I-Stem tech-training program

I-Stem Technical Training program is a suite of virtual upskilling programs to prepare candidates with disabilities for various role in the tech industry including software engineer, full-stack developer, data analyst, data scientist, product or project manager among others. The tracks and cohorts are determined keeping mind the evolving trends in the industry, student interest and availability of technical coaches. The objective of the program is to arm students with an in-depth understanding of core concepts so that they are able to compete for technical positions or are prepared to take other more advanced classes that may be of interest to them, while also allowing them an opportunity to develop accessibility solutions for challenges faced in accessing web and mobile apps.

All students receive individualized coaching to determine what skills they need to develop to be successful in the industry. Post this, an individualized plan is developed to help these students achieve these objectives.

The course content has been integrated with leading MOOCs. I-Stem facilitates students to complete these courses by providing support, mentorship and a community of other students taking the same courses at the same time. The group also provides supplementary material wherever these MOOCs are inaccessible. By completing these courses, students get certificates from some of the best universities and companies in the world such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Microsoft, among others at no cost to them contingent on getting at least a B grade in the course.

Every two students are assigned a coach who is either a student at a top technical university or a professional in the tech industry. This coach helps these students understand the concepts presented in the moocs, answers any questions and provides guidance.

Students join the I-Stem community. As part of the community, there are several opportunities to network with other members, some of whom are successful professionals in the industry.

I-Stem provides an interview preparation package to help students prepare for technical interviews and also conducts mock interviews to give them a feel for the actual interviews.

I-Stem works closely with several corporate partners, and while it is impossible to guarantee placement on the completion of the program, the group strives to facilitate introductions.

During and after the course, students will be eligible to work closely with the core I-Stem team and our community on some very interesting technical projects depending on an appropriate skill match.

Each track has its own eligibility condition which will be available when registration opens.

The course uses a flipped classroom model. This means that students spend some time reviewing mooc videos ahead of their meeting with their technical coach and use the meeting to ask any questions, clarify doubts and work on hands-on examples. They work on mooc assignments (unless I-Stem replaces an assignment), and get certificates from the world's leading universities and companies if they are able to get at least a B grade in the course.

More details for the next cohort will be available soon.