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?

For those accepted into Season Six of the Toronto program, classes will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 6 PM to 9 PM, from August 7th to September 18th, 2023. There will be opportunities for optional one-on-one support sessions throughout the course on Saturdays. Attendance is mandatory.

When does the Introduction to Data Science course take place?

For those accepted into our first Data Science cohort, classes will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM, from October 23rd to November 23rd, 2023. Attendance is mandatory.

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.

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 applicants into the Women in Tech program will receive either our Introduction to Web Development course, Introduction to Data Science course, or both, depending on their preference noted in the application. Each course includes 30 hours of instruction and opportunities for support sessions.

If I am accepted into Women in Tech, does that mean I automatically receive a scholarship to the Web Development or Data Science Bootcamps?

No. The application process for each Bootcamp is separate from their introductory courses. Those interested in pursuing web development or data science careers may apply upon successfully completing the introductory courses (Introduction to Web Development or Introduction to Data Science). The start date of the application process for both Bootcamps is to be determined.

I am a mid-career professional looking to transition into Tech. Am I eligible to apply?

No. Our program focuses on individuals that are either unemployed, underemployed or have yet to land their first full-time position in a professional field.

I have no experience in computer science, coding, or data science. May I apply?

Yes! Our program is designed for beginners and taught with empathy. Our current instructors are all program graduates that understand how to deliver instruction to new developers and data scientists.

I am new to Canada. Am I eligible to apply?

If you are legally permitted to work in Canada, yes! We encourage applications from newcomers and have several graduates that recently arrived in Canada.

Women In Tech. Learn Code. Lead. Inspire.