Fellows Program
Program Overview
The blackcomputeHER Fellows Program is a cohort-based, leadership development program designed to cultivate Black women leaders in computing+tech. The fellows program offers 12 months of intensive development that begins at the yearly blackcomputeHER conference, which will be virtual in April 2023 . Fellows will participate in professional workshops led by senior tech professionals and executives, and they will be able to form dynamic, long-term connections with an intimate cohort of professionals. Additionally, each cohort will work together on a group learning activities that will help them develop skills like executive presence and strategic thinking. (Learn more about the blackcomputeHER Fellows who have come through this ground-breaking program.)
Are you interested in professional development in computing, where you can learn about cutting-edge technologies such as machine learning (ML), human-centered design, and responsible AI?
Do you want to be part of a special cohort of scholars and professionals who receives targeted mentorship, sponsorship, and coaching from the world's leading CEOs and tech companies?
Do you want access to tangible resources to navigate your career growth, including a career at one of our sponsor companies?
If you answer YES to any of these questions, this program is for you!
Eligibility and Benefits
Eligibility. To be eligible to participate in the Fellows program, participants must be Black women pursuing advanced studies or a career in a computing discipline (computer science; computer engineering; information science, systems, or technology). Students (full- or part-time) must be at least in their second-year of graduate school. Post-graduate career professionals (those with bachelor's or graduate degrees) must be within their first five years of a computing career (either after graduation or a career shift). All applicants must be interested in growing their technical and leadership skills. You will also be required to commit 2-4 hours a month to attending monthly virtual development activities.
Benefits. Fellows will have an opportunity to grow in technical leadership by connecting with a cohort of women in computing. As a fellow, you will have intimate access to tech leaders and learning opportunities that are not widely available. Fellows can also expect to serve as mentors for the next year's cohort or participate in other blackcomputeHER planning activities, thus blazing trails for other Black women leaders in computing.
Deadlines. Each year, the application period opens around February 1st, and closes two weeks later. (We've updated our timing, slightly, to better accommodate the demand and interest in this program.) Applicants accepted to the program will be notified by March 10th. Accepted fellows will be invited to participate in a special Fellows Program (and meet former fellows) at the 2024 blackcomputeHER Conference.
Sponsors. We are grateful for program sponsors for the blackcomputeHER Fellows Program, which have included HP, Intel, and the National Science Foundation. For more information about sponsorship, please contact us!