10 Best Coding Programs for Women in 2024

Female computer programmer in work station

Open any tech-related job advert and scroll down. You’ll likely see an ‘Equal Opportunity Employer’ disclaimer encouraging women and other minorities to apply. Yet, despite the tech industry being one of the highest-paying employers and with an ever-growing demand for skilled professionals, the gender gap has refused to budge. A 2024 report by Women in Tech showed that women accounted for only 35% of the US tech force.

How do you position yourself to gain the confidence to apply and work in tech, head-on with your male counterparts?

One of the most effective ways to break into tech is through coding bootcamps—short-term, intensive programs designed to equip you with practical skills for the job market. While there are many online coding bootcamps, we’ve gone further to curate a list of women-friendly programs for you. These programs offer technical training in a supportive and inclusive environment where you get all the resources, mentorship, networking opportunities, and the little nudge you may need to dig right into your tech career.

Grace Hopper Program by Full Stack Academy

Grace Hopper Fullstack Academy

Full Stack Academy launched the first Grace Hopper program in 2016 to encourage women to join their prestigious bootcamps.

Named after the ‘first lady of software’, the program aims to equip women with software development skills and practical support to succeed in the male-dominated programming industry.

The course curriculum focuses on full-stack software development and uses JavaScript as the core programming language. You will gain skills in:

  •  Front-end development using JavaScript, CSS, and HTML5
  •  Development libraries and back-end engineering
  •  SQL relational databases

By the end of the 12-week coding program, you will know how to build a full-stack web or mobile application.

Apart from the technical skills, the Grace Hopper program also offers professional career coaching to its trainees to prepare them for the corporate world.

Application Process for Grace Hopper Program

The course is open to women and non-binary US residents and you can study full-time or part-time to suit your schedule.

Start your application by filling out the online form. Once you complete the online form, you will be invited to take a technical assessment with short coding challenges to test your skill level. If selected, Grace Hopper will send you pre-course materials to prepare you for the immersive program.

The program costs $12,995 and has flexible payment options. In addition, Full Stack Academy offers an award of up to $2,000 for qualifying students through the Ada Lovelace Scholarship. They’ve also partnered with Lesbians Who Tech through the Edie Windsor Scholarship to sponsor LGBTQ and non-binary applicants with up to 50% of the tuition fees.

The Grace Hopper program boasts over 10,000 successful alumni with the majority proceeding to bag careers in tech. Check out some glowing student reviews and success stories from the program:

Their curriculum is extremely thorough and as they say, “they will not let you fail.” I think though, that besides teaching me their specific stack, GHP really taught me how to think like a programmer.” Em, Front-end engineer

“The instructors were all compassionate with everyone’s lives and taught very clearly! With the help of this program I was able to change my career and get a full-time job as a Front-end Engineer within 8 months…” Karen Le, Front-end engineer at The Winston Project

Hackbright Academy

Hackbright women coders

Hackbright Academy prides itself on being the top engineering school for gender equality and targets women and gender-diverse people.

Its intensive engineering programs are designed to take you from advanced beginner to pro with a comprehensive full-stack curriculum that covers:

  • Back-end software development using Python
  • Front-end software development using JavaScript complimented with HTML and CSS
  • Web development framework using Flask
  • Databases using PostgreSQL

The software engineering program consists of 12 modules with scheduled online real-time lectures, labs, and projects to enhance your understanding.

Besides the immersive technical learning, Hackbright offers students career development support with interview mocks, resume reviews, and organized meet-and-greet events with hiring partners.

You can take the course full-time in 12 weeks or part-time for evening and weekend classes and complete it in 24 weeks.

Application Process

Hackbright Academy application process is designed to weed out fresh newbies. You’ll need to know the basics of Python, including control flow and looping, datatypes, call functions, and how to solve algorithmic problems. Hackbright recommends that you have at least 40 hours of coding before applying.

If you’re confident in your basic coding skills, proceed to Hackbright’s online portal and submit your application. If selected, you will proceed to the interview stage.

