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Caitlin C. - LA Immersive Engineering Instructor
“If you’re new to something, it can be hard to build up confidence and let your guard down, but the environment in the women’s workshops was so supportive that I never felt out of my element.”
Rebecca S. - Engineering Mentor
“I remember being floored by how smart and competent the female instructors were, and hearing their stories of overcoming gender biases in tech was so inspiring and motivating for me."
Minorities in Tech Mentorship Program
The Minorities in Tech Mentorship Program pairs applicants with dedicated Codesmith graduates who are passionate about mentoring others. This mentorship experience is invaluable in helping candidates navigate the admissions process and prepare for the technical interview. To join the program, applicants indicate their interest in their Software Engineering Immersive application. After submitting their application, they’ll receive instructions for submitting a Mentorship Program application, which will be reviewed after they complete the initial interview.
Scholarships for Women & Non-Binary Community Members
In addition to the Minorities in Tech Mentorship program, there are a number of scholarships available for women and nonbinary coders, such as the Minorities in Tech and the Women Who Code Scholarship. In addition to these, the Edie Windsor Coding Scholarship, which is offered every year in partnership with Lesbians Who Tech, funds 50% of the immersive tuition for recipients.
Support While You’re a Resident at Codesmith
Networking Opportunities
Some of the programming specifically geared towards the women and non-binary community focuses on providing a space for residents from underrepresented backgrounds in tech to come together and feel supported. For Rebecca S., “The women of the cohort definitely established the culture of undying support and tolerance.” There’s also a women and non-binary community Slack channel, where members can share resources, shoutouts, and get to know each other better. Throughout the year, Codesmith also hosts Al-girl-rithm events, in which the alumni and resident communities are able to connect and network through programs like speaker events and panel discussions.
Lectures on Diversity & Advocacy
This supportive community doesn’t just stop at the workshops, but continues throughout—and even beyond—the immersive. In the beginning of the program, residents attend workshops on implicit bias and imposter syndrome, leading to important conversations about how to respect and advocate for yourself and your fellow cohort mates.
In-Program Mentorship
Once an applicant becomes a junior resident, they can expect to be paired with a senior resident, who can help them thrive in the busy early days of the Immersive. Caitlin C., an Immersive grad and current Codesmith Instructor, remembers how much she valued her senior mentor's advice. By watching her mentor finish the Immersive, Caitlin could understand what to expect for life after graduation, and as she moved through the program, she then passed this insight down to her own junior mentee, going from asking for advice to giving it. This mentorship creates a community of people who are connected and dedicated to each other’s success.
It has been so amazing and inspiring watching these incredible women that I went through the program with go out into the real world and crush it.
Rebecca S.
Engineering Mentor