The Impact of Coding Bootcamp Scholarships on the Tech Industry

The United States has a severe problem regarding post-high school education. Often there are plenty of jobs available in specific fields but more qualified workers are needed to fill them. While tech certainly isn't the only industry guilty of this, it's one of the more well-known ones. 

Tech requires a lot of practical education to break into. The expensive nature of this education often means that marginalized groups can't get the coding education they need, even if they want it. However, that's starting to change, thanks to coding bootcamps. 

So what needs changing in the tech education industry? And how are coding bootcamps helping? This guide will teach you the answers to these questions and more. 

The Landscape of the Tech Industry

With our society becoming increasingly reliant on technology, it shouldn't be surprising that the industry shows promise in employment. Specifically, the BLS predicts that the overall job outlook for computer and IT jobs will increase by 15% over the decade. 

So the demand for IT jobs is currently high. What's the problem? Well, like many industries, tech has a diversity problem. Let's take a closer look at it. 

The Diversity Pipeline Issues

Diversity is currently one of the biggest challenges facing tech. So what's the problem? Some people attribute the issue to the pipeline problem. This theory states that there aren't diverse candidates like people of color or women with computer science degrees. 

This, in turn, limits the pool of various candidates that employers can choose from. As such, the employment pool tends to skew overwhelmingly white and male. However, as this article notes, there's a problem with the pipeline theory. 

It tends to ignore the many social, cultural, and economic factors that prevent marginalized communities from accessing the tech education they deserve. It's also not limited to one specific group. 

For example, despite making up 50% of the population, women only comprise 25% of the tech industry. Things are even more dismal for black and Latino communities. At the beginning of the 2000s, black people made up 7.1% of computer programmers. 

Fifteen years later, that number only rose to 7.6%. Similarly, Latino communities have only increased to 6.7%. Something needs to be done to combat this issue. 

Related: Sabio Women in Tech Scholarship

What Are Coding Bootcamps?

Coding bootcamps are crash courses into valuable computer skills you will need for specific jobs. Many of these programs don't just teach you coding skills but also provide you with advice for navigating the changing job market.

How Coding Bootcamps Have Helped This Problem

So how do coding bootcamps help with the diversity problems facing tech? Let's take a closer look at this section. 

1. They Acknowledge the Root of the Problem

We've already talked about how the pipeline problem is flawed. But it does get one thing right about tech. Many marginalized communities do not have the resources they need to pursue a traditional degree. 

This is especially true when a degree doesn't guarantee a job. That's why these programs represent a valuable alternative. 

Want to learn more about how women are deleting the myth that tech is only for men? Check out this resource to learn more. 

2. They're More Affordable

Coding bootcamps vary in cost. However, even the most comprehensive programs are still a fraction of the traditional expense of a college education. This opens up opportunities for lower-income communities. 

Now there's a way to learn the tech skill you need for a job without going into debt. Now keep in mind that coding bootcamps can be expensive. 

But that's where scholarships come into the picture. They can provide marginalized communities with the necessary skills without all the debt. 

Related: Career Support at Sabio Coding Bootcamp

3. Less Time Than a Traditional Degree

Many people can't take four years of their lives off. Coding bootcamps work around this by offering intensive crash courses. Many programs will only last for six-week periods. So you don't need to put your entire life on hold to complete it. 

Coding Bootcamp Scholarships Are Vital for Change

Coding bootcamp scholarships are one way to get over the initial education hurdle that prevents change. However, it's important to remember that this training can only do so much. When systemic problems are built into the system, then the system needs to be changed. 

The best way of accomplishing this is by targeting communities when they're kids. 

For example, you can click here to learn about organizations teaching Latino youths valuable tech skills; when you teach kids the skills they need when they're young, it's much easier to help them down the line when they're adults. 

Related: 2022 Latinos in Tech

Coding Bootcamp Scholarships, We Offer At Sabio

At Sabio, we offer two types of scholarships for our coding bootcamps. The first type of Women in Tech Scholarship can provide $2,500 for women interested in our program. All others can apply for the other general scholarship. 

All you need to do is compose a quick essay, and you could get $1,000 off. On top of that, we also offer free courses, VA benefits, and many other cost-effective education options. 

Ready to apply for one of the scholarships we offer at Sabio? Check out this page to get all the information you will need for your application.

The Importance of Coding Bootcamp Scholarships

We hope this guide helped you learn more about the impact of coding bootcamp scholarships. It's true that increased access to scholarships for tech training does have the potential to improve job diversity in this industry. 

However, it's vital to remember that improved training isn't enough on its own. The reality is that if people want to see real change, then businesses will need to prioritize recruiting these more marginalized groups. 

That way, we can not only share the wealth of the tech industry but also get new perspectives and insights from traditionally underrepresented groups.