Women are breaking barriers in the tech industry, with more and more joining the field every year. However, despite their success in our Code School at CodeCrew, bootcamps and other training programs, many women still face significant obstacles in continuing their tech careers.
Women in our bootcamp have consistently outperformed their male counterparts in our bootcamps, with some external studies suggesting that they may be up to 50% more likely to graduate from these programs. Since the inaugural Code School Cohort, I can point to a woman in each class that has excelled, ranking at the top of the class. Despite this success, women are more likely to drop out of bootcamps that require them to obligate an excessive amount of time to complete the program. One of the biggest reasons for this trend is that many women are responsible for providing for their families and therefore have to prioritize their jobs that offer a faster income. A lot of the women that we service in our Code School are often single mothers and often time they have to make a very difficult decision to either work an hourly job that may not pay a living wage or spend 6 months preparing to be an Entry Level Software Engineer. This is the reason why organizations like Bank of America, Regions Bank and The NBA Foundation that support the Code School are vital to the success of women in our program. The stipends that these organizations provide make it possible for these students to supplement their finances so that they can complete our bootcamp.
The percentage of women in technology remains low, with women occupying only about 26% of all computing-related jobs in the US. This number is even lower for women of color, who make up only 14% of the tech workforce. In Memphis, for example, women make up just 22% of the technology workforce.
Having more women in tech jobs is crucial for many reasons. First, it helps to increase diversity and inclusion in the industry. With a more diverse group of employees, companies are able to create better products that are more inclusive of all users. Additionally, women in technology can serve as role models for younger generations of girls, encouraging them to pursue STEM careers.
Having more women in high-paying jobs also benefits families and communities. Women who earn higher salaries are able to provide more financial stability for their families, which can help to improve their overall quality of life. Additionally, when more women have access to high-paying jobs, this can help to reduce income inequality and promote economic growth in communities.
In conclusion, while women have been excelling in bootcamps and other training programs, they still face significant obstacles in continuing their tech careers. It's crucial for companies to prioritize diversity and inclusion efforts in order to create a more equitable and inclusive industry,
especially with their support of non-profits. By doing so, we can help to increase the number of women in technology, which will benefit both individuals and communities alike.
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