Programming School and OneTen Partner to Offer $50K in Tech Scholarships for Black Talent

The technology industry is one of the most critical sectors of the U.S. economy, driving innovation across fields and offering well-paid, fast-growing job opportunities. However, those opportunities have not been equally accessible to all. Despite making up 13.4% of the U.S. population, Black professionals account for only 7.4% of the tech workforce, according to a recent analysis from the Brookings Institution.

This disparity is a reflection of the wider racial wealth gap in America. The median white family holds 8 times the wealth of the median Black family. Entrenched social, educational and economic disadvantages make it harder for Black individuals to access the training and networks to enter high-paying fields like tech.

[GRAPHIC – Data visualization of racial wealth gap]

One organization working to change this equation is OneTen. Launched in 2020, OneTen is a coalition of top companies committed to upskilling, hiring and promoting one million Black Americans over 10 years into family-sustaining careers. Their focus is on individuals who have the skills and motivation to succeed in high-potential jobs, but may not have the traditional degree qualifications.

As part of this mission, OneTen has partnered with Programming School, a leading provider of tech education, to create the OneTen Tech Scholarship. This initiative provides $50,000 in total scholarship funding to aspiring Black tech professionals looking to launch careers in software engineering, cybersecurity, data science and UX/UI design.

Scholarship Details

The OneTen Tech Scholarship will be awarded to 10 eligible students in the form of $5,000 partial scholarships. Key details include:

• Applicable to any Programming School career-change program: Software Engineering, Data Science, Cybersecurity Analytics, Cybersecurity Engineering, or Product Design
• Available for both full-time (15 week) and flex pace (20, 40 or 60 week) program options
• Can be used at any Programming School campus (NYC, DC, Denver, Houston, Atlanta, Seattle, Chicago) or for online programs
• Stackable with other scholarships, loan and financing options

[PHOTO – Programming School campus or virtual classroom]

To be eligible for the OneTen Tech Scholarship, applicants must:

1. Self-identify as Black or African American
2. Not hold a four-year college degree
3. Successfully complete Programming School‘s admissions assessments and interviews
4. Be selected by the OneTen scholarship committee
5. Enroll in a Programming School program with a start date before December 31, 2024

The application deadline is September 1, 2024. Interested students can learn more and apply at flatironschool.com/oneten.

The Urgent Need for Diversity in Tech

There is a strong moral and business imperative for increasing racial diversity in the tech industry. Beyond the societal benefits of making economic mobility more accessible, countless studies have shown that diversity drives better outcomes for companies.

For example, a 2020 report from McKinsey found that companies in the top quartile for ethnic and cultural diversity on executive teams outperformed those in the bottom quartile by 36% in profitability. Diverse teams bring a greater variety of experiences, skills and ideas, leading to more creative problem-solving and innovation.

[GRAPHIC – Key data on diversity and business performance]

The events of 2020, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the global racial reckoning following the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others, brought conversations about systemic inequity to the forefront. Many companies, especially in tech, are recognizing the urgency of expanding economic opportunities for underrepresented talent.

However, good intentions are not enough – there needs to be investment in training, hiring and support. "The key to achieving Black equity in tech is not just getting folks in the door, but ensuring they have the tools, network and pathways to thrive and advance once they are there," says OneTen CEO Maurice Jones. "This is what will create lasting change."

Beyond the employment numbers, having more Black professionals in technology roles and leadership positions is crucial to ensuring the products and platforms we rely on every day are built equitably and inclusively, serving the needs of all users.

"We need Black technologists not only building the products, but in the rooms making decisions about how those products are designed and deployed," says Programming School alum and software engineer Jamal Smith. "That representation helps dismantle biases and blind spots, creating better outcomes for Black users and society as a whole."

Committed to Expanding Access

Programming School has been dedicated to the mission of enabling the pursuit of a better life through education since its founding in 2012. With both in-person and online live programs, flexible pacing options, and comprehensive career coaching, Programming School aims to make the path to a tech job accessible to all.