The interview includes a two-step process:

  • Admissions interview: 30-minute pre-screen to establish your professional background and introduce you to Hackbright
  • Technical interview: Includes a coding challenge to test your basic knowledge of software development using Python

If you’re successful, you’ll proceed to the admissions stage. The software development course costs $12,900 and a non-refundable admission fee of $250.

Hackbright also offers scholarships and financing options to make the fee manageable.

If you’d like to understand Hackbright’s teaching style and solidify your foundational coding skills, apply to the Hackbright Prep course. This course runs part-time for five weeks for $500.

Have a look at some reviews from satisfied former students:

“The instructors were encouraging and welcoming. No question asked was ever viewed as a stupid question. My cohort was particularly encouraging and we just wanted to see everyone succeed.”- Becca Steinke, Graduate

“I’ve tried learning to code on my own with online tutorials and always got stuck.  It turns out pair programming-working with a partner on progressively harder problems was the key to accelerating my learning and keeping me motivated.”-Jessica Matthews, Graduate

Ada Developers Academy

Ada Developers Academy

Ada Developers Academy ticks the box for many underrepresented women who want to either switch careers to coding or upskill to become pro coders. Their programs are not only tuition-free but they also hook you up with a paid internship after training.

Sounds interesting?

Let’s break down the Ada Developers Programs:

ProgramsAda BuildAda Build LiveAda Core
OverviewLearn basic programming concepts and introduction to PythonReinforce your coding skills by reviewing the Ada Build curriculum with instructorsLearn full-stack web development
EligibilityOpen to all women and non-binary folks; Beginners who want to strengthen their skills for Ada Core technical interviewOpen to women and non-binary people who identify as Black, Indigenous American, Native Alaskan, Latine, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific IslandersOpen to women and gender-diverse people with intermediate coding experience
DeliveryVirtualVirtualClassroom
DurationSelf-pacedSix weeks11 weeks
Ada Developers Programs

Application Process

The Ada Build program is always open and you only need to sign up and start learning. 

The Ada Build Live course runs three times annually for winter, spring, and summer classes. To apply, fill out an application form registering your interest and wait for feedback.

Although the Ada Core Full Stack program is closed for new applicants, you can start preparing for the next intake with Ada Build or Ada Build Live courses. Ada Core usually has a low acceptance rate, so it would be a good idea to sharpen your foundational skills before applying.

 Here’s what Ada alumni have to say about the program:

“The year in the program could be brutal, particularly the classroom period, although the internship certainly came with its own challenges too. But the payoff has been huge in so many ways…”-Anonymous, Software engineer graduate

“I never thought that someone like me who has a background thats not in technology could feel so accepted. It has absolutely changed my life.”-Stephanie, Ada Alumni

MIT xPro: Professional Certificate in Coding

MIT xPro professional certificate in coding

The MIT xPro Professional Certificate in Coding is a women-only program designed by the esteemed Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Its goal is to equip more women with hands-on programming skills and provide them with career development support to break into the IT industry.

The course curriculum is based on the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express, React, and Node) and is divided into three modules:

  • Web development
  • Front-end development and React
  • Back-end development

These modules are taught progressively and by the end of the course, you will have learned how to build, test, and deploy web applications.

The fully online, self-paced MIT xPro program runs for 26 weeks. This relaxed learning format allows you to plan your studies alongside your other commitments. You’ll have access to:

  • An online learning portal with short, pre-recorded coding video lectures, demos, and knowledge check assignments
  • Live sessions with instructors and experienced professionals
  • Group discussions with peers
  • A supportive, vibrant community of women coders

Application Process

Although you don’t need professional coding experience, MIT advises applicants to have at least the basic foundational concepts of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS before applying to the program.

The course fee is $7,650, with flexible payment options, group discounts, and referral bonuses available. Apply online and download the brochure to get updated information on the next cohort intake.

