YW Tech Lab

Unlocking Career Opportunities in Tech

What is YW Tech Lab?

YW Tech Lab (formerly known as YWeb Career Academy) is YWCA Evanston/North Shore’s FREE 4-month web development program which aims to challenge and transform the narrative surrounding underrepresented individuals in the tech industry. This program provides intensive technical training for the foundation for web development with the goal of creating a more inclusive and vibrant tech community where diversity is celebrated.

At YW Tech Lab, we go above and beyond simply teaching technical skills. We are committed to success by offering a holistic approach to learning experiences. We provide transportation assistance, financial coaching, access to affordable childcare and placement to ensure each participant’s success.

Our program is rooted in partnership and community. YWCA Evanston/North Shore has teamed up with esteemed organizations including Google.org, YWCA USA, YWCA Madison, and Oakton College to bring the best opportunities and resources. Together, we are dedicated to pivoting career paths and unlocking a world of possibilities.

Upon completion of the online course, students will have opportunities to pursue full-time permanent employment, paid internships, or freelance careers in technology through partnerships established by YWCA Evanston/North Shore. Students can 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. 

Upcoming Cohorts and Information Sessions

Now accepting applications for the Winter 2024 Cohort!

Winter 2024 Session Dates: September 17 - December 5, 2024

Weekly Class Schedule: Tuesday through Thursday, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Winter 2024 Information Sessions:

Click here to sign up for the YW newsletter to stay in the know about upcoming information sessions and program details.

Weekly Class Schedule: Tuesday through Thursday, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Helping women of color advance in the technology field 

The YWCA Women in Tech Council helps open doors for women enrolled in YW Tech Lab to gain entry level web developer positions. Council members serve as role models and bridges to the corporate relationships our students need to secure internships and employment in tech. 

Interested in learning more about our Women in Tech Council?

YW Tech Lab 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!

    • Free to participants

    • 16 weeks in length

    • Completely virtual, online learning experience

    • 10-22 students per cohort

    • Personal laptop provided if needed

    Supportive services include:

    • financial coaching

    • referrals for affordable housing resources

    • referrals for hot spots to access WIFI

    • financial support for childcare

    • Design

    • HTML

    • CSS

    • Javascript

    The program will include intensive technical training; students will learn the foundation for web development. Students are expected to complete work outside of class time and to be actively engaged in the learning process.

    • Networking Skills

    • Interview practice

    • Resume writing

    Students will also receive soft skills training, including situational workplace judgment, active listening, communication skills, and problem-solving. Hard skills, such as technical training, are required to get a job but people skills will open future doors and assist in sustaining and building relationships.

  • Graduates of the YW Tech Lab will be prepared for entry level employment as a Front-End UI Developer. All graduates will have the knowledge and skill sets needed to implement web design and practice development principles to create and maintain stable web-based software. Program graduates will be able to:

    • Implement web design and have confident and strong development principles to build stable web software.

    • Bring mock-ups to life using HTML, CSS, JavaScript.

    • Collaborate closely with teams to support projects during all phases of delivery.

    • Build websites which are responsive and usable.

    • Monitor website performance and rectify front-end-related issues.

    • Communicate technical issues in an understandable manner to the team and clients.

    • Identify innovative ideas and proof of concepts according to project requirements.

    • Test to identify bugs and technical issues before and after deploying.

  • Upon completion of the course, graduates will be prepared to pursue full-time permanent employment, paid internships or freelance careers in technology through partnerships established by YWCA Evanston/North Shore. Click here for more information.

  • Students will earn seven credit hours (from Oakton Community College) and may choose to continue their education by pursuing a Computer Information Systems Certificate, an Associate’s Degree, or a Bachelor’s Degree.

  • Item descriptionThe Women in Tech Council helps open doors for women enrolled in YW Tech Lab to gain entry level web developer positions. Council members serve as role models and bridges to the corporate relationships our students need to secure internships and employment in tech.

    The Women in Tech Council members work for the following organizations:

    • Atko

    • Bosch Service

    • Google

    • My CWT

    • Exelon

    • Heinz Kraft

    • Northwestern University

    • NEXT Group

    • US. Foods


    Click here to learn more and get involved.

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

Check out our Eventbrite page to see if there are any upcoming info sessions.

Questions? If you have questions about our application process, email Juan Fuentes, Workforce Development Manager, at jfuentes@ywca-ens.org.

Sign up for our Economic Advancement email updates!