InnovateHer has launched a new industry-informed coaching and technology programme for girls aged 13–16, striving to educate and empower the next generation of innovative female talent and reduce feelings of isolation for young women as the coronavirus lockdown continues.
With the UK government yesterday admitting that they do not know when the peak of the virus will hit, a shadow of uncertainty remains over the nation regarding how long the lockdown will last.
While the pandemic forced the Liverpool-based social enterprise to close its doors indefinitely in March, as well as suspend all face-to-face training in schools, the digital portal has enabled InnovateHer to continue to inspire young girls to pursue careers in tech and network with other girls in the community.
The six-week ‘Foundation in Tech for Good’ course enables students to continue learning tech skills safely while in isolation. As part of the programme, girls will solve real-world problems related to the current global pandemic using technology. Girls are guided through the content by experienced industry mentors, accessing coaching sessions online every week.
“We’ve always wanted to launch our educational offer online as it enables us to extend out reach to those living outside of the North West,” said Chelsea Slater, co-founder of InnovateHer. “With everyone being told to stay 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.”
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Produced alongside industry partners, learners will be led through weekly challenges to develop new skills in design, prototyping, teamwork and pitching. It is thought that girls will build on their confidence and self-belief through connecting with industry role models and peers.
At the end of the programme, students will enter their tech solutions into a competition to be in with a chance of winning valuable work experience with one of InnovateHer’s member organisations – including SONY, Very Group, Liverpool Football Club, The Co-op, Code Computer Love, and more.
InnovateHer is also exploring partnerships to provide devices to those girls who may not currently be able to access the course from home, also providing free enrolment to those who can’t afford the programme fees. The course begins in May and will cost £50 per place for pilot cohorts. To sign up for the course visit online.innovateher.co.uk.
To find out more about InnovateHer, or to enquire about partnerships, visit: www.innovateher.co.uk