MIT xPro professional certificate in coding application

Have a look at what MIT xPro graduates say about the program:

“Amazing teachers and great counseling. The course uses a great platform and uses short and understandable videos. I found the lessons to be easy to grasp and learned a lot from it.”-Levan

“The content is current, organized effectively, and the lessons are structured in such a way that you you don’t spend the whole time doing a ‘code-along’, but instead understand the problems you are solving as new technologies are introduced.”-Josh

Kal Academy

Kal Academy non-profit coding academy

The high fees charged by most bootcamps can be a barrier for women who want to upskill but can’t afford it. As a non-profit coding academy dedicated to women and underrepresented groups, Kal Academy’s tagline speaks for itself. 

Kal Academy exists for women, Not for Profit

True to its mission, since its launch in 2014, Kal Academy has helped thousands of women find their footing in the tech space with quality programs at affordable prices.

Whether you’re new to coding or an advanced learner looking to polish your skills, you’ll find a suitable course with Kal Academy’s wide

Kal Academy offers various courses tailored to different skill levels, from beginners to advanced learners. Beginners can start with the introduction to programming or data analysis courses while advanced learners can access numerous courses such as game programming and IoT development.

Apart from individual courses, Kal Academy also has four bootcamps for:

  • Web development full-stack
  • Software development deep stack
  • Artificial intelligence deep stack
  • Technical interview prep

Each course runs for 16 weeks and is taught fully online with classes scheduled on weekends. The class recordings are also available in case you miss a session or want some reference notes.

Application Process

Start the application process by filling in an online form indicating the course you’re interested in. Kal Academy will then send you some interview material and set a date for a virtual interview. 

If you’re accepted to the program, you’ll get course preparation notes to help you understand the basic concepts of the program before it begins.

Each bootcamp costs $2,500 which is non-refundable.

Here are some student reviews for Kal Academy:

“For someone like me who had zero coding experience going in, the emotional challenges were just as tough as the intellectual ones but she was there to support me all the way and now I will be starting my first coding internship at Microsoft in the next two weeks”-Mary S, WA

“Kal’s classes are very formal & her teaching is methodical as in schools/colleges. I really would suggest Kal’s Academy for anyone interested in learning cutting-edge technologies or looking for a career breakthrough.”-Monika T, WA

The G{Code} House

G{Code} program banner

The G{Code} House is not your typical tech program. 

It was founded in 2017 with a mission to train young disadvantaged women of color in Boston with coding skills and provide them with housing during the course. This non-profit program was dedicated to seeing these young women succeed and enter the workforce without worrying about homelessness.

Today, the G{Code} House also offers its courses virtually for free. Its two main technical courses are:

  • Introduction to Web Development–covers basic concepts using JSS, CSS, and HTML 
  • Introduction to Data Analytics–teaches foundations of statistics, advanced Google Sheets, Python, SQL, and NumPy

Each course runs for 12 weeks and includes:

  • Online classes scheduled on Saturdays
  • Real-life projects to enhance your portfolio
  • Career workshops and personal development seminars
  • Support from a close-knit community of peers, alumni, and facilitators

Application Process

To qualify for the program, you must be a Black, Brown, or Indigenous woman, or non-binary person of color. You must also be between 18-25 years and be a US resident.

The courses ran three times in winter, fall, and spring. Fill out the online form and if you meet their eligibility criteria, they will invite you for an interview.

If selected, G{Code} will share with you pre-course resources before the program starts. 

The G{Code]House also offers a free apprenticeship program for high schoolers aged between 15 to 18 years.

This training exposes young tech enthusiasts to programming by teaching them the basics of coding and software development.

Read some experiences from G{Code} trainees:

“G{Code} not only provided me the fundamentals of coding, but they provided me a unique family unmatched to anything I’ve ever experienced.”-Chas, Web Dev Alumni

“G{Code} allows you to ask as many questions with no judgment and gives you all the resources to succeed during and after the program!”-Cindy, Web Dev Alumni

allWomen

allWomen landing page

allWomen is a Barcelona-based tech academy designed exclusively for women by women. Its ecosystem screams women-power—from the accomplished founders and expert female instructors down to the learners. If you want to be part of an empowering community of over 30,000 women from all over the globe, you’ll find your place at allWomen.

