Did you know there were more women in tech in 1984 than there are in 2023? An Accenture report highlights that women are significantly underrepresented in tech, with only 17 percent in engineering and 27 percent in computing roles. To address this disparity, coding bootcamps for women have emerged as powerful platforms for empowerment and skill development.
Coding bootcamps tailored to women can equip aspiring female tech workers with the technical skills, industry knowledge, and a supportive community to thrive in the tech world. This guide outlines the best coding classes for women, the importance of empowering women in tech, and ways women’s coding bootcamps can help promote gender diversity in the industry.
Top 10 Coding Bootcamps for Women
Coding bootcamps for women offer a structured and accelerated learning path that includes hands-on projects, practical exercises, and instructor-led lessons. This combination enables aspiring women coders to gain the skills needed to explore a tech career. The top 10 women’s coding bootcamps are as follows.
Ada Developers Academy
Cost: Free
Length: 11 months
Locations: Seattle, Atlanta, Online
Career path: Software engineering
Ada Developers Academy is a non-profit organization based in Seattle, Washington, with a mission to provide access to tech education and increase the number of women in tech. It aims to address the gender gap in technology by providing intensive, tuition-free coding classes for women and gender-diverse individuals.
Ada Developers Academy is a well-regarded women’s coding bootcamp, thanks to its job-focused curriculum. It offers full stack web development training that covers six months of full-time learning, followed by a five-month internship. Admissions into the program are competitive. Ada Developers Academy’s acceptance rate is low at only eight percent per cohort.
CodeOp
Cost: $2,950 (RM12,500) – $8,771 (£6,800)
Length: 11 weeks (full-time), 30 weeks (part-time)
Locations: Barcelona, London, Malaysia, Online
Career path: Full stack development, data science
CodeOp is one of the best coding bootcamps for women as it offers comprehensive and immersive programs that are geared towards diversity and inclusion. An example of this is CodeOp’s partnership with Bumble, a women-first social networking app, to offer a paid six-month technical training opportunity to women, transgender, and non-binary people.
There are two career tracks you can pursue at CodeOp: full stack development or data science. Expert instructors and cutting-edge curricula ensure that students receive top-quality education as they hone their technical skills. It also offers free coding classes for women+ covering topics and tools such as HTML, CSS, and SQL.
Hackbright Academy
Cost: $12,900
Length: 12 weeks (full-time), 24 weeks (part-time)
Location: Online
Career path: Software engineering
Hackbright Academy is a coding bootcamp that has made significant strides in promoting gender diversity and empowering women in the tech industry since 2012. Its software engineering career programs are designed to prepare women, non-binary people, and allies of all genders to succeed in the industry.
According to Hackbright Academy reviews on Career Karma, students benefit from a strong network of peers, instructors, and mentors who provide guidance and encouragement throughout the program. Graduates say this combination creates a sense of belonging and empowers women+ to thrive in the male-dominated tech industry.
Grace Hopper Program at Fullstack Academy
Cost: $19,910
Length: 16 weeks (full-time), 28 weeks (part-time)
Location: Online
Career path: Software engineering
Fullstack Academy’s Grace Hopper Program is one of the more established women’s coding bootcamps. Its software engineering programs are only open to women and non-binary people interested in building a tech career. To date, over 800 US companies have hired graduates of the Grace Hopper Program in roles such as software engineers, web developers, and more.
The Grace Hopper Program offers career services to help women+ students transition into the job market. This includes interview preparation, resume building, networking events, and job placement support. If you are a beginner to programming, you can start by enrolling in the self-paced coding classes for women and non-binary folks, which cover coding fundamentals.
MIT xPRO
Cost: $7,450
Length: 32 weeks
Location: Online
Career path: Web development
MIT xPRO is an extension of the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), offering a number of skill development programs in fields like healthcare, systems engineering, and technology. In its efforts to promote gender equality and increase the number of women in tech, MIT xPRO offers a women-only coding program that runs for 32 weeks.
Coding classes for women provide a supportive and empowering environment for women to learn and grow. This encourages women to ask questions, collaborate, and express themselves freely without fear of judgment or bias. The “Professional Certificate in Coding: Women’s Cohort” is suitable for career changers, early-career builders, and beginner women coders. At the end of the program, you will receive a certificate from MIT xPRO.
G{Code}
Cost: Free
Length: 12 weeks
Locations: Boston, Online
Career path: Web development, data analytics
G{Code} is a Boston-based community offering young women and non-binary people of color (POC) a space to collaborate and learn within a supportive environment. There are two 12-week programs to choose from: Intro to Web Development and Intro to Data Analytics. They aim to provide exposure to two in-demand fields in tech, equip students with strong foundational knowledge, and empower non-binary POC and women in tech with job-focused skills.
