Women In Tech. Learn Code. Lead. Inspire.
Women in Tech. Learn Code. Lead. Inspire.
Women in Tech teaches young Canadians the skills to build websites and apps and prepares them to launch careers as Full Stack Developers. IDRF is committed to eliminating barriers for young women interested in the digital space who cannot afford coding programs’ expensive costs. All of our programs are entirely FREE to those accepted.
Applications are now open for Women in Tech Season 6ix (Toronto 2023)!
Upcoming Workshop
Women in Tech Season 6ix
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 128 women in introductory coding skills and supported 42 participants as they completed Web Development Bootcamp.
The Program
Introduction to Web Development
Women in Tech starts with Introduction to Web Development, a 30- 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 through 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 how 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
This year, we are introducing a new and exciting Data Science course! Data science is everywhere. Participants in this 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 of the Introduction to Web Development course and are excited to work with participants who may be entering the world of data science for the first time!
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 modeling, data engineering, Jupyter Notebook, Tableau, and more. 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 18-25 in Calgary and Edmonton.


Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Introduction to Web Development course take place?
When does the Introduction to Data Science course take place?
Who is eligible for Women in Tech?
In Toronto, our program is open to women ages 18-29 that reside in the Greater Toronto Area. Priority is given to individuals facing challenges to accessing full-time/permanent employment, unemployed or underemployed individuals, youth with large student loans and those without the financial resources to access tech education.