The academy focuses on offering women high-quality education in various technical disciplines such as:

  • Web Development
  • Data Analytics
  • UX/UI Design
  • Product Management
  • AI and Machine Learning

If you’re looking for a flexible learning schedule, you can sign up for the self-paced online courses that contain 30 hours of pre-recorded video lectures, quizzes, and a final project. You’ll also have access to open discussions with peers, a dedicated course mentor, and live sessions with industry experts.

Each course costs €299 and can be paid in flexible installments.

Instead of buying each course separately, allWomen has a bundled offer that gives you unlimited access to all the courses through the allWomen Plus Membership at only €49.90 per month.

Sign up for the 7-day free trial of allWomen Plus Membership

Alternatively, you can join their intensive bootcamps if you want a more immersive learning experience. The bootcamps run between 10 to 12 weeks and include:

  • Over 90 hours of live classes with qualified instructors and 30 hours of independent learning
  • Access to one-on-one mentorship throughout the program
  • Practical learning with three projects completed for your portfolio

The bootcamps fees range from €2950 to €3450, with financing options offering flexible monthly installments available.

Application Process

You’ll get access to the individual courses once you buy them on the allWomen website.

allWomen organizes bootcamps several times a year. Register your interest in joining the next class by filling out the online form for each course.

Here are some inspiring testimonies from trainees.

“The organisation is small, flexible and adapts to your needs. The community is extremely friendly and supportive, surrounding you with positive energy and empowering you to achieve your goals.”-Ines Vilar, Data Science Graduate

“I started from scratch, with zero knowledge and expectations and today I am about to finish the course by completing the capstone project feeling ready and prepared to start the Bootcamp next year.”-Sofia Millet, Data Analytics Certifcate

CodeOp

CodeOp community

CodeOp is another gem founded in Barcelona and making waves on the international scene by empowering women and non-binary individuals to break into the tech space.

CodeOp offers three intensive bootcamps designed for different skill levels and goals. These include:

Programs
Full Stack Web Development
Data AnalyticsData Science
OverviewLearn the fundamentals of front and back-end developmentUnderstand basic concepts of statistics and how to code for data analyticsFor women with a STEM background who want to upskill in data science or data analytics
Duration11 weeks full-time or 30 weeks part-time8 weeks full-time or 20 weeks part-time11 weeks full-time or 30 weeks part-time
Fees (Financing and funding available)€7200 + €600 deposit€6200 + 600 deposit€7200 + €600 deposit
CodeOp Women Bootcamps

Each bootcamp journey begins with pre-course work where students are given notes on basic concepts to prepare for the intensive program ahead. For example, before starting the Web Development bootcamp, you’ll get introduction notes on JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and Git. This ensures that absolute beginners have set a foundation on programming basics before deep-dive learning.

What really sets CodeOp apart is the personalized approach where students get maximum individual support from the bootcamp facilitators. Each class–whether remote or in-person–has a maximum of 15 students supported by a senior lecturer, teaching assistant, and program mentor. This ensures each student gets personalized attention and constructive feedback to excel in the bootcamp.

Once you finish the bootcamp, CodeOp will prepare you to transition to the corporate world through engaging career workshops, coding and data challenges, technical mock interviews, and pitch coaching. You’ll also get a dedicated career coach to prepare for job interviews.

Application Process

Start your tech journey with CodeOp by registering online. Once you submit your details, CodeOp will interview you for the next class intake.

You can also download the bootcamp guide to get some pointers on how to ace your application.

Want a taste of the CodeOp bootcamp experience?

Sign up for a free live coding or data analysis class.