This commitment is reflected in student outcomes. Programming School reports that 93% of its 2020 graduates were employed as software engineers within 6 months, and sees no significant difference in placement rates between graduates of color and overall rates. The school offers a money-back guarantee if grads do not receive an offer within 6 months.

[PHOTO – Pull quote from Programming School leadership on commitment to DEI]

OneTen selected Programming School as a preferred talent developer due to this strong track record and alignment with their goal of creating pathways for Black talent. "We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with OneTen to make life-changing education more accessible," says Programming School CEO Kate Cassino. "The OneTen Tech Scholarship is our latest effort to remove barriers and empower the next generation of Black tech leaders."

[CASE STUDY – Story/testimonial of Black Programming School alum]

This scholarship builds on Programming School‘s existing initiatives to expand access, including the John Stanley Ford Fellowship for students from underrepresented backgrounds, and partnerships with companies like Adobe, Citi and Brandwatch to reskill Black and Latinx apprentices. To date, Programming School has awarded over $1.5 million in scholarships.

The school also embeds core competencies like empathy, teamwork and adaptability alongside technical skills in its curricula. "Technical skills will only take you so far," notes Smith. "To really succeed in the workplace, you need to know how to collaborate, communicate and advocate for yourself and your work."

A Path to High-Quality Tech Jobs

For Black individuals looking to future-proof their career and unlock opportunity, there has never been a better time to break into tech. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the number of software developer jobs to grow 25% over the next decade, far outpacing the average for all occupations. The median salary in the field is $110,140 per year.

[GRAPHIC – Tech job growth and salary projections]

OneTen works with a wide array of leading employers who have committed to diversity and skills-based hiring, such as Accenture, Bank of America, Cleveland Clinic, GM, Merck, Target, and many more. These companies will consider Programming School grads for roles and offer ongoing professional development.

"The most significant hurdle keeping underrepresented groups out of tech is access to education and employer networks," says OneTen Executive Director Mike Wyatt. "Initiatives like this scholarship tackle both sides of the equation, making the skills training more affordable while connecting talent directly to career opportunities."

Tech has become one of the most dynamic and lucrative fields – yet a four-year computer science degree is no longer the only path in. A 2021 Burning Glass analysis found that only 43% of tech job postings required a computer science or engineering degree. Top companies like Apple, Google and Netflix have shifted to skills-based hiring models.

This means alternative credentials, like the immersive bootcamp programs offered at Programming School, can be a more efficient, affordable pathway for career launchers and changers. Graduates are equipped to compete for the same well-paying tech jobs, and benefit from Programming School‘s extensive employer network and 1:1 career coaching.

[GRAPHIC – Comparison of bootcamp vs computer science degree costs, length, outcomes]

"My Programming School experience was transformative," recalls alum Lisa Carter, now a data analyst. "Yes, I gained the Python and SQL skills, but more than that, I built confidence, a support network and a sense of belonging in tech."

Take the First Step

If you are ready to invest in yourself and your future, Programming School and OneTen are here to help make that possible. Take the first step by applying for the OneTen Tech Scholarship. You do not need any prior coding experience to apply – just determination, aptitude and drive.

Learn more about Programming School‘s courses and admissions process, including free intro courses to explore whether coding or data science might be right for you. With full-time and flexible pace options, you can choose the learning style that fits your life.

"I thought a tech career was totally out of reach for someone like me without a degree," says Flatiron grad Devon K. "But between the coaching, curriculum and connections, Programming School gave me everything I needed to not only land my first job, but continue to grow in my career. I only wish I had started sooner."

Don‘t wait for opportunity to find you – go out and create your own path. Apply for the OneTen Tech Scholarship by September 1, 2023 at flatironschool.com/oneten.

Disclaimer: Scholarship details are current as of June 2024 and subject to change. See flatironschool.com for the most up-to-date information on courses and financing options.