Unlike other coding classes for women, G{Code} also aims to provide co-living and co-working spaces for young women and non-binary POC under the initiative G{Code} House. The application process is straightforward. If you meet the eligibility criteria, all you have to do is submit an application form online and complete the pre-work section. Successful applicants will move forward with a one-on-one interview with the G{Code} team.
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allWomen
Cost: $3,755 (£2,950) – $4,392 (£3,450)
Length: 10 weeks
Location: Online
Career path: Product management, data analytics, UX/UI design
allWomen is one of the newer coding bootcamps for women in the European market, but it has made a lasting impact on the diversity front. Since its establishment four years ago, allWomen has fostered a huge community of over 30,000 women and allies and helped over 700 graduates learn valuable technical skills.
This Barcelona-based school offers part-time programs in emerging areas like product management, UX/UI design, and data analytics. With the aim of empowering more women in tech, allWomen is dedicated to equipping women+ students with skills that match the latest industry trends. Its programs are ideal for career changers and beginner women coders.
Kal Academy
Cost: $2,500
Length: 16 weeks
Location: Online
Career path: Artificial intelligence, web development, software development, data science
Kal Academy is a non-profit that focuses on empowering women in tech through coding education. It offers affordable bootcamps and a variety of coding classes for women for careers in game development, data science, mobile and web development, and more. It also offers mentorship and interview prep programs specifically tailored to women and minorities in tech.
Kal Academy’s curriculum covers in-demand technologies and programming languages including JavaScript, Python, HTML, CSS, and more. The programs are designed to provide hands-on, practical learning experiences that enable students to develop the skills needed to tackle real-world coding challenges and launch a successful tech career.
SheCodes
Cost: $1,990
Length: 12 weeks (full-time), 8 months (part-time)
Location: Online
Career path: Web development
SheCodes offers affordable workshops and coding classes for women with no prior background in tech. Depending on your capacity, experience, and career goals, you can pick from the most basic package that costs as little as $99 or upgrade to the most comprehensive option for less than $2,000. Each package includes at least one real-life project, live chat support, lifetime access to learning material, and a certificate of completion.
According to SheCodes reviews on Career Karma, students are pleased with the level of support and robust resources available to them. Some added they felt empowered and well-prepared to launch a new tech career after the program. SheCodes also offers a free, 60-minute coding class for beginners who wish to learn more about women in tech and what a career in programming would entail.
Black CodHer
Cost: N/A
Length: 30 weeks
Location: Online
Career path: Software engineering
Black CodHer is a UK-based coding program dedicated to training more Black women in tech. Launched in 2020, it started as an avenue for economic empowerment in the West Midlands. Now, Black CodHer offers part-time coding classes for women in front end development and full stack development.
Black CodHer welcomes all Black women over the age of 18, especially those in the lower income bracket who seek new career opportunities. One of the best parts about attending Black CodHer is the Empowerment Days, where students get to meet and learn directly from successful Black women in tech.
Coding Bootcamp Scholarships for Women in Tech
Women’s coding bootcamp scholarships are a vital initiative aimed at promoting gender diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunities within the tech industry. These scholarships provide financial assistance and support to women who aspire to pursue coding education and launch successful careers in tech. Here are some coding bootcamp scholarships for women to consider.
| Coding Bootcamp | Scholarship Name | Scholarship Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galvanize | Galvanize Scholarship | Full ride | People from underrepresented groups in tech, including women |
| Tech Elevator | Represent Tech Scholarship | $13,175 | People from historically underrepresented groups, including women |
| Flatiron School | Access Scholarship | $3,000 | People from historically underrepresented groups, including women and low-income earners |
| Turing School | BIPOC and Inclusion Scholarships | $10,000 | People with financial needs or from historically underrepresented groups |
| LEARN academy | Diversity in Coding Scholarship | $2,000 | People from historically underrepresented groups, including women |
| Grand Circus | Grand Circus Diversity Scholarship | $2,500 | People from historically underrepresented groups, including women |
| DevPoint Labs | Learn to Code Scholarship | 50% off tuition | People from historically underrepresented groups, including women |
| App Academy | Facebook Access Scholarship | 50% off tuition | People from historically underrepresented groups, including women, living in San Jose, California |
| 14 bootcamps (via Lesbians Who Tech) | Edie Windsor Coding Scholarship | 50% off tuition | LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people |
| General Assembly | See Her Excel Scholarships | $1,500 | People from historically underrepresented groups, including women and low-income earners |
How to Choose the Right Women-Focused Coding Bootcamp
Choosing the right coding bootcamp for women involves considering several key factors to ensure a successful learning experience. Below are some steps to help you make an informed decision.
Evaluate Curriculum and Learning Style
It is important to evaluate the bootcamp’s curriculum and learning approach to ensure it aligns with your goals and learning preferences. You want to look for comprehensive coding classes for women, preferably those that offer an up-to-date curriculum that matches the employer’s demands. Bootcamps that offer project-based learning allow for the practical application of coding. This can help you become more confident in your skills and excel as a female coder.
