Best Scholarships for Coding Bootcamps
Coding bootcamps have revolutionized the way individuals transition into technology careers. These intensive, short-term programs offer specialized training in various programming languages and tech skills. However, the cost can sometimes be prohibitive. Thankfully, many scholarships can help ease the financial burden. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in technology but are concerned about the cost, keep reading to learn about some of the best scholarships for coding bootcamps.
Scholarships Dedicated to Coding Bootcamps
There are multiple scholarships exclusively designed for those planning to enroll in coding bootcamps. These scholarships cater specifically to individuals who wish to pivot their careers towards technology but need financial assistance.
1. The Women Who Code Scholarship
The Women Who Code Scholarship aims at helping women break into the tech industry. This scholarship is valued at $1,000 and can be used towards any accredited coding bootcamp in the United States. Women Who Code, a non-profit organization, works to inspire women to excel in technology careers and provides access to resources and a supportive community.
2. The Code Newbie Scholarship
The Code Newbie Scholarship is perfect for individuals new to coding. This scholarship awards $1,500 to selected applicants who demonstrate a keen interest in learning to code and express financial need. It can be applied to many of the well-known coding bootcamps like General Assembly and Flatiron School.
3. The Diversity in Tech Scholarship
Aiming to create a more diverse tech workforce, the Diversity in Tech Scholarship provides $2,000 to underrepresented minorities in the tech field. This includes African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, LGBTQ+ community members, and women. Applicants need to demonstrate both financial need and a passion for coding.
Scholarships Not Primarily for Coding Bootcamps but Applicable
While some scholarships may not be specifically for coding bootcamps, they can still be applied to cover the cost. Below are a few noteworthy options:
1. $750 Agricultural Studies Bursary in Brazil, 2024
Although this bursary is primarily aimed at students interested in agricultural studies, it is available for broader educational pursuits, including coding bootcamps. If you are an aspiring coder living in Brazil or have plans to study there, this bursary could ease your financial stress significantly. The bursary is sponsored by the Brazilian government and can be allocated to a variety of educational expenses.
2. $12,000 Advanced Technology Scholarship in Japan, 2024
One of the substantial scholarships available globally, the $12,000 Advanced Technology Scholarship is intended for students pursuing advanced technology studies in Japan. Despite its primary focus on traditional academic institutions, the scholarship allows for allocations to non-traditional study paths, such as coding bootcamps, especially those focusing on advanced technological skills. This scholarship offers a significant financial boost that can make attending a reputable coding bootcamp much more feasible.
3. The Google Generation Scholarship
Google offers a variety of scholarships, and one of the most coveted is the Google Generation Scholarship, which provides $10,000 towards your educational pursuits, including coding bootcamps. This scholarship is aimed at increasing the number of students from underrepresented groups in Computer Science.
Employer-Funded Scholarships
Some companies offer scholarships to employees who wish to upskill. These scholarships not only help employees transition into the tech department but also assist in retaining and nurturing talent within the company.
1. The Amazon Career Choice Program
Amazon offers its employees the Career Choice Program, which provides funding for vocational courses, including coding bootcamps. With up to 95% of tuition fees covered, this scholarship is an excellent option for Amazon employees looking to pivot to tech roles within the company.
2. The Microsoft LEAP Apprenticeship Program
Microsoft’s LEAP program is an apprenticeship that includes a scholarship covering the cost of coding bootcamps. The aim is to provide hands-on experience coupled with theoretical knowledge, preparing participants for a career in tech.
Scholarships from Coding Bootcamps Themselves
Many coding bootcamps offer internal scholarships to attract a diverse group of students. These scholarships often require a separate application process and can cover a significant portion of the tuition.
1. Flatiron School Access Scholarship
Flatiron School offers its Access Scholarship to help students facing financial hardship. Worth up to $2,000, the scholarship is aimed at increasing diversity within the tech field and can be used for any of Flatiron’s courses, both online and in-person.
2. App Academy’s Opportunity Fund
App Academy’s Opportunity Fund offers full scholarships to select low-income students. This fund aims to make coding education accessible to everyone by covering the complete cost of tuition for the chosen applicants.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship
As lucrative as these scholarships are, they are also highly competitive. Here are a few tips to increase your chances of securing financial aid for your coding bootcamp journey:
1. Tailored Applications
Always customize your scholarship application to fit the criteria and goals of the scholarship. A generic application won’t make the same impact as a personalized one.
2. Clear Career Goals
Clearly outline your career goals and how attending the bootcamp will help you achieve them. Showing a well-thought-out plan can make your application stand out.
3. Financial Need
Strongly illustrate your financial need. Most scholarships are keen to support those who genuinely need assistance to attain their educational goals.
4. Recommendations and References
Letters of recommendation can significantly boost your application, especially if they come from individuals in the tech industry.
Conclusion
The financial barrier should not deter you from pursuing a career in technology through coding bootcamps. With a multitude of scholarships available, from those specifically for coding bootcamps to more broad-based educational funds, aspiring coders have many avenues to fund their education. Whether through specialized scholarships like the Google Generation Scholarship, employer-funded options like Amazon’s Career Choice Program, or bootcamp-specific funds such as Flatiron School’s Access Scholarship, there are numerous opportunities to make your tech dreams a reality.
By carefully researching and applying for these scholarships, you can focus on learning and achieving your goals without the stress of financial burdens.
