This new scholarship fund wants to boost technical talent in the DC area

Lanham, Maryland-based edtech company 2U is partnering with Employ Prince George’s (EPG) and George Washington University College of Professional Studies to launch the Access 2 Education Scholarship Fund.

The fund is focused on boosting technical talent in the D.C. area while specifically targeting Black and Latinx communities, as well as women and people living in low-income households. EPG, which is the workforce development arm for Prince George’s County, is working to fill the tech talent gap in the region. This new opportunity will provide scholarships to allow Prince George’s County residents to enroll in online bootcamps in coding, data analytics, UX/UI, digital marketing or cybersecurity.

“Through our partnership with 2U and GW, County residents will be better equipped for in-demand careers in industries where they have been underrepresented for far too long,” said EPG’s President and CEO Walter Simmons in a statement. “We want to prepare people for jobs that can help them purchase a home, and this is an example of that.”

Adults admitted into the program, which will be administered by 2U and GW, will receive a 65% reduction on tuition, which will bring the cost down to $3,500. Other financing options are available as well. Interested residents in Prince George’s County can apply for a scholarship through Dec. 31 for online classes available in January and February. For this first round, 20 to 30 students will be awarded scholarships.

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“By creating affordable and accessible career pathways for Prince George’s County residents who have been historically underrepresented in technology-related jobs, this new public-private partnership will help meet one of the County’s most critical needs,” said 2U Chief Strategy and Engagement Officer David Sutphen.

We believe education plays a vital role in workforce development, so we launched the Access 2 Education Scholarship Fund to expand access to tech boot camps in our own backyard. Learn more from @DavidASutphen & @EmployPG’s Walter Simmons. https://t.co/GQvg9KxFKo #NoBackRow

— 2U (@2Uinc) December 8, 2020

This new scholarship fund builds on the $3 million bootcamp scholarship program 2U announced back in June, which was created for underrepresented people of color and women looking to attend tech training bootcamps at universities in its network.

So far, the Access 2 Education Scholarship Fund has raised $60,000 with investments from corporate sponsors such as Gilbane Construction, Element 84 and NGEN Services. The fund is still looking for local employers to get involved; find more information here if you’re interested.

Other bootcamps with local outposts have offered increased scholarships amid the COVID-19 pandemic and increased demand for technical upskilling. Check out how Coding Dojo and Flatiron School are pivoting and teaching coding skills now.