Education and coaching social enterprise InnovateHer has launched a new tech programme aimed at inspiring young girls to pursue careers in tech, and connect them with others throughout the Covid-19 lockdown.
The Liverpool-based firm said its new scheme is for those aged 13-16, and its online industry-led coaching and tech programme 'Foundation in Tech For Good' will help reduce isolation for young girls while staying indoors.
The coronavirus pandemic forced the social enterprise to close its doors last month and suspend all face-to-face training in schools, but the online portal will give InnovateHer the ability to continue to inspire young girls to pursue careers in tech, and connect them with others in the community.
The six-week course hopes to provide girls with an opportunity to continue to learn tech skills safely whilst in isolation.
They will be solving real-world problems related to the current global pandemic using technology - guided through the content by industry mentors, accessing coaching sessions online each week as part of a cohort of like-minded girls.
Chelsea Slater, co-founder of InnovateHer, said: “We’ve always wanted to launch our educational offer online as it enables us to extend our reach to those living outside of the North West.
"With everyone being told to stay at home now we felt we needed to do something positive to support girls in isolation, so it felt like the right time to develop an online course.
"InnovateHer has been a labour of love over the last four years; we’ve reached over 50 schools and over 1,000 girls to date, and built a fantastic community who are passionate about supporting more females to have careers within the tech sector.
"Offering our resources online gives us the ability to continue our mission; to get girls ready for the tech industry and the tech industry ready for girls.”
Developed in collaboration with industry partners, learners will be guided by a coach through weekly challenges, giving them an opportunity to develop new skills such as design, prototyping, teamwork and pitching.
It's hoped they will build their confidence and self-belief through connecting with industry role models and other like-minded girls.
Students will enter their tech solutions into a competition, to be in with a chance of winning work experience at one of InnovateHer’s member organisations including SONY, the Very group and Liverpool Football Club.
CEO Chris Tomlinson said: “The tech industry was facing a significant challenge prior to the lockdown in encouraging young female students to consider a career in technology.
"Putting InnovateHer’s fantastic programmes online will hopefully encourage many more to get involved. I’m delighted our Trust is able to support this great work and I believe that our students will benefit hugely from engaging with it."
Aside from InnovateHer's newest project, STEM Women has launched a Weekly Online Careers Events for women looking to start careers in STEM industries.
It began on April 1 and will continue each Wednesday afternoon, giving employers the platform to reach out to pre-screened, virtual sign ups based on their individual profiles.
They can then schedule networking sessions, online interviews, presentations, remote assessments and much more.
Companies already confirmed for its first event include EY, Bloomberg and Alacrity Foundation.
