When we founded Springboard in 2013, our goal was to bring together a network of online learners. Over time, that goal turned into a much broader and meaningful vision to grow a global community and bridge the world’s skills gap by supporting and empowering our students every step of the way. We’ve brought together students from all kinds of backgrounds and learning journeys, connected by a shared goal of building a dream career. As our reach grew, so too did our mission: we now hope to change one million lives by 2030.
It’s been harrowing to see the impact that COVID-19 has had on many of our friends, family, and peers. Today, we face an unprecedented reality of uncertainty over job security, rising health costs, and other life changes that feel out of our control. It’s been especially eye-opening to see that while so many have the desire, skillset, and dedication to embark on the journey of pursuing their dream careers in tech, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it monumentally difficult—if not impossible—for many to finally take the leap.
We recognize the importance of a supportive community working together, now more than ever. Because of this new reality, we are offering the greater community something more meaningful than kind words and thoughts. We acknowledge the gravity of the situation and want to offer an actionable solution powerful enough to make a real impact in real-time.
So, what are we doing?
Our goal is to give prospective Springboard students the tools and peace of mind to learn the skills they need to achieve both a fulfilling career and attain job security. Our dedicated group of mentors, career coaches, student success coaches, and the rest of the Springboard team are inspired to come together to support you even further in this challenging time.
Today, we’re launching the following initiatives:
1. COVID-19 Relief Scholarships
Our scholarship fund will award up to $500,000 to prospective eligible students whose lives have been directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The fund has been made possible as a result of a contribution from our tireless Springboard mentors, who are generously waiving a percentage of their honorariums. Springboard has also pledged to match the amount waived to grow the size of the fund up to $500,000.
There will be 10 scholarship honorees awarded monthly and distributed across a selection of our career tracks:
- $4,000 scholarships will available for the Data Science, UI/UX Design, and Software Engineering Career Tracks
- $3,000 scholarships will be available for the Data Analytics and UX Career Tracks
In order to qualify for the scholarship, prospective students must meet the minimum requirements for the course, and provide evidence to support their financial situation.
Please reach out to your Admissions Director after you start the application process for more details and next steps
2. Free access to our Prep Courses for those impacted by COVID-19
If your livelihood has been affected by COVID-19, we are now offering free access (including mentor calls) to our Software Engineering Career Track Prep Course and Data Science Career Track Prep Course.
In order to qualify for a free prep course scholarship, prospective students will need to provide one of the following:
- Copy of unemployment benefit claim
- Material to demonstrate you have been laid off as a result of COVID-19
- Material showing recent default on debt due (e.g. loans, mortgages) as a result of COVID-19
- Other evidence that you have been financially impacted by COVID-19
We also encourage you to share any additional context you think will be helpful for us to better understand how you have been affected by this situation.
Find out if you’re eligible for a free Springboard prep course here. Please note: spots on these courses are limited, and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants.
3. Free online Career Coaching AMA sessions
As you work on preparing your materials—or decide which course is a better fit for your goals—we encourage you to take a few moments to explore our new weekly career coaching sessions. To better prepare you for the learning and career journey that lies ahead, we have partnered with industry thought leaders in creating a new initiative for our students and the greater Springboard community.
Every week, we’ll be hosting a free, live Career Coach – Ask Me Anything (AMA) session, featuring expert advice to offer you job search advice to prepare for a post-pandemic economy. These sessions are free and open to everyone.
Register for our next session here.
Say hello
As we continue to navigate through these testing times, we recognize it’s important to give everyone in our community a voice. We want to let you know that our team is happy to answer any questions you might have about these initiatives, our courses, or anything else—we’re here for you.
Send us a note at hello@springboard.com.
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