Women In Tech. Learn Code. Lead. Inspire.
Women in Tech. Learn Code. Lead. Inspire.
Women in Tech teaches young Canadians data science and web development skills, which prepare them to launch careers in the world’s most influential industry. IDRF is committed to eliminating barriers for young women interested in the digital space who cannot afford the expensive costs of Tech education. All of our programs are entirely FREE to those accepted.
IDRF is currently not offering its introductory courses.
The Situation
Women have played a vital role in the growth of Tech. Ada Lovelace wrote the first algorithm. Joanna Hoffman, a Polish immigrant to America, was a founding member of MacIntosh and recognized as the person who did the “best job standing up to Steve Jobs.” In that tradition, our program creates a pathway for more women to shape the future of the world’s most impactful industry. Since 2018, Women in Tech has trained 150 women in introductory coding and data science skills and supported 45 participants with scholarships to attend intensive bootcamps to gain employer-recognized credentials.
The Program
Introduction to Web Development
Introduction to Web Development is a 45-hour course designed for beginners that connects new coders to the world of HTML, CSS+, and Javascript. Our instructors are all program alumni working as Full Stack Developers. They teach with empathy, and participants are encouraged to ask questions and learn at their own pace. On the final day, students present a final project they have completed using their coding skills. In addition to class instruction, we allocate time for one-on-one mentorship sessions that help participants navigate complex problems.
Web Development Bootcamp
After finishing the introductory course, some decide their dream job is to work as a web or app developer! IDRF offers a limited number of full-paid scholarships for participants to complete a 12-week intensive Web Development Bootcamp at Lighthouse Labs- one of our collaborative partners. Students build upon their foundational skills and learn to use React JS, Ruby on Rails, SQL and many other programming languages. Upon completion, graduates have developed the skills to start careers as junior developers. Most of our alumni secured full-time positions within 90 days of graduating.
Introduction to Data Science
Participants in this 40-hour introductory course will learn the basics of the discipline, focusing on the fundamental concepts of Structured Query Language (SQL) and Python. Participants will wear their data scientist “hats” as they work on practice sessions and two mini-projects throughout the course. Our instructors for the Data Science course were also alumni and are excited to work with participants who may be entering the world of data science for the first time!
Data Science course is closed for 2024
Data Science Bootcamp
Following the Introduction to Data Science course, there is an opportunity for participants to complete Lighthouse Lab’s 12-week intensive Data Science Bootcamp, with a limited number of full-paid scholarships. Students will work on data visualization, machine learning, statistical modelling, data engineering, Jupyter Notebook, and Tableau. At the end of the Bootcamp, graduates will receive a diploma and can begin their careers as Data Scientists!
Our Supporters
Women in Tech started as a pilot project in 2018, thanks to the generous support of the United Way Greater Toronto as part of its Inclusive Employment strategy, which aims to improve employment opportunities for low-income individuals facing multiple barriers. Since our initial project, UWGT has provided an annual grant to fund our coding courses and provide wrap-around support for child care, mental health care, transportation and housing.
After four successful years in Toronto, IDRF has expanded Women in Tech to Alberta! Thanks to the support from The Rideau Hall Foundation’s Catapult Canada Access Innovation Fund, the program is now available for women ages 18-29 in Calgary and Edmonton.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Women in Tech?
Our program is open to women ages 18-29 who reside in the Greater Toronto Area. Priority is given to individuals facing challenges accessing full-time/permanent employment, unemployed or underemployed individuals, youth with large student loans and those without the financial resources to access tech education.
Who is eligible for a Woman in Tech scholarship?
Scholarships are available to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Are classes taught in-person or online?
All classes are taught online. Students should have access to a laptop and wifi connection. IDRF will hold in-person events for participants to connect and build relationships.
What do successful applicants receive?
Successful Women in Tech program applicants will receive a fullpaid scholarship to attend either a Web Development or Data Science program at Lighthouse Labs.
I am a mid-career professional looking to transition into Tech. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes- if you are unemployed and under 30 years of age, you are eligible.
I am new to Canada. Am I eligible to apply?
If you are legally permitted to work in Canada, yes! We accept applications from Canadian citizens, permanent residents and refugees.