Evaluate Supportive Community and Network
A strong community can provide invaluable support, inspiration, and networking connections that can benefit your career in the long run. Look into how the coding bootcamp creates an inclusive environment and supports women in the tech industry. It also helps to explore women’s coding bootcamps that prioritize mentorship, networking opportunities, and engagement with industry professionals.
Evaluate Career Support and Job Placement
A strong support system can be beneficial in helping you get your foot in the door, especially as a woman in tech. That’s why it’s crucial to explore the bootcamp’s career services and job placement support. Consider whether they offer resume assistance, interview preparation, and job search resources. Look into the bootcamp’s partnerships with companies or organizations that may provide internship or job placement opportunities.
Empowering Women in Tech: Why the Industry Needs More Female Technologists
It is no secret that female representation is much needed in the tech industry. Data from Zippia shows that women only make up 28 percent of computing and mathematical jobs in the US. The number of women in tech should continue to grow, as their inclusion can greatly benefit companies and the industry as a whole.
Having more women in tech helps foster innovation, creativity, and problem-solving from multiple angles. Women bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and insights to the table, which encourages the exploration of different approaches and solutions. This can lead to the creation of more inclusive products, services, and technologies.
Companies also stand to gain a deeper understanding of their customers’ needs and preferences, considering women make up a significant portion of technology consumers and users. By tapping into the full potential of women’s talents and expertise, the tech industry can drive innovation and economic growth on a global scale.
Female Trailblazers: Influential Women Leaders in Tech
If you can’t name a famous female leader in tech, you’re not alone. A recent Samsung study revealed that 92 percent of women aged 18 to 25 failed to name an influential woman figure in the industry. Meanwhile, only 14 percent of them were able to correctly identify the world’s first programmer, Ada Lovelace.
This is a reflection of how much representation and diversity matters. Having more women in prominent positions in tech can inspire the younger generation and empower them to carve their own paths. Below are some of the most brilliant female technologists and leaders that the world should know about.
- Margaret Hamilton, Computer Scientist at NASA. Margaret led the team of software engineers that contributed toward Apollo 11’s successful landing on the moon in 1969.
- Elizabeth Churchill, Director of User Experience at Google. Elizabeth has had an astounding career in various fields, including AI and psychology. She built research teams at Google, eBay, Yahoo, FujiXerox, and others over the past two decades.
- Alissa Abdullah, Deputy Chief Security Officer & SVP at Mastercard. Alissa is an information security expert with extensive experience. She served as the Executive Office of the President at The White House for three years.
- Cindy Taibi, Chief Information Officer & SVP at The New York Times. Cindy made history as the first woman to hold a CIO position at The New York Times. She pioneered various women-focused initiatives, particularly surrounding technology.
- Anjali Sud, CEO at Vimeo. Anjali’s marketing expertise helped grow Vimeo’s user base to now having 60 million global users. She has extensive experience in ecommerce and media, having previously worked for Amazon and Time Warner.
Can Coding Bootcamps Help Women Break Into Tech?
Coding bootcamps for women can help female and non-binary coders gain the necessary skills to launch a successful tech career. Women-only coding classes provide a supportive and empowering environment for women to learn and grow, encouraging them to focus on their learning journey and gain the confidence needed to excel in coding and programming.
Because coding bootcamps are job-oriented training, they can help female technologists gain the practical skills that employers seek within a short period. Most bootcamps also feature career assistance, sharing the know-how behind job success and helping women become well-rounded job candidates. Coding bootcamps are a great way to empower more women in tech through skill development and technical training.
Coding Bootcamps for Women FAQ
Coding bootcamps are worth it if you’re looking for an affordable and quicker way to acquire job-targeted technical skills. They typically run for several months and offer a curriculum that matches industry demands. Most coding bootcamps also offer career support to help tech newcomers prepare for interviews.
There are a lot of coding classes for women that can help them learn to code for free. Some of the most popular free resources include Code First Girls, Coding Girls, Rails Girls, and Coding for Her. They generally offer beginner-friendly coding lessons that introduce core programming topics and tools. Most of these free coding classes for women are also self-paced.
There are a variety of coding bootcamp scholarships for women and non-binary people who are interested in gaining new tech skills. The Galvanize Scholarship, for example, formerly the Hack Reactor Coding Bootcamp Scholarship, offers a full ride. Other bootcamps such as General Assembly and App Academy offer partial scholarships to help cover the cost of tuition.
Women are significantly underrepresented in tech in 2023. According to an Accenture report, only 16 percent of engineering and 27 percent of computing roles are held by women. However, with the increasing number of coding bootcamps for women and female-empowering training programs, that figure is expected to increase by 3 million by 2030.
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