We use cookies on this website. By continuing to use this site without changing your cookie settings, you agree that you are happy to accept our privacy policy and for us to access our cookies on your device.
The technology industry has long employed mostly men in technical roles. But a nonprofit group in Seattle, Washington is trying to change that. VOA’s Natasha Mozgovaya reports.
Content TypePackage
LanguageEnglish
Transcript/ScriptLOGON Women Coding Academy (TV R)
HEADLINE: A Coding Bootcamp Offers a Way for Black, Latino Women to Break Into Tech TEASER: While the tech industry struggles to be more diverse, bootcamp programs like these could be a way to bring in a wider range of people by teaching coding in months
PUBLISHED AT: 02/15/2021 at 8:40am
BYLINE: Natasha Mozgovaya
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: Seattle, Washington
VIDEOGRAPHER: Natasha Mozgovaya
PRODUCER:
SCRIPT EDITORS: Michelle Quinn, BR
VIDEO SOURCE (S): All VOA
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV X RADIO _X_
TRT: 1:58
VID APPROVED BY: Reifenrath
TYPE: TVPKG
EDITOR NOTES: ))
[[Intro: The technology industry has long employed mostly men in technical roles. But a nonprofit group in Seattle, Washington is trying to change that. VOA’s Natasha Mozgovaya reports.]]
((NARRATOR))
Rebeca Muñiz wanted to be an engineer when she was younger. But she didn’t see herself as having a career in the tech industry.
((Rebeca Muñiz, Ada Academy Student))
“I was mostly around white men, and I didn't really feel comfortable.”
((NARRATOR))
Now Muñiz, who worked in communications, is a student at Ada Developers Academy, a Seattle not-for-profit organization. It trains women from groups underrepresented in tech. In six months, these students are taught how to be software developers, followed by an internship.
Academy head Lauren Sato says the organization has a big vision for what success means.
((Lauren Sato, Ada Academy CEO))
“We're able to have a significant impact on the number of women and gender diverse folks entering the industry each year.”
((NARRATOR))
Around the world, bootcamp-style training programs have taken off, promising those eager to break into the tech industry marketable skills fast. Some of the programs have had mixed results, overpromising job opportunities and charging high fees. But at Ada, tuition is free, childcare is provided on site. But the admission rate is low, and the experience can be challenging.
[[FOR RADIO: Rebeca Muñiz, the Ada Academy student]]
((Rebeca Muñiz, Ada Academy Student))
“I honestly just kind of cried a lot. … There are moments where you come across an error that you have no idea what to do.”
((NARRATOR))
The classes are full time, and many are juggling families. Alie Ibarra used to be a social studies teacher.
((Alie Ibarra, Ada Academy Student))
“My biggest fear is failure. I think this is a big risk that I'm taking in pivoting careers.”
((OPT CUT BEGINS))
((NARRATOR))
Since it was founded in 2013, Ada has had more than 300 graduates — 94% found a job in tech, the organization says.
But for many of the students, it’s not just about landing a job but changing the technology industry once they are inside.
[[FOR RADIO: Again, Rebeca Muñiz ]]
((Rebeca Muñiz, Ada Academy Student))
“Making sure that I'm not the only woman of color at the table.”
((OPT CUT ENDS))
((NARRATOR))
The bootcamp, which is expanding nationally, looks to each graduate as a possible catalyst of change.
((Natasha Mozgovaya, VOA News, Seattle, Washington))
NewsML Media TopicsHuman Interest
Topic TagsWomen
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateFebruary 15, 2022 14:58 EST
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
