IBT Learning, an e-learning provider, this week announced the launch of its African Women in Tech Scholarship Program. The program is designed to offer training and career opportunities in tech to women living in Africa.
The EdTech company is committed to providing opportunity, community, and resources for women to break into tech and thrive in the industry, regardless of their background or professional experience.
The IBT Women in Tech Scholarship Program will provide free, instructor-led, and outcome-oriented training in the fields of DevOps, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Full Stack Software Engineering. Learners will be equipped with real-world use cases and projects, helping them build sizable portfolios they can feel confident about when presenting during interviews.
The Scholarship program was launched on the back of a successful pilot in 2023 where IBT Learning committed $50,000 in total funding to train women from underrepresented communities in North America and the UK, regions where the online school could guarantee career outcomes at the time.
In response to the need for increased representation of African women in technology, IBT Learning is committing up to $500,000 in total funding to the African Women in Tech scholarship providing comprehensive training and career pathways for women across the African continent.
Per UNDP, Studies show that women in the tech industry constitute only 28% of professionals in the sector worldwide and 30% in Sub-Saharan Africa. “We want to change this,” said Victoria Peters, Chief Operating Officer at IBT Learning.
Key Features of the IBT African Women in Tech Scholarship Program:
- Free, Instructor-Led Training:
- The scholarship program offers free, instructor-led training in three pivotal areas: DevOps, Data Science, and Cloud Engineering. Participants will receive high-quality education, ensuring they are well-equipped for the demands of the tech industry.
- Outcome-Oriented Approach:
- The training is outcome-oriented, emphasizing practical skills that align with real-world applications. Participants will engage in hands-on projects and gain experience that goes beyond theoretical knowledge, enabling them to build robust portfolios to showcase during job interviews.
- $500,000 in Funding:
- IBT Learning is committing $500,000 in total funding for the Women in Tech Scholarship Program in 2024. This financial support covers 100% of tuition fees, making the program accessible to a broader audience of aspiring African women in tech.
- Job Placement Assistance:
- Beyond the training, the scholarship includes comprehensive job placement assistance after graduation. Certain students will qualify for guaranteed remote internship placements with global companies to kickstart their careers. Those who do not receive this guaranteed internship placement will be empowered to secure internships and entry-level roles.
Eligibility criteria:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Be female
- Must live in Africa
- Not currently working in tech
Scholarship funding will be disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis until the fund is exhausted.
Those interested in learning more about the program or applying can do so athttps://ibtlearning.africa/scholarships
About IBT Learning Solutions:
IBT Learning is a leading digital economy training institute providing instructor-led, career-oriented, and customized training across industries. Specializing in high-demand courses such as DevOps, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Business Data Analytics, Cloud Computing, and Project Management, IBT Learning is an accredited training partner of industry leaders including IBM, AWS Partner Network, Linux Professional Institute, CompTIA, EC-Council, and more.