LGBTQ+ Coding Bootcamp Scholarships Worth Checking Out

The tech industry in the United States is notoriously dominated by cisgender white men but the industry is trying to diversify. This is great news for people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community, as there are many new opportunities for scholarships and tech careers available just to help minorities into tech jobs and increase gender parity.

If you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community just breaking into the tech scene, we are happy to say you have come to the right place! This guide contains a list of the best LGBTQ+ coding bootcamp scholarships you can receive for top institutions such as Fullstack Academy, Code Platoon, and Tech Elevator.

LGBTQ+ and the Tech Industry

Lack of diversity in the tech industry is an issue currently being addressed in various ways. Many members of underrepresented communities have experienced roadblocks, such as finding financial assistance to cover bootcamp tuition. Accessibility issues have caused underrepresented people to struggle to start careers in tech.

The financial burden of education can be too heavy for many prospective students and job seekers. Luckily, there are current scholarships available for people from underserved backgrounds, primarily those who are LGBTQ+ and/or people of color. 

How Can a Coding Bootcamp Help Your Career?

Coding bootcamps are great tech career boosters for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, ethnic heritage, or background. Many individuals in tech started out as underrepresented students in online programs offered through coding bootcamps. 

Not only do these educational programs help teach you important technical skills like how to become a software engineer or a data scientist, but they also connect you to a tech community. You will meet people from a wide variety of underrepresented backgrounds, likely including queer folks, non-binary individuals, people with disabilities, and military veterans. 

How Much Is a Coding Bootcamp?

Coding bootcamp tuitions vary greatly based upon the location and if you take onsite or online courses. NerdWallet reports the average cost of an on-campus program to be $13,580, while the average online bootcamp costs $12,890. You can contact the admissions office of your chosen school to find out about discounts students can take advantage of.

Some bootcamps change their prices according to the program as well. For example, the popular global bootcamp General Assembly offers a full-time immersive data science bootcamp for $15,950, and a full-time immersive digital marketing bootcamp for $13,500. Bootcamps can be paid for using scholarships, payment plans, private loans, or sometimes federal loans.

Can I Get a Scholarship for Coding Bootcamp?

Yes, the cost of coding bootcamps can be greatly reduced with the assistance of scholarship funds. Many bootcamps will offer you a full-tuition scholarship, partial scholarship, or other scholarship opportunities. You can contact the admissions team of your intended program for a scholarship application and to find out what opportunities are available for someone of your background.

There are plenty of coding bootcamps that offer a variety of scholarships, often in collaboration with other organizations. Some bootcamps also offer automatic discounts for women, such as Fullstack Academy’s Ada Lovelace Scholarship for full-time students, aimed at supporting women in tech.

Comprehensive List of LGBTQ+ Coding Bootcamp Scholarships

Below you will find some of the best coding bootcamp scholarships for members of the LGBTQ+ community. This list of scholarships includes full tuition discounts and partial tuition discounts. Keep reading to learn more about some of the best available opportunities. 

• V School – You Belong in Tech – $21,000 (full tuition) + Paid Internship
• Code Platoon – Transgender Veteran Full Scholarship – $17,000 (full tuition)
• Tech Elevator – Represent Tech Scholarship – $13,175
• App Academy – Access Scholarship – $5,000
• Quip – Diversity Scholarship – $Up to $5,000
• Turing School – Diversity Scholarship – $4,000
• Designlab – Diversify Design Scholarship – 50% Off ($3,124 off) or $1,000
• Metis – The Metis Scholarship – $3,000
• Flatiron School – The Access Scholarship – Up to $3,000
• Learn Academy – Diversity Coding Scholarship – $3,000
• The Software Guild – Women in Tech Scholarship – $2,000
• Suncoast Developers Guild – Diversity Scholarship – $1,900
• Grand Circus – Diversity Scholarship – $1,750
• Claim Academy – Women in Technology Scholarship – $500
• DevPoint Labs – Opportunity in Tech Scholarship – 50% Off 
• Lesbians Who Tech – Edie Windsor Coding Scholarship – Up to 50% Off
• Codesmith – LGBTQ Scholarship – Tuition Discount
• Burlington Code Academy – Impact Scholarship – Tuition Discount
• Alchemy Code Lab – Diversity in Tech – Amount Varies

In-depth: the Largest LGBTQ+ Scholarships

While all of the LGBTQ+ coding bootcamp exclusive scholarships and grants are fantastic opportunities, the following five offer you the best resources. Not only do these scholarships cover much of the upfront tuition costs for eligible students, but they are also applicable for some of the most reputable coding bootcamps.

V School – You Belong in Tech

V School’s You Belong in Tech scholarship is a full-ride scholarship awarded to people of color, women, LGBTQ+ persons, refugees, veterans, and those suffering from financial hardships. All you have to do is be part of one or more of these groups and apply to earn the scholarship money.

