YW Tech Lab

What is YW Tech Lab?

YW Tech Lab logo

YW Tech Lab (formerly known as YWeb Career Academy) is a FREE 4-month online web development program which provides education in digital skills to traditionally underrepresented or vulnerable populations, such as women of color, survivors of domestic violence, and low-wage workers.

YWCA couples this programming with financial coaching, access to affordable childcare, and job coaching and placement to ensure each participant’s success.

The program is part of a national partnership with Google.org, YWCA USA and YWCA Madison. YWCA Evanston/North Shore is partnering locally with Oakton Community College.

Upon completion of the online course, students will have opportunities to pursue full-time permanent employment, a paid internships, or freelance careers in technology through partnerships established by YWCA Evanston/North Shore. Students could also continue their education by participating in our Portfolio Workgroup or pursuing a Computer Information Systems Certificate, an Associate’s Degree, or a Bachelor’s Degree. 

Our Outcomes

After completing YW Tech Lab, our students are supported in achieving their goals. Here are some success stories from our YW Tech Lab graduates!

Are you eligible?

YW Tech Lab is designed to help women of color enter the tech field as web developers. Participants must meet the following qualifications:

  • High school diploma or its equivalent (or enrolled in a program that will result in a high school diploma or equivalent before completing the Certificate)
  • Interested in a career in the IT sector
  • Preferred enrollment opportunities for women, people of color, Cook County residents, those who have not completed a bachelor’s degree, and those who receive a referral through a partner agency. Unfortunately, we are unable to enroll individual who live outside of the United States at this time.

How to enroll

Join us for our upcoming YW Tech Lab Information Sessions. Future dates will be announced here.

If you have questions about our application process, email Juan Fuentes at jfuentes@ywca-ens.org. Sign up for our Economic Advancement email updates