#InvestingInYou: Announcing the Fall 2021 Cohort!

PDXWIT has welcomed eight community members into the Fall 2021 #InvestingInYou cohort! From those looking for support with bootcamp and certification costs, to those looking for hardware upgrades, over $10,000 will be awarded in support of career transitions and start-up costs, as well as upskilling through bootcamps and certifications.  

About the program 

Launched in 2018 with the goal of creating baseline access for individuals exploring a career in tech, #InvestingInYou has distributed over $85,000 in funds to dozens of community members –– covering everything from conference expenses to home office upgrades. In the spring of 2021 we introduced a professional coaching component, and this Fall cohort will learn from a variety of experts from the community on topics curated based on their needs and interests.  

Fall cohort highlights

During this latest cycle, we received 43 applications that were reviewed by a group of nine volunteers who were required to attend anti-bias training prior to reviewing submissions. Of the eight recipients selected: 

• 50% will receive funds to support bootcamp or certificate program tuitions. 

• 38% will receive funds to support hardware upgrades. 

• 75% of recipients identified as a person of color, with half of those identifying as Black.

Congratulations to our newest cohort and a huge thank you to TechTown powered by Prosper Portland for sponsoring this scholarship cycle! Want to help us grow the scholarship funding pool? Consider making a tax-deductible donation to PDXWIT.   

P.S. If your funding request was not selected this time around, be sure to sign up for our newsletter so that you’re in the loop when the next cycle kicks off!