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In today’s tech-driven world, the impact of our creations extends far beyond visuals and lines of code. Accessibility is not just a feature; it’s a fundamental right.
American Foundation for the Blind or AFB’s Digital Accessibility Bootcamp is a 3-month summer experience offering computer science students the opportunity to learn how to design and build digital solutions that break down barriers, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can fully engage with the digital landscape.
What will you gain?
- Practical Learning: Learn by doing in a project-based curriculum, ensuring you leave with skills you can instantly apply. Our foundation coursework will teach you the principles of digital inclusion in design and development as well as how to use assistive technology, such as screen readers.
- Cutting-edge Skills: Stand out from the crowd by enhancing your portfolio with integrated accessibility projects showcasing your skills. Through our interactive modules, practice activities, and assessments, you will produce a collection of work demonstrating your ability to apply accessibility principles within your work. You will also be able to earn digital credentials which you can integrate into your resume, portfolio, and LinkedIn accounts.
- Mentorship and Networking: Gain insights from our accessibility experts and usability specialists who will serve as your mentors in the program. You will also have the opportunity to connect with tech industry professionals who are leading the charge for inclusive technology within their companies.
AFB’s Digital Accessibility Bootcamp provides students the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning, build practical experience, and interact with potential employers. Participants are expected to engage fully in all aspects of the program, including foundational coursework, independent and team-oriented projects, and meetings with program mentors and guest speakers.
Benefits:
- Flexibility: Fully remote experience to participate from anywhere in the United States.
- Incentives: $1,000 Midpoint Milestone award and $2,000 Scholarship award upon successful completion of the bootcamp.
- Tech Toolkit: A personal welcome kit, including an iPad for hands-on learning with iOS accessibility tools, access to Udemy for additional PD, and an exclusive program t-shirt to sport your program pride.
Commitments:
- Dedicate approximately 20-25 hours per week (Mon.-Fri.) during the Summer.
- Access to a reliable internet connection and a computer for a seamless remote learning experience.
Bootcamp Selection Criteria
AFB’s Digital Accessibility Bootcamp participants are selected through an application and interview process. To be eligible to apply, applicants must:
- Be enrolled in college full-time, or another higher education program
- Be studying computer science, UX Design, or a related field
- Be a resident of the United States throughout the summer
- Have a minimum 3.0 GPA
Application Process
The application will ask for information about you, including your contact information, work eligibility, and education experiences. You will also be asked to provide the following:
- Answers to several open-ended essay questions (about one paragraph each)
- A professional resume (in PDF or Word format only)
- OPTIONAL: Link to a project that you have worked on either through a class or on your own. Examples include presentations, code or design assignments, or a personal or community project. (Work samples must be provided through a link to your work sample on the web or in your own cloud storage; we cannot accept uploads of work samples.)
