route – and respond to your personal needs. You will have knowledgeable instructors & a peer group at your side to help you push forward.

Lastly, we strive to provide you with a good return on your time. It’s estimated that 25% of college graduates are not using their degrees, which to us seems almost criminal. Investing that much time & energy into a program should give someone more than a piece of paper and a mountain of student debt! That’s why our instructors are all industry practitioners with a passion for teaching. If you entrust us with your time & resources, we will prepare you for the working world. It takes time to get there, but by the end you will have the skills & confidence you need to start an exciting career.

Our Team

Robert Crabbs
CEO & Head Instructor

I’ve been teaching in one way or another since my first job as a junior math tutor in middle school. After finishing a PhD at UC Berkeley in 2016, though, I left academia to become a data scientist. Since then I have worked for several Bay-Area tech companies, including Juniper Networks, Esurance, and Epic Creations. These experiences showed me the immense variety of ways data science impacts our daily lives.

Never far from teaching, I have been seeking ways to bring these hard-earned experiences to others. This inspired me to found the Q-Learning Academy, where I hope to help students find their paths in the wide world of data.

Alejandro Argueta
Chief Growth Officer & Instructor

Alejandro Argueta is a self-taught tech professional & entrepreneur who built a successful career from a high school education and his street smarts. His journey has given him a passion for empowering others, and he is dedicated to creating accessible pathways into the tech world for individuals from all walks of life.

Alejandro’s experience and determination shape Q-Learning’s mission to offer high-quality, affordable education. Through his leadership as Chief Growth Officer – as well as in the classroom – he fosters a growth mindset and a supportive learning environment to help students overcome their challenges.

Leah Marks
Head of Student Affairs

Leah Marks comes to Q-Learning with a background in academic project management at UC Berkeley & the University of Minnesota. She has also led several community-focused initiatives.

As the Student Success Manager, Leah is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, nurturing environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive. Her work focuses on providing personalized support, mentorship, and guidance to help students succeed in their data science education journey.

Take the First Step Towards a New Career.

At Q-Learning Academy, you’ll gain the technical skills and the confidence to succeed in this dynamic field. Interested?