About this Bootcamp: V School is an online bootcamp currently offering two programs in web development and UX/UI design. This school is unique because it focuses on students of diverse backgrounds. Each student can customize their program to meet their own unique needs.  

Code Platoon – Transgender Veteran Full Scholarship

Code Platoon offers a wide range of scholarships for military service members, eligible veterans, military spouses, and military-connected individuals. The Transgender Veteran Full Scholarship offers full tuition to transgender military members and veterans. This scholarship is valued at $16,000.

About this Bootcamp: Code Platoon is a flexible coding bootcamp specifically for military personnel, female veterans, and military spouses. This bootcamp offers a full stack software engineering program part-time and full-time online or onsite. There are also many other scholarships with varying requirements to encourage diversity in the tech field.

Tech Elevator – Represent Tech Scholarship

The Represent Tech Scholarship at Tech Elevator offers $13,175 toward the cost of tuition to those who are typically underrepresented in tech, such as queer people, Latino Americans, and women of color. Scholarship offerings are typically given to persons of color and transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse people.

About this Bootcamp: Tech Elevator offers an in-person and online coding and career prep bootcamp. While they lack multiple program options, this gives them the opportunity to focus on perfecting the full stack programming curriculum.  

Lesbians Who Tech – Edie Windsor Coding Scholarship

The Edie Windsor Coding Scholarship is a great opportunity for queer women offered by Lesbians Who Tech at various coding bootcamps. If you are an LGBTQ+ woman or non-binary individual, this bootcamp scholarship will cover varying amounts of your tuition cost. Scholarship recipients can enroll at bootcamps such as Fullstack Academy, Coding Dojo, and Code Fellows.

About this Bootcamp: Many of the partner programs offer generous scholarships with Lesbians Who Tech. Most of these bootcamps provide immersive courses and a strong community for LGBTQ+ persons. 

App Academy – Access Scholarship

App Academy’s Access Scholarship provides $5,000 toward tuition for self-identifying women, racial minorities, an ethnic minority, and/or LGBTQ+ persons. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in the 16-week software engineering immersive program.

About this Bootcamp: At App Academy, you can enroll in one of three immersive software engineering programs. There is a part-time option and two full-time options, lasting 16 or 24 weeks. App Academy provides students with career coaching and a personal support team. 

Are You Guaranteed a Job After a Bootcamp?

While it may seem impossible to have a guaranteed job after a coding bootcamp, it actually isn’t. Many coding bootcamps offer some form of job guarantee to their students. There are a few different types of job guarantees.

For example, Flatiron School offers a money-back guarantee for students. If you don’t land a job within 180 days of graduating, your tuition can be refunded. V School, on the other hand, does not consider you a graduate until you have landed your first industry job. Others, such as Fullstack Academy, boast great career skills training but no job guarantee.

How Much Do Coding Bootcamp Graduates Make?

The salary a coding bootcamp graduate earns is strongly based upon the job they take. However, it is a common consensus that most grads can earn a starting salary of $65,000 to $70,000 annually. According to ZipRecruiter, an entry-level software engineer earns an average wage of $67,751. 

For the highest possible starting salary, you’ll want to both earn a college degree and attend a bootcamp. However, bootcamp grads are becoming more and more respected in the technology industry. You can even earn a higher salary with a bootcamp certificate than college grads.

Organizations and Resources that Support LGBTQ+ Tech Workers

There are many organizations dedicated to helping underrepresented communities receive tech education. There are opportunities for women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Read below to learn more about some of the resources available to help LGBTQ+ professionals get their start in this exciting career field.

LGBTQ Tech

LGBTQ Tech helps bring LGBTQ+ persons easier access to tech and tech careers. This organization with an emphasis on diversity aids homeless, isolated, and disadvantaged LGBTQ+ persons in accessing education. Resources are also available for youth and young adults to access tech education.

Maven Youth

Maven Youth is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping LGBTQ+ youth break into the tech world. This organization offers summer camps for those ages 14 to 24 and current college students. These camps provide coaching, workshops, and tech career exploration opportunities. 

Out in Tech

Out in Tech is a nonprofit organization that helps LGBTQ+ persons begin and advance their tech careers. The organization offers career coaching for adults. For those aged 17 to 24, there is a mentor-pairing program to help get you a full-time job.

Queer Coders

If you are a non-binary person, check out this LGBTQ+ tech community that offers a plethora of resources to its members. For example, you’re able to make connections with experts in the field through forums and networking events. It also helps those with technical ability find LGBTQ+-friendly companies to work for that promote gay rights and gender equality. 

TransTech Social Enterprises

TransTech Social Enterprises is a community for LGBTQ+ tech workers, focusing on the transgender community, and is a great resource for transgender students. This organization offers helpful training, coworking opportunities, and tech mentorship opportunities. The goal is to lead transgender and LGBTQ+ people to successful careers.

LGBTQ+ Coding Bootcamp Scholarships FAQ