Free Code and Digital Design Academy

The Program of Practice

The program at Bay Valley Tech addresses a pressing issue in the tech industry's workforce diversity. Observing that a significant portion of applicants hailed from Latinx or African American backgrounds, we recognized an opportunity to contribute to addressing the underrepresentation of these groups in the tech sector. This observation aligns with findings from a study titled "Racial disparities in the screening of candidates for software engineering internships" published in Science Direct, highlighting the disproportionately low representation of Hispanic and Black workers in Silicon Valley software engineering roles (John and Carnoy, 2019).

Despite an increasing number of Hispanic computer science graduates in California, their representation in Silicon Valley remains strikingly low. Recognizing this disparity, coupled with the overwhelming demand for tech talent and the abundance of tech jobs, especially in the Bay Area, we identified an unmet need to cultivate tech skills in regions like the Central Valley. By offering our online tuition-free tech education, we aim to equip individuals from underserved communities with the necessary skills to pursue high-paying tech careers, thereby bolstering both regional economies and diversity in the industry.

It's worth noting that a significant portion of our students come from low-income households, highlighting the socioeconomic barriers to accessing quality tech education. By providing free training, we strive to democratize access to opportunities in the tech sector, ensuring that talent is cultivated irrespective of financial means or background. Headquartered in Modesto, Bay Valley Tech extends its reach across four Western United States, committed to fostering inclusive pathways to tech careers for all individuals, regardless of disability, socioeconomic status, or educational background.

Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0049089X22000795

The Response

Bay Valley Tech tackles the identified problem by offering tuition-free coding and digital skills training, specifically targeting individuals from underrepresented communities in the tech industry. By providing accessible education in regions like the Central Valley, where tech opportunities are traditionally scarce, the program empowers students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue lucrative tech careers.

Through rigorous curriculum and hands-on learning experiences, Bay Valley Tech equips participants with the technical proficiency sought by employers in Silicon Valley and beyond. By bridging the gap between talent supply and demand, the program not only addresses the industry's diversity shortfall but also helps meet the pressing need for skilled tech professionals. We ensure our students work on projects that employers are actively seeking, and this is why our program is so successful.

Bay Valley Tech's emphasis on inclusivity ensures that barriers to entry, such as financial constraints, disability, age or educational background, are minimized. By welcoming individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and providing them with the resources they need to succeed, the program creates pathways to tech careers that were previously inaccessible to many.

In addition to offering tuition-free tech training, Bay Valley Tech emphasizes community involvement and lifelong learning. Students contribute back to society by volunteering their skills for local causes. Alumni and students are required to return as mentors or volunteers in the community, bridging the gap between industry and education. This cycle of giving fosters a sense of responsibility and an army of students ready to volunteer, to use their tech skills for positive change, enriching both their careers and communities. We are not only a tech training program, but a community. We host events for career readiness, resume workshops, network building events, and volunteer opportunities frequently.

Ultimately, Bay Valley Tech's holistic approach to addressing the identified problem of practice extends beyond merely training individuals; we are fostering socioeconomic mobility, through regional economic growth, and promoting diversity and inclusion within the tech sector. Through our non-profit efforts, the program contributes to building a more equitable and vibrant tech industry while empowering individuals to achieve their full potential.

The Unique Features of the Program

Bay Valley Tech revolutionizes adult education in tech with two key features. First, our mandatory community involvement ensures students apply their skills for societal good. Second, our alumni engagement model brings graduates back as mentors, enriching the learning experience and providing invaluable networking opportunities whilst attracting employers from our tech talent and ability to effectively create skilled workers ready to give back. These innovations redefine adult tech education by blending skill development with community engagement and mentorship, shaping a brighter future for both students and society.

The Outcome

With a staggering 25k applicants this year alone, we face the challenge of meeting demand with limited grant funding as a non-profit. Despite our desire to accept all applicants, constraints exist. Nonetheless, our dedicated staff tirelessly strive to provide life-changing opportunities.

Our outcomes hinge on various metrics. For instance, students who successfully complete both academies, engage in active volunteering, and pursue further education enjoy placement rates approaching 90%. Please see attached metrics below!