Check out these success stories from CodeOp alumni:

“CodeOp graduated here! This Bootcamp is one of the best decision I’ve made. I’m from Venezuela but took the course in Barcelona. It was 3 months of INTENSE learning process.”-Maria Fabiana, Full Stack Graduate

“Two weeks after graduation, I’ve managed to secure a software engineering internship due to the job support they have provided post-bootcamp. The instructor and staff are genuinely encouraging in the students’ learning and progress.”-Lillian Toh, Full Stack Developer

Skillcrush: The Break Into Tech + Get Hired Program

Skillcrush coding school

Skillcrush offers an all-rounded tech program that aims to equip marginalized people because of their gender, race, disabilities, or age, with technical skills to succeed in the IT industry.

The Break Into Tech + Get Hired program trains you on coding and design skills and assigns you a career coach to help you land your first tech job.

This two-part bootcamp runs for 12 months. The first six months focus on the technical aspect with a bundled course that teaches:

  • Front-end development: covers basic concepts in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
  • UX/UI design: covers web design, visual design, user experience, and testing to create user-friendly interfaces for websites and apps
  • Full-stack web development: covers back-end languages such as Python and builds on your front-end skills to make you a full-stack web developer

You’ll have access to an online platform with pre-recorded videos, resources, assignments, and course projects. In addition, you’ll be part of a thriving community and engage with peers and instructors on Slack and online Town Hall forums.

The Skillcrush program costs $2,999. You can also choose to pay $259 monthly for 12 months.

Application Process

The Skillcrush application process is pretty straightforward. Choose whether you want to a pay monthly or a one-off fee and get access to the learning platform after payment.

Ready to take the plunge?

Skillcrush also offers a free coding camp where you can begin your career switch journey. The free program teaches the basics of JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and web design.

Have a look at some inspiring student outcomes from Skillcrush:

Anna switched her career from librarian to front-end web developer at 40 years after taking the Skillcrush course.

Ahmid works remotely from his country in Egypt after transitioning to tech from teaching with the help of Skillcrush program.

SheCodes

Shecodes coding workshops

If you can’t fit a full-time intensive program into your busy schedule, check out SheCodes flexible programs.

SheCodes offers four different packages that are all online-based and beginner-friendly. This means you don’t need any prior coding knowledge to join.

These packages include:

 SheCodes BasicsSheCodes PlusSheCodes Front-EndSheCodes Bootcamp
Course OverviewLearn basic coding languages; HTML, JS, and CSSBuild a simple interactive landing pageDive deeper into the basic concepts, using APIs and developer toolsLearn front-end web development, React framework, and AI toolsBecome a professional web developer with real-life coding projects
Duration3 weeks4 months8 months12 months
Pricing€ 99€ 990€ 1,990€ 2,490
SheCodes Programs

What you’ll love about SheCodes:

  • Easy-to-follow micro-learning with bite-sized videos, weekly assignments, and flexible deadlines
  • Lifetime access to the courses
  • Flexible payment options, spread monthly
  • Access to a technical team through live chats and a supportive community on Slack

Application Process

Since all the programs are self-paced, you can enroll anytime, make payments, and start learning.

Here are some reviews from SheCodes trainees:

“…this course is different as it is clear and concise. The tutorials are correct to the point, especially for JavaScript. I managed to learn a lot from the Basic course only.”-Marja

“SheCodes made everything accessible and fun. The lessons are broken down into bite-sized pieces that make it easy to follow along, even for beginners like me.”-Veronica

Frequently Asked Questions About Coding Programs for Women

How Do You Choose the Best Coding Program for Women?

Before settling for a coding program, consider your learning goals, experience level, and the time and resources you’re willing to commit to the program. Also, research on the success rate of the program by looking at reviews of former students. Most importantly, consider if the program offers support and career mentorship to help students transition to the job industry.

Are There Free Coding Programs for Women?

Yes, several initiatives teach women to code for free like Code First Girls and Ada Academy. 

Do Coding Programs Guarantee Jobs on Completion?

Most programs equip you with the technical skills you need to get into tech and get you job-ready through career workshops and interview coaching. However, Ada Academy places their graduates in paid 5-month internships, giving them a direct footing in the corporate world. 

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